UH Hilo aeronautical science program ready to take flight again
After a hiatus during the pandemic, the aeronautical science program is being offered provisionally beginning this fall. The program is currently looking for furniture donations to set up a “pilot’s lounge” adjacent to the flight simulator lab.
By Susan Enright.
After a hiatus during the pandemic, freshman level aeronautical science courses will again be offered during the upcoming academic year at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. The bachelor of science in aeronautical science is being offered provisionally beginning in fall 2023 according to standard accreditation procedures of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
For students currently in other programs at the university who may be interested in becoming a pilot or operating unmanned drones, freshman level aeronautical science (AERS) courses will be offered again during the 2023-2024 academic year, and students enrolled at UH Hilo will be able to change their majors to AERS via the Office of the Registrar during the fall 2023 semester. Future incoming students (fall 2024 and beyond) will be able to declare AERS as their major at the time of application to UH Hilo.
Students can start their pathway to a professional aviation career while earning a bachelor’s degree at UH Hilo. There are two pathways in our aeronautical science program. The pilot pathway is the first step in an exciting and lucrative career as an airline pilot. The aerial information technology pathway leads to professional certification as a commercial drone operator.
The program is creating a lot of interest not just from local students, but also international. Visiting students from Rosmini College in Auckland, New Zealand, paid a special visit this month to UH Hilo’s aeronautical science program with a hands-on experience using flight lab simulators.
David Freedman, a recent graduate from the UH Hilo aeronautical science program, today sent out an email to the UH Hilo community saying the AERS program is “looking to create a pilot’s lounge in its fantastic simulators lab located on campus. We are looking for donations of couches, floor lamps, coffee and end tables and other living room accessories, including a large screen TV.”
If you have something in nice shape to donate, email Freedman: davidfr8@hawaii.edu.
For more information about the program, email aerohilo@hawaii.edu or call (808) 932-7341.
Learn more at the Department of Aeronautical Science website.
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Story by Susan Enright, a public information specialist for the Office of the Chancellor and editor of UH Hilo Stories. She received her bachelor of arts in English and certificate in women’s studies from UH Hilo.
