Discover West Liberty University’s Exciting New Aviation Program: Soar to New Heights in Your Career!

WHEELING — West Liberty University (WLU) is launching a new aviation program that’s generating excitement. This bachelor’s degree is linked to the Bill Noe Flight School at Marshall University, and it started welcoming students last fall. Currently, around 13 students are enrolled, with 25 more signed up for classes next fall.

James B. Smith, the director of aviation maintenance technology education at Marshall, says the community has reacted positively. “We want to spread the word about the many opportunities in aviation,” Smith stated. He highlighted the diverse career paths available through WLU, including commercial and corporate pilots, flight instructors, and aerospace operations managers.

Kevin Price, chief development officer at the Wheeling-Ohio County Airport, shared how the program is part of a broader initiative. He described Marshall’s inclusive approach, noting its recent expansion throughout West Virginia, which includes facilities in Martinsburg and Charleston as well as the new one at Lewisburg Airport.

Unique to this partnership is that WLU students will earn credentials from both universities. Price mentioned that in the future, more aviation courses from Marshall will become available at the Wheeling-Ohio County Airport. “We have the property and resources to develop more aviation-related facilities here,” he said, suggesting the potential for an air traffic controller training school and even cargo operations in the future.

Moreover, aspiring pilots now have access to new financing options. The Bill Noe Flight School has partnered with Sallie Mae to offer loan choices to non-degree students, making pilot training more accessible for those looking to change careers. This is a step forward in addressing the financial hurdles many face when pursuing a career in aviation.

Additionally, Marshall’s professional pilot program has joined the Academic Common Market, allowing students from 16 states to enroll at in-state tuition rates if their home states don’t offer a flight training degree. “We are excited about providing more affordable options for students,” said Nancy Ritter, chief aviation operations officer at Marshall.

With aviation education gaining traction, it’s clear that West Virginia is positioning itself as a hub for future pilots. As demand for skilled pilots grows—projected by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to exceed 18,000 new pilots needed annually by 2039—the development of local programs like WLU’s is crucial.

As the aviation industry continues to expand, partnerships like these will help meet the demand for trained professionals. West Liberty University and Marshall University are certainly taking flight together, paving the way for more aviation opportunities in the region.

For details on Marshall’s Aviation Programs, explore their official site [here](https://www.marshall.edu/aviation).

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