The Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) has granted formal accreditation to Wayman Aviation Academy, allowing it to offer associate degrees in aeronautical science to students aspiring to be commercial pilots. Due to the academy’s status as the only independent flying school in the area with AA accreditation, the new two-year associate degree programme is the only one of its kind in South Florida. The first day of classes is January 11, 2023.
Students can earn 72 college credits through Wayman’s curriculum, which also includes all FAA certifications through the Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor ratings. A degree and the necessary 1,250 hours of flight experience are requirements for employment with an airline. According to Tony Shen, president of Wayman Aviation Academy, “We have proudly provided the South Florida community with high-quality aviation instruction for more than 30 years and are delighted to take this next step in our growth.” “We aspire to bring in the next generation of pilots and help our industry through our associate degree programme,” the statement reads.
During COVID-19, thousands of pilots retired, surpassing the rate at which new ones entered the field and creating a significant industry vacuum. Flight delays and cancellations have been caused countrywide as a result of the ensuing manpower shortages. It is questionable if there will be enough pilots to fill these roles, despite the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ projection that there would be more than 18,000 openings for airline and commercial pilots annually over the next ten years. Wayman Eduardo Luy, vice president of Wayman Aviation Academy, expressed his hope that more individuals will be encouraged to consider a career in flying by providing accessible and cheap aviation instruction.