The Federal Aviation Administration has approved Coe College’s application to operate the ground portion of its aviation management and flight operations program as a Part 141-approved school.
Students training at Coe’s Aeronautical Field Station at the Eastern Iowa Airport will learn under the FAA-regulated curriculum, which allows an accelerated path to a pilot’s license.
To earn the designation, Coe completed a certification process that began in June 2024 and included developing detailed training course outlines for each course to meet FAA regulations. The process is designed to ensure high standards of safety and training quality, a release stated.
“It’s unusual for a small liberal arts college to add a flight program,” Coe Provost Angela Ziskowski said. “So while it’s been a new process for us, it will allow Coe to deliver the best training for our aviation management and flight operations students, and Part 141 is the standard for those who are serious about a career as an aviator.”
Part 141 training involves a more regimented schedule and reduced flight hour requirements, leading to faster completion times and lower overall costs, the release stated. The FAA will provide ongoing oversight, and Coe’s flight training partner, ATD Flight Systems, is in the final stages of obtaining approval to add Coe as a satellite training location at the airport.
ATD has provided FAA-approved Part 141 flight training for 20 years and will operate at Coe under Chief Flight Instructor Tim Busch. The first class of Coe aviators begins this fall, and all students are expected to begin flying in their first term.
“Not all aviation programs allow students to fly in their first terms due to program and aircraft restrictions, so we’re proud to provide this opportunity for Coe students to take to the skies right away under the care of our partners at ATD,” said Julie Staker, Coe’s senior vice president for enrollment, marketing and institutional effectiveness.
ATD holds examining authority from the FAA, allowing shorter wait times for practical exams and check rides. According to the release, fewer than 60 U.S. flight providers have both Part 141 approval and examining authority.
At least three training aircraft will be based at Coe’s aeronautical field station. The current pilot shortage is estimated at 17,000, with starting salaries for commercial pilots reaching about $90,000 in some cases.
