Take off with aviation at WWU
Walla Walla University is proud to offer three aviation degree options to get you off the ground and in the air. Quality training in aircraft operation, safety, and communication are our primary goals in preparing you for your career in Aviation. You'll learn how aircraft fly, how to operate them safely, and how to interact in the world of professional aviation. During training you will be at the controls and learning first hand the challenges and rewards of operating aircraft.
The Walla Walla Valley has on average 200 days of clear sky per year, and another 100+ days of flyable weather. This means less time spent on the ground and more time in the air. Our location in the Walla Walla Valley is central to accessing training in a variety of climates and terrain from the rainforest and inlets of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains, to the rolling hills of the Blue Mountains, to the high plateaus, deep valleys, and steep crags of Idaho, Montana, and Utah. Flying in the Northwest is rewarding and the scenery is vast, diverse, and beautiful.
The Aviation program at Walla Walla University features a 13,700 square-foot flight center located near the campus at a tower-controlled commercial airport with two paved runways and multiple instrument approaches. You will have an assigned flight instructor selected to guide you through your training from day one to the day you earn your certificate. We are personally invested in you and want to see you succeed. The university owns eight aircraft, including a two Piper Arrow's, specially equipped for unique training purposes. Computerized Aviation Testing Service (CATS) is available on campus for all FAA written examinations.
Due to increased legislation known informally as the "1500 Rule," all scheduled airlines are now required to hire pilots with a minimum of 1,500 hours flight time or 1,000 hours flight time if qualified for a restricted ATP certificate. Because Walla Walla University students often flight instruct while in school to build flight time and offset costs, they tend to graduate with more flight hours than graduates from other schools. Most of our Aviation students often go straight into pilot positions.
Bachelor Degrees
- Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management
Associate Degree
- Associate of Science in Aviation Technology
Degree Minor Options
- Aviation Minor
The Walla Walla University Aviation Club is a student-run organization for aviation majors as well as all aviation enthusiasts at Walla Walla University. The Aviation Club aims to create fun, aviation-focused events throughout the school year to inspire camaraderie with fellow pilots and enthusiasts. These events range from hangar BBQs, to museum visits, and regional fly-ins. Above all, the Aviation Club wants to bring the joy of the world of aviation and flight to everyone. Learn more about clubs on campus >
For more information or to join us, please contact Lydia Krueger at Lydia.Krueger-Blehm@wallawalla.edu.
How our program stands out
(and why you should study here)
Curricula
A modern curriculum with safety, excellence, and Christian values in mind. Walla Walla University offers specialty classes in crew resource management, aviation safety, and multi-crew operations.
Part 61 Federal Aviation Regulations
We operate Part 61 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. This allows us to best serve your needs as a flight student. Walla Walla University also qualifies for VA funding under Part 61.
Passion for mission
Walla Walla University is passionate about mission aviation. We offer a course in mission/humanitarian flying to assist students who wish to serve in the mission field.
Walla Walla weather
The Walla Walla Valley has on average 200 days of clear sky per year, and another 100+ days of flyable weather. This means less time spent on the ground and more time in the air.
Prime location
The Columbia basin provides lower elevation and wide open spaces to safely train, while remaining central to accessing the great Northwest. Our location in the Walla Walla Valley is central to accessing training in a variety of climates and terrain from the rainforest and inlets of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains, to the rolling hills of the Blue Mountains, to the high plateaus, deep valleys, and steep crags of Idaho, Montana, and Utah. Flying in the Northwest is rewarding and the scenery is vast, diverse, and beautiful.
Approach variety
Because WWU Aviation is based at Walla Walla Regional (KALW) airport, we have access to an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach, 2 Area Navigation (GPS/RNAV) approaches, and 2 VOR approaches on field. This saves you money and time by not having to commute to practice these approaches during your instrument training.
Air traffic control interaction
Being located at the Walla Walla Regional gives us the opportunity to train at a Class Delta controlled airport. An FAA ground and tower controller will separate you from other traffic and issue clearances from the moment you pull out to taxi to when you return to land, adding to the safety of your flight. You will learn to talk to ground and tower controllers the first day in the airplane and become comfortable and familiar with controlled airspace right away, something some pilots never achieve. Better understanding and interacting with Air traffic control on a daily basis will make you a better pilot and more attractive applicant when you begin your career.
Assigned flight instructors
Our large facility houses our main office, director offices, flight instructor spaces, and Flight Training Devices (Simulators). You will have an assigned flight instructor selected to guide you through your training from day one to the day you earn your certificate. We are personally invested in you and want to see you succeed.
Built-in FAA examination
Walla Walla University is a certified Computer Assisted Testing Site (CATS), meaning you will not need to travel or to take the FAA knowledge examinations. We also have two designated examiners in the area, so when the time comes to take your practical exam there will be no problem getting an appointment. You can make an appointment here.
Continually updated fleet
Our aircraft are extremely well maintained and under continuous update to keep up the with ever changing modern world of aviation. All our aircraft are fully Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capable and ready to explore the north-west. We also have two flight training devices (simulators) to use when training for unusual emergency situations, bringing an unprecedented amount of flexibility and safety to your training. Don't just take our word for it; take a tour of our fleet and see for yourself.