CONWAY, Ark. - As the aviation industry faces a growing demand for pilots, a college program is aiming to help tackle some of the need.

Brad Teague is the director of the Aviation Academy at the University of Central Arkansas. He says that when they started in March 2024, they had 15 students, but now they have around 60.

He says what makes the program unique is that even though students don't get an academic degree in this program, they learn what's needed to get certified without worrying about a timeline.

Teague also says he knows their program won't completely fix the pilot shortage, but it lays out a good foundation to help with the need.

“We have about 60 students right now, we would love to have 100, and I think we can get to that number.” Teague said, adding, “That won't solve

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