The University of Central Arkansas Aviation Academy has exceeded early enrollment goals and continues to expand through strong industry partnerships, new training facilities, and a focus on meeting regional pilot workforce needs.

UCA Aviation Academy Director Brad Teague spoke with Pulse about the academy’s strong start and plans for the future in an Executive Q&A.

Your first cohort exceeded expectations — 55 students in 10 months vs. an initial target of 10–15. What are the biggest factors driving this surge in interest?

We were not fully aware of the demand for pilot training. We knew it was high due to the extreme need, which is why we entered this field; however, the interest exceeded our expectations. Pilots love their jobs, and the industry is now heavily incentivizing them. As a result, many people desire to become professional pilots.

Did you have an idea of who you thought would be interested in this program, and have you been surprised by the makeup of the class so far, or was it what you expected?

Most of our students are traditional college-age students from Arkansas, and we have a diverse mix overall. I anticipated more non-traditional students seeking career changes—we have some, but not as many as I expected.

How will the Aviation Academy evolve once the new hangar and simulator facilities are complete this summer?

Having our own large space will allow the program to grow. We will have two simulation rooms with state-of-the-art simulators that can be used for a portion of the training. This will make the process more efficient and save students both time and money. The training space will also give our instructors ample room and technology to enhance the learning environment.

How has the partnership with Conway Regional Airport, Central Flying Academy, and local government strengthened the academy’s mission?

These partnerships truly set us apart. We have excellent airport facilities, and the City of Conway and airport staff have been very supportive of our program. We could not have supported this number of students without the generous support of the Conway Airport.

Central Flying Academy is the best flight school in Arkansas and one of the best in the region. They have been an ideal partner and have a strong team based at the Conway Airport. These partnerships have been crucial to our success.

How does this academy address pilot needs in Arkansas and across the region?

There is tremendous demand for pilots nationally. We are doing our part to help meet that need and are proud that almost all of our students are Arkansans. Since pilots can live anywhere and commute to their station, many of our trained pilots will remain based in Arkansas.

Related, how is the academy positioned to meet unique regional demands that bigger flight schools in metro areas might overlook?

The UCA Aviation Academy is expanding access to aviation education for our community, region, and state. We are committed to creating opportunities within Arkansas and will continue to promote the program across these areas.

You’ve mentioned the academy is a “pipeline program” to address pilot shortages. Are you already seeing airlines or corporate operators take interest in recruiting directly from your students?

We are just over one year into our program, so we don’t yet have students ready for airline recruitment. However, we are already in contact with major and regional airline carriers so that when our students are ready, those relationships will be in place.

What are your biggest goals for the academy in the next 3–5 years?

We want to see our students thrive in their future careers. To support that, we are working to increase financial aid opportunities and build more connections with employers.

Are there plans to expand beyond crew and instrument ratings — perhaps into maintenance, CFI training, or aerospace partnerships?

For now, we are focused on pilot training. We offer all certificates up to the ATP license, including instructor certificates. We have considered what it would take to start an air traffic control program, but we are not currently able to launch that.