Integrating Paragon’s newly redesigned Professional Pilot Program (P3) curriculum will boost timely entrance to commercial pilot careers for students in Purdue Global’s aviation program
Fort Myers, Fla. —May 18, 2022— Paragon Flight Training, an award-winning flight training academy based at Page Field in Fort Myers, Florida, in conjunction with Purdue University Global, West Lafayette, Indiana, announced a new flight training partnership that will reduce the overall time and expense it takes for students in Purdue Global’s acclaimed aviation program to earn their Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight. The announcement was made by Paragon Flight Training President and owner, Christopher Schoensee.
Beginning immediately, students accepted into the Purdue Global professional flight degree program can complete their Bachelor of Science degree courses online through Purdue Global, while completing professional flight training at Paragon Flight or one of several other Purdue Global affiliates across the country. Purdue Global’s professional flight degree program is a collaboration, announced in 2019, between Purdue Global and Purdue University’s School of Aviation and Transportation Technology.
Paragon Flight’s Professional Pilot Program (P3) was recently redesigned with a streamlined curriculum that improves students’ learning experience for becoming pilots. FAA-approved, the safety- and quality-focused program is unique to Paragon Flight and prepares highly qualified individuals for a well-paying career as a professional pilot at an accelerated pace.
“We are privileged to enter into this partnership with Purdue Global’s aviation program,” Schoensee said. “Purdue University has a deep and unrivaled history in aviation—producing some of the brightest pilots in the country—and we look forward to working with Purdue Global’s up-and-coming future pilots. Like Purdue, Paragon is laser-focused on excellence. Our Professional Pilot Program is designed to attract candidates that have the mental aptitude and foundational skills to become safe, confident and high-performing pilot leaders—in addition to displaying unwavering moral character and a strong work ethic. We believe this relationship will augment the development of top flight students while addressing a critical need for pilots.”
Students conducting flight training at Paragon who complete all five flight FAA certificates/ratings – Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, Flight Instructor Certificate and Multiengine rating – will receive 45 college credits from Purdue Global toward their bachelor’s degree in professional flight, equivalent to one year of college credits. Students who have college credits from previous schools may also receive additional transfer credits. In addition, through this education alliance agreement, Paragon Flight students, employees and immediate family members—including spouses, domestic partners, children, siblings and parents—will receive a 20% tuition reduction for undergraduate degrees and certificates, and a 14% reduction for graduate degrees and certificates. Students qualifying for Title IV Federal Financial Aid can apply the funding to the Purdue Global Professional Flight degree.
“As U.S. airline pilots approach the federally mandated retirement age of 65, the industry faces a drastic shortage of pilots,” Andrew Rachmell, Professional Flight Business Development Specialist at Purdue University Global, pointed out. “Reports forecast a need for more than 800,000 pilots over the next 20 years, so this partnership is designed to get students flying immediately, shortening the timeline to professional pilot in order to meet this demand—and save students money while allowing them to graduate faster. In every respect, this alliance is a win-win – combining the quality of Purdue’s legendary aviation program with Purdue Global’s flexibility and affordability and Paragon Flight’s award-winning, nationally-recognized flight training program to benefit flight students.”
In addition to Purdue University Global, Paragon Flight participates in a flight training affiliate program with Liberty University, where students can earn their Bachelor of Science in Aviation online from its School of Aeronautics while completing flight training through Paragon Flight.
For more information about the Purdue Global – Paragon Flight partnership, please contact Andrew Rachmell, Professional Flight Business Development Specialist, Purdue University Global at arachmell@purdueglobal.edu or 561-703-0480; or Christopher Schoensee, President and Owner at 239-747-0056.
About Purdue University Global
Purdue University Global delivers personalized online education tailored to the unique needs of adults who have work or life experience beyond the classroom, enabling them to develop essential academic and professional skills with the support and flexibility they need to achieve their career goals. It offers personalized paths for students to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, based on their work experience, desired pace, military service, previous college credits and other considerations – no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It is affiliated with Purdue University’s flagship institution, a highly ranked public research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana. Purdue University also operates regional campuses in Fort Wayne and Northwest Indiana, as well as serving science, engineering and technology students at the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) campus. For more information, visit purdueglobal.edu.
About Paragon Flight Training
Paragon Flight is an award-winning flight academy headquartered at Page Field in Fort Myers, Florida. With FAA 141 and SEVIS accreditations, a fleet of 30 aircraft, and advanced simulator technology, the company trains commercial, professional, and recreational pilots as well as offering military pilot training for domestic and foreign governments. The company is in the process of a 28,000-combined-square-foot expansion slated for completion in 2022. Learn more at ParagonFlight.com.
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Barbara Fornasiero
EAFocus Communications
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Tom Schott
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
Purdue Global
tschott@purdue.edu