FAA authorization puts SFA students’ piloting careers on fast track

Stephen F. Austin State University is one of four higher education institutions in Texas where aviation sciences students can qualify to receive their Restricted Airline Transport Pilot certificate following graduation, which will shave 500 hours off of their required hours to begin their piloting careers.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- Stephen F. Austin State University aviation sciences students can begin their piloting careers sooner because the university is now one of only four higher education institutions in Texas authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration to certify students are eligible for their Restricted Airline Transport Pilot certificate.

The FAA normally requires 1,500 flight hours and a minimum age of 23 to qualify for the Air Transport Pilot certificate, a credential needed to fly for an airline. Airlines also hire pilots who have earned a Restricted Airline Transport Pilot certificate, which requires 500 fewer hours of flight time and can be earned by age 21 as pilots complete their ATP certificate requirements.

With the new FAA Part 141 Letter of Authorization, SFA's aviation sciences students, also known as Flying Jacks, can qualify for their RATP certificate following graduation. These students have been graduating with their commercial pilot certificate and instrument and multi-engine ratings as well as their certified flight instructor certificate, depending on their training path. Now, with the addition of RATP certification, Flying Jacks can be hired by airlines and start earning salaries as soon as they graduate and reach 1,000 hours of flight time.

"This is a huge milestone and will allow us to recruit more qualified students into the program," said Dr. Chay Runnels, director of the School of Human Sciences and Professional Studies in SFA's James I. Perkins College of Education. "The only other four-year aviation programs in Texas with institutional authority to issue the RATP certificate are Baylor, LeTourneau and Texas Woman's University. Not every flight training program is an approved Part 141 program, so this puts SFA in an elite class of flight training programs in the country."

The multiyear undertaking to qualify for the FAA Part 141 Letter of Authorization involved an application process, inspections and a review by the FAA. Jack Gainer, SFA's chief instructor pilot, spearheaded the effort and helped SFA reach this milestone 36 months sooner than most other universities, a testament to the program's steadfast commitment and high standards.

"This will benefit our Flying Jacks by reducing their flight hours by 500 hours and allowing them to begin their career in the airline industry much sooner," Gainer said. "This equates to an unmeasurable earnings potential that could easily be worth over a million dollars in career earnings - and everlasting alumni pride in being a Flying Jack."

Since its launch in 2021, SFA's aviation sciences program has experienced remarkable growth. What began with 21 students and one faculty member has now expanded to more than 160 students, four full-time faculty members and four adjunct faculty members. The program celebrated its first full cohort of graduates in May 2025.

"This growth reflects both the strength of the program and the dedication of its leadership," Runnels said. "Under the direction of Aviation Sciences Program Director Allen Wilson, our faculty work closely together to recruit and retain students, ensuring they have the support needed to succeed. Importantly, every member of our aviation faculty brings practical, real-world aviation experience to the classroom, which allows our students to bridge theory and practice as they prepare for careers in the field."

This semester, the aviation sciences program launched a new concentration in aviation management. Designed for students who are passionate about aviation but may not want to pursue a flying career, this concentration prepares students for a wide range of postgraduate career opportunities in the aviation industry, from airport operations to airline management.

"I'm excited about the new aviation management concentration," Wilson said. "Within the aviation industry, it is estimated that pilots make up approximately 16% of the workforce. The aviation management degree opens up the doors to the other 84%."

After two and a half years as director, Wilson is pleased with the program's growth.

"It was rewarding and fulfilling to see our first graduates this past spring," he said.

Runnels agreed and thanked HCH Aviation, the program's private partner, for its support and Dr. Stacy Hendricks, interim dean of Perkins College of Education, for her leadership.

"I'm proud to have been part of this program since its inception and to see firsthand the time, energy and expertise our faculty have invested in both the program and our students," Runnels said.

For more information on SFA's aviation sciences program, visit sfasu.edu/aviation.