IASCO Flight Training partners with Central Washington University

IASCO Flight Training (IFT) and Central Washington University (CWU) have finalized negotiations for a five-year training contract that begins in the fall of 2014.

CWU completed a Request for Proposal process in February to identify a new provider of flight instruction for the Department of Aviation, and IFT was awarded the bid. Ensuring the stability of the program and a smooth transition to a new flight-training provider were the top priorities in the process. “This is a huge benefit for our students,” said Amy Hoover, CWU Aviation Department Chair. “IASCO Flight Training rose to the top of the group of flight schools who bid on the contract based on their outstanding curriculum, proven track record, significant reduction in cost to students, and excellent reputation as a leader in the flight training industry.”

CWU is the first public institution on the West coast to be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration to authorize graduates for the Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate. The R-ATP allows CWU graduates to become airline pilots with 1,000 hours total flight experience rather than 1,500 hours required under the ATP certificate required of other candidate. The 33 percent reduction in total flight time will be a significant cost saving to CWU students. In addition, the R-ATP reduces the required age for certification from 23 to 21.

“We are really excited about what we can offer Veteran Administration students,” said Hoover. “CWU is now fully approved for students with Post-911 GI bill benefits to receive funding for the full cost of their flight training.”

The new contract provides commercial pilot flight training for CWU students in Washington to complete a B.S. degree in Professional Pilot with a 25% cost reduction over current fees. CWU faculty provide classroom instruction, but contract for flight instruction for the program’s 95 students. They collectively fly nearly 6,800 hours per year and account for about 80 percent of takeoffs and landing at Bowers Field in Ellensburg, Washington.

IFT hopes to offer the CWU accredited flight training program as a satellite in Redding through an articulation agreement with a California Community College.