Riverside, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2016) — The Aviation Science program at California Baptist University received one of the highest certifications from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). A representative from the FAA Riverside Flight Standard District Office (FSDO) was on hand at the Flight Operation Center to present the Part 141 Air Agency Certification to CBU on Jan. 15.   

"To California Baptist University's credit you've managed to obtain this certificate within a short time frame," said Keith Frable, manager of Riverside's (FSDO). "This is a great step forward for the university and students are very fortunate to be here."

Marie LeBlanc, chief flight instructor at CBU, said there are several benefits to obtaining this certification. Having an FAA approved Part 141 program allows CBU to admit veterans and international students into the program with fewer admission obstacles. Additionally, CBU may apply for further FAA approvals that would reduce required flight hours for students to become an airline pilot.  

To receive the certification CBU had to pass various Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and inspections. Additionally, to retain the certification CBU must continuously meet standards specified by the FAA in categories such as equipment, facilities, personnel and curriculum.

The CBU Aviation Science program currently offers three undergraduate majors and plans to add two more next fall. The inaugural class opened in fall of 2013. This semester there are more than 70 students in the program with enrollment expected to increase to 100 in the fall 2016 semester, said Dr. Daniel Prather, chair of the aviation program.