Certified Training Program for Pilot’s Licensure
The Aviation Academy at the University of Central Arkansas is a highly certified pilot training program. The student will obtain the knowledge, skill, and aeronautical experience necessary to meet the requirements for pilot certification through training provided by Central Flying Academy, under their FAA approved Part 141 certificated training programs.
Multiple Pilot Licensure Options Available
Private License
A license that permits the holder to act as the pilot in command (PIC) of an aircraft during visual day and night conditions. This license takes a minimum of 35 hours.
Instrument Rating
A rating that allows the holder to fly by sole reference to the aircraft’s instruments. This teaches a greater mastery of aircraft control, systems, and instrumentation. It also permits flights under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). This rating takes a minimum of 35 hours.
Commercial License
The commercial pilot’s license allows you to fly for hire under certain conditions. The FAA requires 190 hours of accumulated flight time, including specific hours of experience in several areas such as night flying, cross country, and enhanced maneuvers.
State-of-the-Art Technology and Planes
Training will take place in brand new Tecnam planes with all glass cockpits and the newest technology.
Strong Partnership with Local Aviation Leaders
Central Flying Academy
The academy is partnered with Central Flying Academy out of Little Rock, the premier general aviation firm of the south, for flight training and the latest in curriculum and instruction.
Conway Regional Airport
The academy is located at Conway Regional Airport, a new facility, with an uncontrolled field, therefore no FAA Control Tower.
Gen 4 Jets                                                                                                                      91³Ô¹ÏÍø Aviation has partnered with 4th Gen Jets, a charter company out of Newport Arkansas, to create a pilot pathway and build brighter futures.                                                                                                                           More information
Quality Instruction
- Ground school instruction provides preparation for written tests for each of the three licenses/ratings offered.
- Dual or solo flight training – without or with an instructor, respectively, as required for licenses or ratings.
- First solo flights can be completed in training (when signed off by the instructor, typically 10 hours of flight time).
91³Ô¹ÏÍø Aviation Academy Director
Brad Teague, Ph.D., CMEL, IFR
bteague@uca.edu
501-450-5244 Office
We’d like to take a moment to Congratulate our first Class of ROTC Cadets for obtaining their Private Pilot License in 8 weeks! This is a product of the collaboration between 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Aviation and the United States Airforce to help these young people attain their aviation ambitions. We are excited to continue this program, for our second year, this coming June to develop the next generation of aviators.
91³Ô¹ÏÍø Aviation’s First Femail Pilot Graduate
Congratulations to Rhiannon Umfleet for being the first female pilot to graduate 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Aviation! Rhiannon was a part of the first cohort started in March of 2024 and obtained her Commercial Certificate in June of 2026. We have enjoyed being a part of her journey and are excited to see what she does next.
91³Ô¹ÏÍø Aviation Academy in the News
91³Ô¹ÏÍø Aviation Academy tackling growing demand for pilots (KARK)
Conway’s new Pipeline to the Cockpit!
The aviation industry is facing a pilot shortage that is only expected to grow in the coming years and decades. Industry experts say 200,000 pilots will be needed by 2030.The 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Aviation Academy was started in 2024 to help address this pilot shortage within the state of Arkansas and the broader region. A private jet charter service, Gen 4 Jets, in Newport, that has agreed to hire 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Aviation Academy graduates for its company. The collaboration establishes a dedicated pilot pipeline program where graduates of the 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Aviation Academy receive a guaranteed interview with Gen 4 Jets.
this article from The Pulse about our program.
91³Ô¹ÏÍø breaks ground on new hangar for Aviation Academy
The University of Central Arkansas Aviation Academy broke ground on a new hangar to support the growth and development of the pilot training program.
In addition, Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders announced support from the state in the amount of $750,000 for the buildout and purchase of two flight simulators and other equipment for the hangar.
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Arkansas Week
Acting director Dr. Brad Teague speaks about the 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Aviation Academy on Arkansas Week. Video begins at 15:50.
KARK Arkansas Style
Consider becoming a pilot- one of the nation’s most in-demand jobs
KARK/Yahoo News
Female pilot inspires younger generation at 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Aviation Academy