Major Title: Flight Operations Management
Major Description:
This major prepares aviation professionals to oversee and optimize all aspects of flight operations within airline, corporate, and military aviation environments. Students develop expertise in flight dispatch, crew scheduling, regulatory compliance, and operational safety while mastering the technical and managerial aspects of modern flight operations. The program combines aviation science with business administration, focusing on real-world applications through advanced simulation training and industry partnerships. Graduates are equipped to manage complex aviation operations while maintaining the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand aircraft performance characteristics and limitations
- Master flight planning, dispatch, and tracking procedures
- Apply Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) to operational decisions
- Optimize crew scheduling and resource allocation
- Analyze and mitigate operational risks
- Utilize aviation weather data for flight safety
- Manage aviation fuel planning and weight/balance calculations
- Implement emergency response and contingency planning
- Apply business principles to aviation operations
Course Outline:
Core Aviation Knowledge
- Aircraft Systems & Performance
- Aerodynamics and flight principles
- Aircraft technical specifications
- Aviation Meteorology
- Weather chart interpretation
- Hazardous weather avoidance
- Air Traffic Management
- ATC procedures and phraseology
- Airspace classification and utilization
Operations Management
- Flight Dispatch Operations
- Flight plan creation and filing
- NOTAM and restriction analysis
- Crew Resource Management
- Duty time regulations
- Fatigue risk management
- Aviation Safety Systems
- SMS (Safety Management Systems)
- Incident investigation procedures
Specialized Applications
- Airline Operations
- Hub-and-spoke network management
- Irregular operations (IROPS) handling
- Corporate Flight Departments
- Part 91/135 operations
- VIP flight coordination
- Global Aviation Operations
- International flight planning
- Cross-border regulatory compliance
Practical Training Components:
- Flight Operations Center (FOC) simulations
- Dispatch certification preparation
- Crew scheduling software training
- Weight/balance calculation labs
- Emergency scenario exercises
Technology Integration:
- Flight planning software (SABRE, Jeppesen)
- Aircraft performance calculation tools
- Real-time flight tracking systems
- Crew management platforms
Program Duration:
4-year Bachelor of Science degree (includes FAA Aircraft Dispatcher certification preparation)
Certification Pathways:
- FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate
- International Air Transport Association (IATA) certifications
- Aviation Safety Officer qualifications
Career Outcomes:
- Airline Operations Controller
- Flight Dispatcher
- Crew Scheduler
- Airport Operations Manager
- Corporate Flight Coordinator
- Aviation Safety Inspector
Industry Connections:
- Partnerships with major airlines and FBOs
- Internship programs with aviation operators
- Guest lectures from industry professionals
This program combines technical aviation knowledge with operational management skills, producing professionals capable of making critical decisions that ensure safe, efficient, and compliant flight operations in today's complex aviation environment. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles with airlines, corporate flight departments, military aviation units, and aviation regulatory agencies.
