Professional Pilot

The Professional Pilot program at UMES is Restricted-ATP Approved

Click here to learn more about the R-ATP

This program includes academic and flight training in all areas of flight operations including safety, human factors, aerodynamics, aircraft systems and aviation law, as well as completion of Commercial Pilot(Airplane Single-Engine Land, Instrument-Airplane) and Flight Instructor(Airplane Single-Engine) designed to prepare the student for a career as a professional pilot in airlines, corporations, the military, or government.

• Aviation Science Curriculum Guide
• Professional Pilot Advisement Sheet
• Veteran Student Addendum

If you are interested in joining the Professional Pilot program please view this Checklist for program requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Are there additional fees associated with the Professional Pilot program?
   • Yes, the costs of the flight training program are above and beyond normal UMES tuition and fees. More information on those fees can be found in this document: Additional Fees
2. Do I pay for the flight fees separately?
   • No, fees for flight courses are billed to your UMES student account. These additional costs are eligible for financial aid.
3. Can I transfer in credit for flight training I have done elsewhere?
   • Yes, you can receive credit for prior flight training if you have received a certification. Please note that to remain eligible for the Restricted-ATP, you can transfer in no more than the Private Pilot certification.
4. How are flights scheduled?
   • Flights are scheduled weekly and are set up to ensure that you will finish the course of training you are enrolled in in the semester of enrollment.
5. Do you have the capacity for more flight students?
   • Yes, but the program is filling up fast. Students who have all required documents before entry to the program will receive priority in scheduling flight blocks. Please refer to the flight training checklist for more details.
6. I can’t get an FAA medical or my FAA medical was deferred. Can I still be part of the program?
   • No, you cannot join the Professional Pilot program and flight training without a medical certificate. If aviation is your passion, consider pursuing the Aviation Management Concentration.
7. Do you have partnerships and connections to pilot jobs?
   • Yes, we have multiple partnerships with airlines and more are being announced every year. Some details can be found here: Program Partnerships
8. Can International Students join the Professional Pilot Program at UMES?
   • Yes, but you must first meet all admission requirements: UMES International Student Admissions
   • Next, non-US Citizens must receive clearance for flight training from the TSA: Flight Training Security Program
   • Last, starting, April 2, 2025, individuals applying for an FAA certificate must designate a US Agent for Service with the FAA. More details can be found here: Understanding US Agent for Service Requirements