L3Harris is partnering with the University of Central Lancashire to launch a BSc (Hons) degree in aviation that combines academic study with professional pilot training.
Designed by industry experts Aviation 360 and delivered in partnership with approved training organisation L3Harris Airline Academy at Gatwick and Cranfield, the programme is UCLan’s first of a planned portfolio of integrated aviation industry, practice-based degrees which aims to address national skills’ shortages.
The new course aligns to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) requirements, enabling students to complete the course with an Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) and the core skills needed to progress towards a command role or into management.
Students will gain theoretical knowledge using the latest industry-standard platforms, be trained on modern training aircraft and utilise fully approved flight simulators and training aids. During the final stages of the programme students will work in an airline, undertaking work-based modules to complete their studies while starting their aviation career.
UCLan Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin said, “This is another exciting development in our mission to combine academic excellence and real-world teaching, providing our students with the skills and experience industry needs. Despite the issues caused by the pandemic, aviation is a huge international industry and the long-term future is very bright.”
“This is an opportune time to begin a career as a pilot,” said Dave Coward, vice president & general manager of L3Harris Airline Academy.
“With the commercial airline industry expected to recover by 2023/2024, we expect there to be a strong demand for new pilots. This partnership with UCLan will help to build the talent pool of future pilots and allow students to earn a bachelors degree at the same time.”
Captain James Smart, leader of the IASTI Pilot Pathway, added, “We, with our Project Partners UCLan and industry partners L3Harris, are immensely proud to launch this brand new, systematic approach to pilot training.
“This new pathway will genuinely transform the way future pilots are selected, trained and funded, opening up the industry and dismantling the many entry obstacles that have existed for too long.”
Students will start with the theory of flying during ground school at the LTC, before progressing to Single and Multi-Engine flying to earn their Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) with Instrument Rating (IR) certification.
During the final year of the degree programme, students will be placed with an airline and undertake work-based modules to complete their studies while starting their career in aviation.
Apply here: University of Central Lancashire
