Huntington Times

Marshall University’s Bill Noe Flight School has expanded its Professional Pilot bachelor's degree program to Martinsburg, West Virginia. Starting this fall, aspiring pilots can pursue their passion for aviation in the scenic eastern panhandle region.

The Professional Pilot B.S. program in Martinsburg offers students a unique, hybrid approach. Students can take Marshall University courses online while completing FAA-approved flight training through Marshall’s Bill Noe Flight School (BNFS) at Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport (MRB). This flexible format allows students to balance academic coursework with hands-on flight experience, preparing them for successful careers in aviation.

Highlights of Marshall’s Professional Pilot Program include expertise and experience developed by aviation specialist Bill Noe, an esteemed Marshall alumnus with decades of industry experience. The program ensures a solid foundation in aeronautics, navigation, flight control, and communication systems.

Due to increasing demand for air travel, there will be a significant need for commercial pilots over the next 20 years. National data shows that professional pilots enjoy an estimated return on educational investment of 55 times, surpassing other specialized professions. A bachelor’s degree opens doors beyond piloting, including management and teaching roles within the aviation field.

Marshall’s BNFS boasts cutting-edge facilities and a custom fleet of Cirrus SR20 aircraft. These single-engine planes are fully instrumented, equipped with sophisticated avionics, and ideal for student training. The school operates at Yeager International Airport in Charleston, West Virginia; Wheeling-Ohio County Airport in Wheeling, West Virginia; and now in Martinsburg at Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport.

Enrollment for the Professional Pilot Program in Martinsburg is now open, with the first cohort of students set to begin classes in the Fall 2024 semester. Prospective students are encouraged to visit www.marshall.edu/aviation/martinsburg for more information and to apply.

For additional information about Marshall University’s Bill Noe Flight School, contact bnfs@marshall.edu.