Flight Training Program
Among the rigorous academic and military training programs, MMI is also introducing an extracurricular flight training program with our partner in aviation, Sanders Flight Training Center Inc. Whether you are in the Service Academy Prep, Early Commissioning or Basic Cadet program, you have the opportunity to learn to fly through a combination of computer-based, online ground school instruction and in-flight training. This program is designed to preclude U.S. Air Force and Navy Initial Flight Screening (IFS) requirements by achievement of a private pilot's certificate and will significantly enhance your candidacy for selection to military aviation training.
Through the MMI-sponsored Sanders flight program, you can successfully complete the written FAA knowledge exam for private pilot along with your first solo flight or even complete your private pilot’s license. If you already have made progress toward your VFR pilot’s certificate, you may complete your training or even advance to instrument or multi-engine training while you are here at MMI.
Sanders Flight Training utilizes Cessna Factory Authorized online computer-based program for ground training and the Cessna-172 for in-flight instruction. Cessna’s computer-based instructional program is the only integrated flight training system in existence. Integrated means that both the ground and flight training segments are “paired” so that retention rates are higher and learning is faster.
Fees for the flight instruction are in addition to the regular college tuition fees and will be approximately $6,000, depending on individual performance. FAA computer-based Airmen Knowledge Test fees, FAA medical exam fees and FAA flight examiner fees are not included in the flight course fees and will be an additional charge of approximately $600. The core curriculum involves the Cessna’ FAA-approved computer-based ground school instruction plus approximately 15 hours in-flight training leading to your first solo flight, and approximately 25-30 hours of advanced training leading to your private pilot's certificate.
If you are interested in the program please email Dr. Sam Stevenson at samstevenson@marionmilitary.edu. Dr. Stevenson is the MMI point of contact for the flight school and is also the faculty advisor for the college’s flight club, the MMI Flying Tigers. An appropriate FAA physical exam is required before enrolling in any flight course, but this examination can be completed at MMI before the start of the program.
