MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Florida Memorial University (FMU) received its official certification as a Cessna Pilot Center. Josh Colton, Manager of Cessna Pilot Centers, presented the official plaque to Captain A.J. Tolbert, Chair of the Department of Aviation & Safety. FMU is the third university in the nation to earn the unique distinction of becoming a certified Cessna Pilot Center (CPC).

For more than 80 years, Cessna has had a history of being a leading general aviation manufacturer. This partnership comes with a broad spectrum of benefits for FMU’s aviation program, including the opportunity for students to fly FMU’s Cessna 172 SP G1000 aircraft at a discounted rate, leading industry curriculum, and opportunities to obtain a degree while pursuing a pilot license. “Florida Memorial University is the best place to go for an aviation program. The university does something amazing that not every university does. FMU provides the best rates for their students,” says Freddy Antolinez, President of Endeavour Flight Training. “To have an opportunity to go to college at the same time as you’re training for your pilot license is amazing. For me, this university is the best ally I can have. To be able to provide flight training and have students get their college education is the entire package for any aviator.”

FMU’s aviation students pay $124 per hour to rent the aircraft in comparison to other institutions that charge considerably more for the same equipment. The aircraft is also maintained at the Opa-Locka Executive Airport adjacent to the university. “We’re excited to have Florida Memorial University as our newest collegiate CPC partner,” said Josh Colton, Manager of Cessna Pilot Centers. “We expect good things to come from this partnership. We’re pleased that they’re [FMU] going to use the Cessna curriculum to continue training some of the best pilots of tomorrow. We believe our industry leading curriculum will enhance enrollment for the university.”

The Aviation Management degree program at Florida Memorial University is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International. Students seeking an aviation related degree program can choose pilot training, aviation management, or air traffic control concentrations. “I am very excited about this unique partnership with Textron Aviation as a Cessna Pilot Center,” says Captain Arnold J. Tolbert, Department of Aviation & Safety Chair. “This is yet another milestone in the consistent advancement of our aviation programs at FMU.” There are approximately 80 students studying in Aviation & Safety.

The Cessna Pilot Center certification authorizes the university to incorporate the Cessna Flight Training Program. As a new partner with the CPC program, FMU will also benefit from member exclusive seminars and supplementary programs.