Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) has been authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to certify graduates of the Associate in Science in Professional Pilot Technology program with the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification at a reduced number of flight hours. Additionally, the FAA authorization reduces the age requirement for the ATP for FSCJ graduates to 21 years instead of 23 years, helping students launch their career two years earlier.

Through FSCJ’s A.S. in Professional Pilot Technology, individuals interested in flying for the airlines can earn a 250-hour discount toward the 1,500 hours of flight time required to be eligible for the ATP certification, the highest-level FAA-issued certificate.

“Receiving the FAA approval provides industry recognition of the high-quality, superior pilot program we offer here at FSCJ,” said Program Manager Sam Fischer. “Using a specialized combination of classroom curriculum, simulator training and flightline experience, our associate degree expertly prepares students to be skilled, confident pilots.”

FSCJ’s program provides extensive, advanced training that aligns with industry trends and educates students on current FAA standards and regulations to produce knowledgeable, proficient, safe and responsible pilots and flight instructors for the National Air Transportation System.