Paragon Flight Training, a flight training academy based at Page Field in Fort Myers, Florida, is pleased to announce it is partnering with Georgia-based LaGrange College to start the school’s first program in aviation. The announcement of the Professional Pilot Training Program was jointly made by Paragon Flight Training President Chris Schoensee and LaGrange College President Susanna Baxter.
Beginning in the fall 2023 semester, LaGrange College students will be able to attend classes that ultimately lead to a minor in aviation, using Paragon Flight’s acclaimed Professional Pilot Program (P3). The program is specifically designed to allow students to pursue other majors while simultaneously preparing for dynamic careers as commercial airline pilots, private charter pilots, cargo pilots or other engaging professional pilot pathways. Unlike other higher education aviation programs, LaGrange aviation students can fly aircraft during their freshman year.
P3 flight training includes the use of an advanced avionics flight simulator on campus and access to a modern fleet of Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) at nearby LaGrange-Callaway Airport, allowing LaGrange student to maximize their training experience with digital avionics “glass cockpits” and other systems similar to those they will use in a professional pilot career. Upon completion of P3, students will be positioned to receive a commercial pilot license.
The program’s introduction gives LaGrange College students a new career option when the commercial pilot shortage continues to be a pressing issue in the aviation industry. Recent reports note that over the next 15 years, more than half of current U.S. pilots will have reached the mandatory retirement age of 65.
“This aviation program prepares students for a fulfilling career that is in high demand, has a great work-life balance and some of the best benefits in the world, all while earning a six-figure income virtually straight out of college,” Schoensee said. “It’s an incredible life path, and this program is going to be a game changer for interested students. We’re ecstatic to partner with the amazing team at LaGrange College to train the next generation of pilots and aviation industry professionals.”
Dr. Baxter also expressed enthusiasm for this high-energy student opportunity.
“We look at this partnership with Paragon Flight as an important milestone in creating new educational and career opportunities for LaGrange College students,” Baxter said. “The option to pursue an aviation minor is going to open doors for students who may not have previously considered a career in flight.”
