School of Aeronautics Flight Training Affiliate program expands to 80 locations nationwide

The Liberty University School of Aeronautics Flight Training Affiliate (FTA) program is postured for significant growth as it increases pilot training capacity across the nation. The program recently gained approval for 12 new FTA locations this year, delivering flight training opportunities at FAA-certified Part 141 flight schools from Florida to Hawaii. (See new sites below and view the full list). Five of those new FTA sites — three in Florida, one in Alabama, and one in Georgia — are currently accepting applications.

“God continues to provide an amazing team of Christ followers with the right gifts and talents to build relationships with business partners, ensure an exceptional student experience, and ultimately facilitate student success in attaining their flight training goals,” Liberty SOA’s Executive Director of Affiliate Operations Jerry Wangberg said.

With the completion of the onboarding process for five of the new FTA locations, the FTA team is supporting student training at a network of 78 FTAs in 26 states serving just over 1,000 flight training students each semester. Behind this growth is a dedicated FTA team that manages the compliance, communication, finance, affiliate coordination, and student support functions required to serve the entire nationwide network.

The Flight Training Affiliate program launched in December of 2013 with three FTA locations and three flight students. With requests for additional FTA locations in 2027, the program plans to eclipse 100 FTA sites next year.

“The advantage of the FTA network is that it gives distance learning students the opportunity to accomplish flight training at a location near them,” LUSOA Director of Affiliate Operations Talloch Pino said. “The FTA program serves a population of students often overlooked by traditional flight training pathways, as many of our students are second-career professionals or military veterans who desire to embark on an aviation career. Many of these students would not have the opportunity to accomplish flight training if they had to uproot and move away from their current career, military duty, or family location to attend a brick-and-mortar school. The program is not for everyone, but for some, it is the right opportunity to pursue flight training without uprooting their lives.”

Liberty’s FTA program is currently the only nationwide university program of its kind that allows students to utilize Veteran Affairs Administration-approved education benefits, to participate in the Yellow Ribbon program to cover expenses beyond what the GI Bill provides, and to access conventional student loans. FTA student pilots have the ability to transfer between FTA locations, and to attain Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) eligibility.

Typically, graduates must accumulate 1,500 flight hours before they can be hired into an airline job. Through Liberty’s FTA program, eligible students may qualify for airline hiring at the 1,000- or 1,250-hour point, providing earlier career opportunities by completing their online education through Liberty University and their FAA Part 141 flight training at one of Liberty’s affiliates.

Wangberg said the Flight Training Affiliate program opens doors for career opportunities and changes lives.

“This one-of-a-kind program offers exceptional value and flexibility, encourages spiritual growth, provides an excellent student experience, and delivers professional pilot success for our Champions,” he said.

Jamal Grier, a U.S. Army veteran and Certified Flight Instructor for Sky Safety Flight Academy — the LUSOA FTA based in San Antonio where he received his training — testified to that truth.

“Liberty University enabled me to chase my dreams after separating from the military,” Grier said. “Sky Safety was and continues to be a paramount part in my aviation journey. They took me from a no-time student pilot to a competent, commercial aviator. Sky Safety and Liberty instilled the professionalism and dedication needed to pursue an airline career. Many veterans, including myself and others at Sky Safety, have taken the same path and attained our aviation dreams and aspirations through Liberty University.”

Isaac Ibarra, a PSA Airlines pilot who also trained through Sky Safety, was just as thankful for Liberty’s FTA program.

“The partnership between Liberty University and Sky Safety created the perfect pathway to my career,” he said. “Liberty provided the educational foundation, while Sky Safety transformed that knowledge into the practical skills, confidence, and professionalism required to succeed in the airline industry. I will always be grateful for the instructors and staff who invested their time and energy into my success. Their belief in me made a lasting impact, and I would not be where I am today without them.”

Jason Coombs (’23), a U.S. Air Force veteran and pilot for Sky West Airlines, added, “Liberty University’s unparalleled ability to navigate the GI Bill through outstanding affiliates like Sky Safety are the only reason I am where I am today. I received industry-leading training and entered the airline world well-prepared and ready to succeed from Day One.”

The FTA program growth is part of the Liberty University Strategic Plan and is consistently exceeding the published goals of adding 10 FTAs and 100 student pilots each year. This growth allows the School of Aeronautics to fulfill its mission to equip, mentor, and send even more Champions for Christ into the aerospace community.

Recently Added FTA Sites: 

(Company / Training Location Name (Airport))

Phoenix East Aviation / Flagler Executive Airport (KFIN) – Palm Coast, Fla.

Sanders Flight Training Center / Tuscaloosa National Airport (KTCL) – Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Sterling Flight Training / Tallahassee International Airport (KTLH) – Tallahassee, Fla.

Tampa Bay Aviation / Tampa Executive Airport (KVFD) – Tampa, Fla.

US Aviation Academy / Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field (KFFC) – Peachtree City, Ga.

View all FTA locations at Liberty.edu/aeronautics/flight-training-affiliate-program.