May 18, 2026
Tallahassee State College (TSC) and Sterling Flight Training have partnered to launch a new Professional Aeronautics Certification (PAC) program, creating an accelerated pathway for students pursuing careers as professional pilots.
The innovative program was developed in response to the nationwide pilot shortage and is designed to help students move from zero flight experience to commercial pilot readiness in as little as 12 to 16 months.
The PAC program combines comprehensive ground school instruction with hands-on flight training, preparing students for FAA pilot certifications and entry into the aviation workforce. Through a cohort-based model, students progress together through training in a focused, collaborative learning environment while gaining the knowledge, flight hours, and practical experience needed to pursue careers in aviation.
Students will split their training between classroom instruction at TSC and flight instruction at Sterling Flight Training, located at the Bobby Bowden Tallahassee International Airport. The program includes classroom learning, simulator training, one-on-one flight instruction, and aircraft-based flight time, allowing students to earn 250 to 300 flight hours.
Unlike many traditional collegiate aviation programs, the PAC program is intentionally non-degreed, focusing directly on the FAA certifications required for employment as a professional pilot.
“Professional pilots get paid for their FAA licenses, not their degrees, so we chose to cut out the aviation-related degree that many other colleges offer and that their graduates rarely monetize,” said Dr. Chris Johnson, program architect and former professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
The program is designed to make aviation careers more accessible to a broad range of students, including traditional college students, career changers, and Veterans seeking a streamlined pathway into the aviation industry.
“Aviation is one of the fastest-growing workforce sectors in the country, and this partnership allows TSC to respond quickly to industry demand while creating life-changing career opportunities for our students,” said Shelly Bell, Vice President for Workforce Development at Tallahassee State College. “The PAC program provides an accelerated, affordable pathway into high-paying aviation careers right here in our region.”
The Professional Aeronautics Certification program is scheduled to launch in Fall 2026. Space is limited, and prospective students are encouraged to apply early. For more information about the Professional Aeronautics Certification program or to apply online, visit SterlingFlight.com.
There will be a free, community event to celebrate the program’s launch on Wednesday, May 20, at Sterling Flight School. The event will have aircraft displays, program information sessions, networking with aviation professionals, a raffle for a free discovery flight, and pizza.