LaGrange College is starting an aviation program next fall

LaGRANGE, Georgia (WRBL) — Beginning in the fall semester of 2023, LaGrange College will offer interested students an aviation program.

This program allows students to earn a minor while preparing for a career as a pilot.

A flight simulator is used on campus to train students. At LaGrange-Callaway Airport, the program uses four Cessna Skyhawks with digital avionics to prepare students for pilot certification and licensing.

The courses are offered through a partnership with Paragon Flight Training – an award-winning flight training academy based out of Fort Myers, Florida.

LaGrange College President Susanna Baxter says the partnership with Paragon Flight is a significant event for the college.

“We consider this partnership with Paragon Flight to be an important milestone in creating new educational and career opportunities for our students,” said Baxter. “The option to pursue aviation will open the doors to an exciting and growing career field.”

According to LaGrange College, recent reports indicate that more than half of current US pilots will reach retirement age in the next 15 years. Given the understaffed industry, Chris Schoensee, president of Paragon Flight Training, says the high-demand field can offer aspiring pilots a fulfilling journey.

“This aviation program prepares students for a fulfilling career that is in high demand, offers a great work-life balance and offers some of the best benefits in the world, all while earning six figures almost straight out of college,” says Schoensee called. “It’s an amazing life path and this program will be a game changer for interested students.”

More information about the program can be found at lagrange.edu/aviation.