ACADEMICS

Aviation program climbing to new heights

College of Aeronautics leadership and students are determined to be part of the solution to a worldwide pilot shortage.

A female student with blonde hair wearing a pilot uniform and holding a tablet walks with a male instructor holding a tablet alongside a line of small aircraft at an airport

Meaghan Dempsey, class of 2024 (left), founded Lynn's Women in Aviation chapter and won the 2023 Boeing's Women in Aviation Flight Training scholarship.

In its annual Pilot and Technician Outlook, Boeing continues to forecast a major demand for pilots. Between 2023 and 2042, Boeing expects a worldwide demand of nearly 650,000 new pilots, with 127,000 needed in North America alone.

Lynn University's Burton D. Morgan College of Aeronautics is part of the solution.

Lynn students aspiring to fly have access to state-of-the-art training and professional development opportunities to prepare for careers as professional pilots, whether for the airlines, charter companies, businesses or the military. Students also experience a boutique learning environment that ensures plenty of real-world flight time with a fleet of 14 aircraft.

Lynn's personalized approach is partly responsible for the college's FAA checkride pass rate of 95%—well above the national average of 85%. University graduates today serve in roles at American Airlines, JetBlue NetJets, Spirit Airlines, and in the National Guard and the U.S. Air Force.

Two male aeronautics students wearing pilot attire talk with an instructor wearing a black polo shirt in front of the tail of an aircraft

Students receive a personalized training experience at Lynn, with small class sizes and direct access to seasoned instructors.

Building a state-of-the-art training facility

Lynn's School of Aeronautics became its own college in 2017 after operating for decades within the College of Business and Management. But long before that moment, several pioneers dedicated their time and effort to making the flight school at Lynn an elite experience—most notably former dean Weldon Case and Professor Emeritus Elton K. Morice Jr.

A seasoned pilot managing Boca Aviation's flight school, Morice came to then College of Boca Raton in 1983 with a passionate spirit to start an aviation management program—an accomplishment that defined Lynn's aeronautical footprint for generations to come.

Throughout the years, the aeronautics program received unrivaled support from essential leaders like Case, former chairman and chief executive of Alltel. In 1997, Case played a vital role in securing a $1 million grant from the Burton D. Morgan Foundation to establish the School of Aeronautics at Lynn. Case served as dean from 1998 until his death in 1999.

During Case's short tenure, Lynn unveiled a state-of-the-art flight simulator for aviation students to increase their practical hands-on experience and gain flight skills in multiple weather conditions without leaving the ground. In addition, the Burton D. Morgan School of Aeronautics building, a 2,700-square-foot facility located at the Boca Raton Airport, was established.

A renewed vision

Lynn recently appointed David Cohen dean of the College of Aeronautics.

Cohen traveled globally as an instructor pilot and commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force, rising to the rank of colonel. After serving over 26 years in the Air Force, he moved to Florida to inspire the next generation of pilots by teaching Air Force Junior ROTC in Orange County Public Schools and aviation in Lake County Schools. Cohen started his experience in higher education by bringing dual-enrollment aviation programs to the Orange and Lake County school districts as an adjunct professor with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for six years.

Cohen earned a B.S. in aerospace engineering from Boston University, an M.S. in industrial engineering from New Mexico State University and an MBA from Washington State University. He was also a National Defense Fellow with the Institute for Defense Analyses in Alexandria, Virginia.

"As an instructor and teacher, both on the ground and in the airplane, watching the lightbulb turn on for my students and seeing them succeed is a very gratifying experience for me," said Cohen. "I am excited to serve Lynn University to help develop the knowledge and skills students will need as tomorrow's aviation and aerospace professionals."

Middle aged male flight instructor sits in front of a flight simulation machine

Two male pilots and a female aeronautics student stand together looking at a tablet in front of a small aircraft

David Cohen joined Lynn in summer 2023 as College of Aeronautics dean.

Takeoffs are optional, landings are mandatory. Cohen fondly remembers a crew chief who imparted this advice ahead of every flight: "You can choose if you want to go down a certain path, but when you decide to, you need to work as hard as you can to finish the journey." For Cohen, the witty statement holds true for more than just flying.

A man, wearing a black polo shirt, stands beside a shorter man, wearing a pilot uniform and holding a yellow model plane, in front of the tails of two planes on a runway

An overhead photo of three males sitting in the cockpit of an aircraft

Lynn's collaboration with Spirit Airlines opens the door for Lynn's highly trained students to advance and achieve success in their future aviation careers.

New opportunities on the horizon

Lynn students can now join the fast track to a rewarding career at one of the nation's fastest-growing airlines while they finish college, thanks to a new collaboration with Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE).

The Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program at Lynn's College of Aeronautics aims to expand the airline's pipeline of professional pilots by offering mentorship, program guidance and a clearly defined path to become a Spirit First Officer.

Lynn students can apply for the program after completing their sophomore year and obtaining a recommendation from a faculty member in the College of Aeronautics. If successful in Spirit's interview process, they will receive a conditional offer of employment, a Spirit Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and mentorship as they work toward completing their degree program and the flight hours required for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.

Women soar high above the clouds

Amelia Earhart forged the way for women to fly. However, despite her historical flight across the Atlantic Ocean and launch of the Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots, women account for only 8% of all pilots today, according to FAA statistics.

Lynn is aiming to change the dynamic.

Meaghan Dempsey, class of 2024, is one of the women studying to become a pilot at the College of Aeronautics. As a young child, Dempsey was more excited about plane rides than the actual destination. After a discovery flight, she fell in love with flying and chose Lynn to advance her career.

"The entire program is designed to support and uplift women," said Dempsey. "Faculty help connect us to scholarships and mentors while offering us the opportunity to serve as mentors to the next generation of flyers."

Following in the footsteps of Earhart, Dempsey founded Lynn's Women in Aviation chapter and won the 2023 Boeing's Women in Aviation Flight Training scholarship.

"Pilots know the only way to fly is by going against the wind. Never give up, and keep using challenges put in your path to soar high above the rest," she said.

Female aeronautics student with blonde hair wearing a pilot uniform and sunglasses, smiles while standing in front of the propeller of a small aircraft

Meaghan Dempsey, class of 2024

"Pilots know the only way to fly is by going against the wind. Never give up, and keep using challenges put in your path to soar high above the rest."