Gannon University and Fundamentals Flight Training Expand University Pilot Pathway with Part 141 Approval in 2026

Pennsylvania, USA – Gannon University’s Aviation and Business Management program has obtained FAA Part 141 certification through its partnership with Erie-based Fundamentals Flight Training, expanding the regulatory framework supporting a collegiate pilot-training program launched in fall 2024.

• Fundamentals Flight Training supports the university program with seven training aircraft and an FAA-approved Redbird FMX Advanced Aviation Training Device at Erie International Airport. Gannon states that the fleet includes Northwest Pennsylvania’s only multi-engine training aircraft.
• The Part 141 certification covers the training environment developed by Gannon and Fundamentals, including curriculum, facilities and instructors. Gannon will now work with the FAA to obtain individual Letters of Authorization for ground-school courses.
• As individual approvals are issued, qualifying academic courses can provide FAA-recognized training credit toward pilot certification. Gannon said this may allow eligible students to satisfy certain certification requirements with fewer flight hours than under alternative training pathways.
• The Aviation and Business Management program offers both Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science pathways. Students can progress through Private Pilot, Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot qualifications, while the bachelor’s pathway also incorporates Certified Flight Instructor training.
• Practical flight training is conducted by Fundamentals Flight Training at Erie International Airport, while business and academic coursework is delivered through Gannon University. Students begin flying during their first semester.
• For the 2026–2027 academic year, Gannon lists estimated flight and ground-school fees of US$60,315 for the two-year associate pathway and US$69,095 for the bachelor’s pathway including CFI and CFII training. These costs are additional to university tuition and other institutional charges.

Source: Gannon University