TWU partners with U.S. Air Force for pilot training

Oct. 16, 2024 ― DENTON ― The Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences at Texas Woman’s University, in partnership with US Aviation Academy, has signed an agreement with the U.S. Air Force to provide Initial Pilot Training (IPT) for prospective pilots. 

The Air Force agreement will help meet the growing demand for pilots in that military branch, and will focus on flight training for officers. Training will be similar to the existing aviation program TWU launched this fall. 

“TWU is very excited and proud to participate in flight training with the Air Force,” said J. Clinton Grant, director of TWU’s flight program. “It is an excellent opportunity for these officers to develop initial flight skills with the added bonus of receiving FAA certification and ratings. Hopefully, this will help prepare them for the next phase of training in the high-performance aircraft they will fly in the military. I look forward to seeing these young officers on the flight line with our TWU flight program students.”

Training for the Air Force program will take place at the Denton Enterprise Airport starting Oct. 28. For its part, the US Aviation Academy will train pilots to earn their FAA Private Pilot Certificate as well as Instrument and Multi-Engine ratings. 

“The Air Force recognizes US Aviation's ability to train pilots to a high level,” said Mark Mattison, US Aviation’s director of military operations. “With demonstrated professionalism, our instructors train pilots to the point they earn important FAA certificates. The instructors and staff at US Aviation understand the impact we will have on the Air Force's ability to train pilots. We take the responsibility seriously.”

By adopting the IPT program, the Air Force is seeking to increase the number of pilots while reducing the time it takes officers to transition to advanced military aircraft and receive their wings.

“This is yet another aviation program the university is bringing to Denton,” Grant said. “TWU’s aviation program is already charting a bold new flight plan that reroutes the future for women in aviation.”

Page last updated 12:46 PM, October 16, 2024