Wisconsin, USA – Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) and Aviate Flight School have partnered to launch the Professional Aeronautics Certification (PAC) program — described as the region's first of its type — providing a structured, cohort-based professional pilot training pathway in Green Bay, Wisconsin, combining collegiate framework with FAA certification-focused training.

The PAC program is a non-degree pathway designed for completion in 12 to 16 months depending on certification goals and pace, with prior flight time and course completions eligible to accelerate the timeline.
Students split training between NWTC's Green Bay campus and Aviate Flight School's facility at Austin Straubel International Airport (KGRB), receiving 15 to 20 hours per week of classroom instruction, one-on-one flight instruction, simulator training, and aircraft experience.
The core curriculum prepares students to earn FAA Private Pilot Licence, Instrument Flight Rating, and Commercial Pilot Licence, with optional pathways to Certified Flight Instructor, CFII, and Multi-Engine Instructor ratings.
The program was developed over several years by Dr. Christopher Johnson, program architect and former Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University professor, in deliberate contrast to traditional degree-based aviation programs, focusing exclusively on the federal licences and flight preparation required for professional pilot careers.
The PAC program is scheduled to begin in Fall 2026.

Statements

"We built this program to leverage the structure and rigor of collegiate aviation training while aligning with NWTC's commitment to accessible, affordable, local education. Unlike traditional aviation pathways that pair flight training with broader degree requirements, this program intentionally focuses on the federal licenses and flight preparation students need to pursue professional pilot careers," said Dr. Christopher Johnson, Program Architect at NWTC/Aviate PAC.
"Northwest Wisconsin employers—and industries across the country—continue to face workforce shortages, and aviation is no exception. This partnership creates a clear, local pathway for students who want to become professional pilots while providing the focused, high-quality training needed to prepare them for the realities and responsibilities of the profession," said Jim Draeger, Dean of Corporate Training and Economic Development at NWTC.

Source: Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

US Technical College and Flight School Partner in 2026 to Launch First Cohort-Based Professional Pilot Training Program

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