Tuskegee University Targets First Aviation Science Cohort Graduation in May 2027

Alabama, USA – Tuskegee University, a historically Black university operating an FAA-certificated Part 141 pilot school, has reported 64 students enrolled in its re-established Aviation Science degree program. Delivered in partnership with Republic Airways-owned LIFT Academy, the program combines undergraduate education with practical flight training at the historic Moton Field in Alabama.

• Of the 64 enrolled students, 34 are working toward their FAA Private Pilot Certificate, 17 are undertaking Instrument Rating training and 13 are pursuing multi-engine qualifications, according to the university's October 2026 update.
• Tuskegee expects its first cohort of Aviation Science students to graduate in May 2027. The university re-established the program in 2025, with students beginning practical flight training in June of that year.
• The university has received nearly US$12 million in federal funding support for its aviation training initiative, including a US$5.29 million appropriation announced in February 2026 specifically to cover flight training costs. This followed an earlier US$6.7 million allocation supporting the program's establishment.
• In August 2026, Tuskegee recognised 13 Aviation Science students who had earned FAA pilot certificates and ratings, including Private Pilot, Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot qualifications. The recognition reflected training progress among students participating in the revived degree program.
• AFM previously reported that LIFT Academy had established a flight training partnership with Tuskegee University at Moton Field as part of its 2024 expansion activities, connecting the university's academic curriculum with an airline-owned pilot training organisation.
• Tuskegee's FAA Part 141 authorisation covers Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot Certificate courses, while Private Pilot and Multi-Engine training are delivered under Part 61 in partnership with LIFT Academy. Its training equipment includes Diamond DA40 single-engine and DA42 twin-engine aircraft, supported by Frasca Advanced Aviation Training Devices (AATDs) configured for the two aircraft types.

About Tuskegee University
Tuskegee University is a historically Black, private land-grant university founded in 1881 and headquartered in Tuskegee, Alabama, offering undergraduate and postgraduate education across engineering, science and other disciplines. Its College of Engineering offers the Bachelor of Science in Aviation Science, integrating academic coursework with FAA pilot training requirements.

About LIFT Academy
LIFT Academy is a US pilot training organisation established in 2018 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, operating as a subsidiary of Republic Airways Holdings. The academy provides professional pilot training and airline career pathways, alongside aviation maintenance technician apprenticeship training, with its Indianapolis campus accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Source: Tuskegee University