Flight Operations

The Bachelor of Science in Flight Operations prepares students for FAA certification (licensing) and ratings. The flight training program is available to majors and non-majors. The Flight Operations program includes courses ranging from private pilot through commercial pilot with instrument and multi-engine ratings, each supported by an appropriate ground school. Instructor certificates and ratings are available as electives and are highly recommended. All flight students are required to obtain a FAA Medical Certificate at least 30 days prior to enrollment. U.S. citizens must have a certified copy of their birth certificate or a passport before beginning training. Non-U.S. citizens need to contact the Flight Center at least 4 weeks prior to the start of school for compliance with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules and procedures. Flight students desiring to qualify for the Restricted-ATP should work closely with their academic advisors to ensure that they obtain the minimum credit hours required to meet the reduced aeronautical experience. 

What You Will Learn

• An understanding of the impact of aviation and technology within societal and global contexts
• An ability to apply techniques, skills, and modern aviation tools to flight operations
• An ability to function on a multi-disciplinary team and operate as a crew member in an aircraft cockpit
• An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and aerodynamic principles to ensure safe and efficient flight operations
• An ability to accurately analyze and interpret data to solve a variety of problems
• An ability to recognize and apply ethical and professional excellence for responsible decision making
• An ability to communicate effectively with precision and clarity within aviation and related industries
• An ability to recognize the need for and engage in life-long learning
• Knowledge of contemporary aviation industry issues
• Students will demonstrate knowledge of business applications relating to the management of flight operations

A University of Dubuque degree in flight operations aligns students with professional ground school and flight training from day one. The program begins with a basic private pilot ground school, continuing with instrument rating, and then reaching a commercial pilot certificate. Students earn a multi-engine rating as well as receive jet transition training in a CRJ 200 airline simulator. Students can also continue the program and conclude with a flight instructor certificate. 

Schedule a visit today!  Tour the University campus and Flight Operations Center at the Dubuque Regional Airport.  Speak with our professors about career paths in aviation and meet our friendly staff.  We can't wait to share our passion for aviation.

Program Assessment

The Aviation Department uses an annual (Academic Year) process to look formally at an outcome or set of outcomes. Plans are developed in August, lead faculty for each outcome are assigned, interim reviews are conducted in January, draft reports are due in June, and final reports are due no later than October. 

We collect signature data from a minimum of one course per learning outcome. The Aviation Department uses external and internal assessments to identify areas of weakness and where possible areas of interest. When shortcomings are determined, plans are developed and resources are gathered to address these issues. 

Minutes are the primary set of evidence indicating future actions. Formal assessments do result in plans to address shortcomings as well as to take no action when the process provides validation. 

The following departments and committees participate in assessment of outcomes. Identified program recommendations are followed up with syllabi changes, course flow adjustments, and program development to address short comings. 

•  The Curriculum Committee and Core Committee
•  Assessment Committee

AABI 3.4.2 Comprehensive Self-Analysis

Student Achievement Data - Flight Operations

What Our Students Do

The University of Dubuque Flight Operations Program allows students the opportunity to engage in several flight training sessions each week. They incorporate knowledge learned in ground school classes into the flight training lessons they accomplish one-on-one with a flight instructor. Additionally, as students advance in their training, jet system knowledge and crew resource management is practiced with hands-on experience in our CRJ-200 flight training device. Class trips to places such as United Airlines in Chicago and the FAA Altitude Chamber in Oklahoma City enhance the learning experience.

Where Our Graduates Go

University of Dubuque Flight Operations graduates pursue many different career paths. Recent graduates of the University of Dubuque Flight Operations Program have pursued piloting careers in aerial surveying, air taxi operations, regional airlines, corporate flight departments, and flight positions with various branches of the military.

News from the Department

The Aviation Programs have moved into the new Babka Aviation Center less than a mile down Airport Road from the old Flight Operations Center.

University of Dubuque's Spring Aviation Career Days will be held April 30, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Aviation employers will be available to answer questions in the Iowa Hangar on their segment of the industry. Mock and real interviews will take place in the Americas Hangar concurrently. 

The Flight Operations FAA Testing Center has moved to the main campus. To schedule your exam, contact Kay Smith at KASmith@dbq.edu. 

Careers in Flight Operations

Aviation is a profession filled with limitless personal and professional reward; where the sky is not the limit when it comes to the type of careers students can pursue in the industry. The University of Dubuque’s flight operations graduates can choose from a vast array of areas when they begin their careers. Our flight operations students have gone on to work as flight instructors or pilots for charter operators, airlines, and small and large corporate aviation departments. Other graduates have gone on to serve our country in the various branches of the military, coast guard, and law enforcement agencies. 

Program Alums may request a transcript review by completing the Restricted ATP Request Form. Send the completed document to Program Director, Chaminda Prelis at CPrelis@dbq.edu.

Bachelor of Science Opportunities 

An aviation student with a bachelor of science in flight operations, is prepared to enter almost any position within flight management and flight operations within the aviation industry. The Aviation department provides students with the professional skills that allow for success in all segments of the aviation industry while enhancing their critical thinking and decision making skills.

Accordingly, an aviation student is well-qualified and comes with the experiences to enter most entry level positions within the aviation industry. Our flight operations students may also qualify for many of the partnerships UD has created with ExpressJet, Endeavor to Delta, Cape Air, Envoy Airlines, SkyWest, and GoJet Airlines. These programs give students an opportunity to qualify as first officers with these airlines.

Post-graduate Opportunities

The University of Dubuque Aviation Program provides the educational and experiential base not only for entry-level management and flight professions, but also as a foundation to build a career through graduate level study in the aviation industry. The University of Dubuque Aviation Department encourages all of our graduates to strive for higher levels of experience and education, to advance the students capacity to enhance the quality of their education and experience in serving the aviation industry. Most of our graduates have gone on to complete advanced level training in flight operations, and for some this has included pursuing post-graduate degrees.