Date of Defense
7-31-2024
Date of Graduation
4-2024
Department
Aviation
First Advisor
Matilda McLean
Second Advisor
Sharlee Coffman-Cook
Abstract
For my thesis project, I decided to write a paper about A Survival Guide to the Aviation Flight Science Degree at Western Michigan University. Given my four years of experience in this program, I have plenty of insights, recommendations, and do’s and don’ts regarding this degree for incoming freshman as well as current students in the program looking for advice. I decided to choose topics based on knowledge I wish I was provided before coming to Western for this program, as well as insight it would have nice to been provided during my tenure here.
I start off providing a background about myself and my experience getting into aviation. The first major section is about advice before coming to Western. This includes notes on: coming in with your private pilot license, earning college credit during high school, the transportation situation, picking your classes, an opportunity for a double major, the FAA medical process, student housing, and the roommate portal.
I then delve into topics regarding your freshman year with: how to meet students and make friends, the importance of joining register student organizations, developing relationships and making friends with your professors, and how to succeed in your classes.
After this, I provide a rundown about flight training: the current cost, a new fleet of aircraft, our training course outline, required written exams for each required rating, the addition of the flight block scheduling system, stage checks and end of course checks, in-house check rides, finding designated pilot examiners, and commercial single-initial vs commercial multi-initial.
We then go into your senior year with: line oriented flight crew simulation, what is next, and becoming a certified flight instructor.
There of plenty of other considerations to be made as a flight student, such as: getting an iPad, College of Aviation student employees, staying the summers, aviation outlook day, partnered airline programs, scholarships, and most importantly, searching for help.
Last but not least, a section on don’t forget to have fun!
Finally, I provide an appendix with links to aviation student organizations, scholarships, and helpful resources.
I hope you are able to find this paper informative, useful, and a fun read!
Recommended Citation
Schmidt, Aidan, "A Survival Guide to the Aviation Flight Science Degree at Western Michigan University" (2024). Honors Theses. 3874.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/3874
Access Setting
Honors Thesis-Open Access
Defense Presentation