About the Program
The Bachelor of Science in Aviation Science: Rotor-Wing pairs FAA certification with a full bachelor's degree, giving graduates a competitive edge in a rapidly growing industry. This degree prepares students for careers across the helicopter industry, including:
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Flight instruction
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Aerial tourism
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Charter operations
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Other commercial and civil helicopter applications
Training takes place at the Austin Peay Flight Facility at Clarksville Regional Airport, where students work closely with experienced instructors in a professional aviation setting. The program combines hands-on flight training with the academic foundation needed to succeed — covering FAA regulations, rotary-wing aerodynamics, airmanship, and methods of instruction. Graduates leave with both FAA Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor certifications alongside their bachelor's degree.
The mission of the APSU Aviation Science – RotorWing Program is to develop safe, skilled, and professional helicopter pilots through rigorous academics, structured FAA Part 141 flight training, and a strong culture of safety and leadership. We prepare students for competitive aviation careers through highquality instruction, scenariobased learning, and a proactive Safety Management System. Our graduates emerge as capable aviators and responsible leaders committed to advancing the helicopter community. We strive to graduate pilots who lead with integrity and contribute meaningfully to the safety and advancement of the aviation community.
What You Will Learn
The curriculum prepares students to pass FAA knowledge tests for each pilot certificate or rating, with core areas of study covering FAA regulations and airspace procedures, rotary-wing aerodynamics and aircraft systems, airmanship and flight decision-making, and methods of instruction for future flight instructors. Engineering Technology and elective courses provide a broad technical foundation that complements flight training.
Program Educational Goals
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Students graduating from this program will have obtained a Commercial Pilot Certificate: Rotorcraft Helicopter with instrument rating.
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Students graduating from this program will have obtained Flight Instructor Certificate: Rotorcraft Helicopter with instrument rating (CFII).
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Students graduating from this program will have met the 50 hours of R44 flight hours and upon achieving 200 helicopter hours will immediately be able to obtain their SFAR 73 endorsement (paragraph 5(ii)).
Requirements to Enroll
In addition to meeting all standard APSU admissions requirements, students must obtain an FAA Second-Class Medical Certificate prior to beginning flight training.
Each student must also meet aircraft-specific maximum training weight limits, as these determine whether the student can safely operate in each rotor‑wing training platform:
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Guimbal G2 Cabri: individual student maximum “ready‑to‑fly” weight of 260 lbs.
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Robinson R44: individual student maximum “ready‑to‑fly” weight of 300 lbs
These limits reflect the performance capabilities and safety requirements of each aircraft model.
How to Obtain a Second-Class Medical Certificate
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Find a certified Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) in your area.
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Schedule an appointment with the AME.
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Complete the initial portion of your application through FAA MedXPress before your visit.
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If you have medical conditions, VA-rated disabilities, or take prescription medication, contact the AME office in advance to find out which records to bring.
At the appointment, the AME will complete your medical examination and FAA application. If you meet the standards, they will issue your medical certificate on the spot.
Review our full program requirements, plus a sample 4-year plan and general education checklist, to see what your journey at APSU will look like.
Apply to Austin Peay State University to join the first professional rotorcraft pilot and degree program in the state.