WJXT Channel 4: FSCJ approved to offer flight students ATP certificates at reduced hours

Link to article: http://www.news4jax.com/web/wjxt/education/fscj-approved-to-offer-flight-students-atp-certificates-at-reduced-hours 

FAA approval creates 250-hour discount on 1,500-hour requirement

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Federal Aviation Administration has approved Florida State College at Jacksonville to certify graduates of its professional pilot technology program with an airline transport pilot certificate at a reduced number of flight hours, the college announced Wednesday.

Flight students interested in flying for airlines can receive a 250-hour discount toward the 1,500 hours of flight time required to be eligible for the ATP certification through FSCJ.

“Receiving the FAA approval provides industry recognition of the high-quality, superior pilot program we offer here at FSCJ,” program manager Sam Fischer said. “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 professional pilot technology 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, college officials said.

The FAA authorization also reduces the age requirement for the ATP for FSCJ graduates to 21 instead of 23, helping students launch their careers two years earlier.