Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and Aviate Flight School have partnered to launch the region’s first Professional Aeronautics Certification program, providing a direct pathway for aspiring pilots to enter the aviation industry.
As the nation faces a growing shortage of professional pilots, the PAC program was intentionally designed to help meet industry demand through focused training aligned to Federal Aviation Administration certification requirements. The non-degree program combines classroom instruction, simulation and flight training through a structured, cohort based model that prepares students to earn FAA certifications and pursue professional pilot careers.
Students may choose to pair the program with additional coursework or an area of study that complements their aviation training, depending on their career goals. Depending on certification goals and pace, students may complete the program in 12-16 months. Previous flight time and successful course completion can quicken the program.
“We built this program to leverage the structure and rigor of collegiate aviation training while aligning with NWTC’s commitment to accessible, affordable, local education,” said Christopher Johnson, the program architect and former professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. “Unlike traditional aviation pathways that pair flight training with broader degree requirements, this program intentionally focuses on the federal licenses and flight preparation students need to pursue professional pilot careers.”
Students will split their time training between NWTC’s Green Bay campus and Aviate Flight School’s facility at Austin Straubel International Airport.
Weekly instruction includes 15-20 hours of classroom learning, one-on-one instruction, simulator training and aircraft-based experience, preparing students to earn all of FAA certifications to become professional aviators, including private pilot license, instrument flight rating and commercial pilot license.
Optionally, students can also earn additional ratings in the program for certified flight instructor, certified flight instructor instrument and multi-engine instructor.
“Northwest Wisconsin employers — and industries across the country — continue to face workforce shortages, and aviation is no exception,” said Jim Draeger, NWTC dean of corporate training and economic development. “This partnership creates a clear, local pathway for students who want to become professional pilots while providing the focused, high-quality training needed to prepare them for the realities and responsibilities of the profession.”
