Aviation Management & Flight Operations - Business Administration

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Why earn a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with an aviation management and flight operations concentration at Coe College?

Coe’s aviation management and flight operations concentration is designed to maximize your exposure to the ins and outs of the aviation industry and help you gain experience in your desired career path before graduation. During your first term, you’ll take to the skies, building flight hours right away as you work toward your pilot certificates and ratings.

With the Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) as a partner, you’ll have access to a major regional airport with five airlines that provide service to 19 nonstop destinations. Couple that with expertise in the classroom and an aviation network cultivated by the #8 career services in the country and your preparation for your aviation career will go above established standards.

The benefits of an aviation career

Career prospects. Careers in the aviation industry for pilots are growing by 4%, with pilot demand at an all time high. The current shortage for pilots in the United States is estimated to be 17,000. This gap that will expand because the age of most commercial pilots. (More than 50% are currently above the age of 50 and face mandatory retirement at 65.)
Career flexibility. An education in aviation management and flight operations leads to options beyond becoming a pilot. Airports, airlines, air-traffic control and fix-based operations all need experienced and motivated employees.
Potential earnings. The starting salary for most commercial pilots is near $90,000 or more. Seasoned pilots with major airlines earn $400,000 or more operating large passenger jets.

4%
growth in careers in the aviation industry for pilots

17,000
estimated current shortage for aviators in the United States

Near $90,000
starting salary for most commercial pilots

The advantages of studying aviation management and flight operations at Coe College.

CID. Coe’s aviation program is integrated into CID. The airport has a busy daily schedule of flights across major commercial, freight and private carriers. In 2024, the airport exceeded 1.5 million passengers. The operations of the airport is the perfect backdrop and proving ground for your aviation education.
A local network of experienced aviators. Cedar Rapids has a rich aviation history — the Wright Brothers lived in town during their childhood! More importantly for you, the abundance of business and industry in Iowa’s second-largest city requires the services of many flights and pilots. There's an active pilot network in the area that can be a resource for you and serve as expert instructors.
Internships will be readily available. Coe has been a Top 25 Best Private Schools for Internships for 6 of the last 7 years according to The Princeton Review. With local aviation needs, you’ll be able to pick your opportunities to gain experience.
Get your degree in business administration. Most commercial airlines require or strongly prefer a college degree. The career earnings wage premium for pilots with a four-year degree is significant. The Coe program ensures you’ll also leave with an aviation business degree in addition to your pilot's license.

Top 25
Best Private Schools for Internships for 6 of the last 7 years

#22
Most Accessible Professors in the nation

(#1 in Iowa)

#8
Best Career Services in the nation

(#1 in Iowa)

Rankings by The Princeton Review

What your aviation education will be like at Coe College

Earn while you learn. After earning your license, you could potentially be employed to serve as a flight instructor, gaining both a paycheck and completing qualifying hours without cost while finishing your aviation management degree.
Experts as your instructors. Your flight instructors will have thousands of hours of experience, and bring that excellence into the classroom. For instance, CID Airport Director Marty Lenss is teaching the intro to aviation course.
Flight school. Coe has engaged with trusted flight partners to run the flight school. Through these partnerships, Coe will pursue Part 141 certification with the FAA, which is a more structured and rigorous training program designed for professional pilots.

Once certified, most students will earn their certification more quickly under Part 141, potentially a significant cost savings. Additionally, students in Coe’s program will only need to accumulate 1,000 flight hours instead of 1,500 to qualify for their Restricted-ATP, significantly accelerating their career timeline.