John Brown University Adds Professional Flight Program
SILOAM SPRINGS, Arkansas (April 3, 2025) – John Brown University announced today the addition of a Bachelor of Science in professional flight beginning fall 2025. The new academic offering is available through a partnership between JBU and Springdale-based flight school Airo (formerly ARH) and will help meet the growing demand for skilled pilots.
The new degree program combines a business-focused liberal arts education through JBU with flight and ground instruction from Airo at the Springdale Municipal Airport. As they progress through the professional flight program, students can earn their private pilot license, instrument flight rating, commercial pilot license and flight instructor certification after the completion of coursework and flight time and successfully passing required industry exams.
“This new degree program will equip students with technical skills and business and general knowledge in ways that will enable them to be excellent pilots in a variety of professional contexts,” said Chip Pollard, president of JBU. "Our partnership with Airo is particularly meaningful because we share a Christian commitment that infuses our mission to serve students well."
Graduates will help fill the growing demand for pilots, driven by retirements and increased demand in both commercial and private sectors. According to Boeing, more than 670,000 new pilots will be needed globally over the next 20 years. The Federal Aviation Administration estimates the U.S. alone will need 130,000 pilots by 2043.
“At Airo, our passion is to train pilots and help them fulfill their dreams of a career in aviation. We provide a great technical trade foundation and our partnership with JBU will expand the potential for our students,” said Camron McAhren, president of Airo. “Having a bachelor’s degree will put students above other candidates that don’t have that same educational foundation.”
With a degree in professional flight, students can pursue a variety of career paths — including piloting commercial, corporate, private, air ambulance or search and rescue flights, missionary aviation and flight instruction.
JBU is the only Christian college in Arkansas to offer an aviation program and one of two programs in the state. Across the U.S., approximately 15 Christian colleges offer degrees in the aviation industry
“There is high demand and limited options for students who want a Christian college experience and a degree in aviation,” said Ryan Ladner, JBU vice president for enrollment. “JBU is known for its academic excellence and hands-on career preparation. We anticipate that our professional flight graduates will be highly sought after.”
JBU will admit up to 20 students to the program in the first year. Students in the program will incur flight school fees in addition to JBU tuition and fees. For more information about the program, visit jbu.edu/flight. Interested students can email Sydney Frager, admissions counselor, at sydney@jbu.edu.
About JBU
John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. As Arkansas’ top-ranked private university (The Wall Street Journal) and top-ranked regional university (U.S. News), JBU enrolls more than 2,200 students from 36 states and 44 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs.
About Airo
Founded in 2005, Airo is a hub for flight operations and networking, making aviation accessible to all. From pilot training and tours to business solutions, it offers services tailored to diverse needs nationwide.
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