By Abby Sessoms, COMM 225
For those who want to become professional pilots, Charleston Southern University offers more than just flight training to set students up for the best possible future.
Established in 2020, CSU’s aeronautics program is the first collegiate aeronautics program in South Carolina and is currently the only one in the state.
This program is the result of a joint effort between former CSU President, Dr. Dondi Costin, and former founding chair of the aeronautics department, Col. Christopher “C.J.” Will, a retired member of the United States Air Force. The process started in 2018, and, by August 2021, the university was able to begin accepting their first aviation students. Students in this program can earn a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical science while earning certifications to become a professional pilot simultaneously.
While a degree in aeronautical science is not necessary to become a pilot, the Federal Aviation Administration advises individuals to get 1,500 flight hours to become a pilot. When students take the time to get a four-year college degree through a program like CSU’s, the flight hour requirement is reduced to 1,000 hours. Students in this program also learn valuable skills in the entire realm of aviation that will help them in an ever changing and unpredictable world.
“Today, you don’t need a degree to fly wide-body airplanes for the airlines,” said the chair of the CSU aeronautics department, Lt. Col. Lloyd Richardson, also a retired member of the United States Air Force, “but maybe you will tomorrow.”
Richardson said the CSU aeronautics program is specially designed for people that want to live up to their full potential as pilots.
“The FAA has recognized that the collegiate flight student is a superior pilot at the end of their training,” said Richardson. “The students here are getting a four-year degree in aeronautical science, learning about human factors, aerodynamics, airport management, safety management systems; the list goes on and on of things you could do even if, one day, you are physically unable to fly.”
Charleston Southern University is known for its Christian values and faith-based education, and this is certainly not lost in the aeronautics program. The three professors that teach aeronautics courses at CSU are Richardson, Capt. Jason Faulk, and Professor Russell Foxworth. A CSU student studying aeronautics, Zach Murray, said he appreciates that the professors they have are not just qualified and professional, but also care immensely about the success and well-being of their students.
“Not only do I go to an aeronautical school, but I also go to a Christian school,” he said. “When you meet our professors, you’rejust like, ‘These guys are not your normal cocky pilots, they’re just very humble guys that know what they’re talking about.’”
Richardson said that his faith and CSU’s mission, reaching people for Christ, were both contributing factors to his decision to work atthe university.
“I really wanted to do something in ministry,” said Richardson, “and CSU was just a natural fit for someone with an aviationbackground, and someone able to spread the gospel message and have eternal conversation with students; to make an eternalimpact.”
While the program is still growing, it has already become a popular option at CSU. In 2019, the program began with 29 majors. This year, they have grown to 69. Richardson said he hopes to eventually be able to bring in more students from the ever-growingwaitlist, hire more professors, have their own aircraft hangar, and more. CSU aeronautics student Keegan Hall said those studying in the program have the unique opportunity to be a part of this growing process.
“It’s still relatively new,” said Hall. “We’ve changed like three or four things this year between the partner flight school itself and CSU’s curriculum. I like being a part of the learning process and setting others up for success, but it comes with its challenges too.”
Like Hall, Murray added that he enjoys contributing to the program’s growth in a time of experimentation and learning.
“We are guinea pigs,” said Murray. “I think for the next couple years, they’re still going to have those guinea pig moments- that’s bound to happen in all brand-new things. I’m hoping we can continue to grow and have more professors, certified flight instructors, etc. but that all takes time and funds.”
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The Buccaneer Beacon 