Certified Cessna Pilot Center: Florida Memorial Earns Unique Distinction

Last Updated on May 31, 2023

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, recognizing FMU as 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.

Cessna Pilot Center Training Program

The Cessna Pilot Center certification authorizes the university to incorporate the Cessna Flight Training Program. This comprehensive flight training program is recognized in the aviation industry for producing competent and confident new pilots. As a new partner with the CPC program, FMU will also benefit from member exclusive seminars and supplementary programs.

“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.”

FMU’s aviation students pay $124 per hour (wet) 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. “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 Aviation Management Degree Program

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.

About Florida Memorial University

Located in the City of Miami Gardens, Florida Memorial University is a private, historically Black institution that offers 42 undergraduate degree programs and four graduate degree programs to a culturally diverse student body. Since its inception in 1879, the University has upheld a commitment to provide a solid foundation for thousands of young people and to open doors to educational opportunities that may have otherwise been closed to them. As South Florida’s only Historically Black College or University (HBCU), it is widely recognized as the birthplace of the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing.” For more information, call 305.626.3600 or visit www.fmuniv.edu.

Source: Black PR Wire, Florida Memorial University