Texas State University Adds Helicopter Training as Aviation Network Expands Across Four States

Texas, USA – Public research institution Texas State University (TXST) has expanded its Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science (B.A.A.S.) in Aviation Science flight-training network for Fall 2026 through new fixed-wing and helicopter training partnerships across the United States. The expansion brings the program to nine flight-training locations across Texas, Arizona, Georgia and Kansas and introduces rotor-wing training into the TXST Aviation Science pathway for the first time.

• Texas State University confirmed that students will train at nine flight locations across four states during Fall 2026, with additional geographic expansion planned. The Aviation Science program combines TXST academic coursework with professional flight training delivered through FAA Part 141 partner flight schools.
• In Texas, TXST has partnered with Veracity Aviation to provide helicopter flight training to Aviation Science students through the San Marcos Campus. Students undertake the academic component through TXST while completing rotor-wing training at Veracity Aviation's operation at Seguin-Guadalupe Regional Airport. Texas State described the agreement as the first addition of rotor-wing training to its Aviation Science program.
• A second helicopter pathway has been established with Guidance Helicopters at Prescott Regional Airport in Arizona. Beginning in Fall 2026, students can complete the TXST Accelerated Online B.A.A.S. in Aviation Science while undertaking professional helicopter flight training in Prescott. Guidance Helicopters was founded in 1998 and currently reports a fleet of 26 aircraft.
• TXST has also added Sky Safety Flight Academy at Stinson Municipal Airport in San Antonio to provide fixed-wing training for Aviation Science students. The Fall 2026 arrangement integrates flight training at Stinson with the university's B.A.A.S. degree pathway. Sky Safety is an FAA Part 141 flight school established in San Antonio in 1999.
• A separate partnership with US Aviation Academy extends the TXST Aviation Science program to four US Aviation Academy training locations: Denton and New Braunfels in Texas, Atlanta in Georgia and Kansas City in Kansas. Students at these locations can combine professional fixed-wing training with the TXST degree beginning in Fall 2026.
• The B.A.A.S. Aviation Science curriculum comprises 120 credit hours, including 27 advanced professional aviation courses. TXST states that its fixed-wing pathway is structured to support Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial and Certified Flight Instructor qualifications, with academic study available through campus-based and accelerated online pathways depending on training location.
• AFM previously reported that US Aviation Academy and Texas State University had established their combined fixed-wing flight training and degree pathway for Fall 2026, covering the academy's New Braunfels, Denton, Atlanta and Kansas City locations. AFM reported at the time that US Aviation Academy operated approximately 230 aircraft; the academy has subsequently reported further fleet expansion.
• For the new helicopter pathways, Veracity Aviation states that its training fleet comprises approximately 13 or more Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters distributed between its locations. Guidance Helicopters reports a total fleet of 26 aircraft and uses X-Copter simulation systems capable of replicating Robinson helicopter types; a current aircraft type-by-type breakdown of the Guidance fleet was not independently confirmed.

Statements

• “Veracity Aviation is proud to be part of a new flight training partnership with Texas State University,” said Derrick Smith, Owner and President of Veracity Aviation.
• “Our partnership with Texas State University brings that experience into a structured collegiate pathway, giving students an integrated academic and flight training experience designed to take them from classroom to a lasting career in aviation.” said John Stonecipher, Founder of Guidance Helicopters.

About Texas State University
Texas State University is a public research university headquartered in San Marcos, Texas, with campuses in San Marcos and Round Rock. Its Aviation Science B.A.A.S. is delivered through the Department of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies and combines university coursework with flight training conducted through external FAA Part 141 training partners. TXST reported preliminary Fall 2026 enrollment of 47,513 students. Its Aviation Science flight-training network now extends across Texas, Arizona, Georgia and Kansas, with additional locations planned subject to program and state approvals.

Source: Texas State University