Frequently Asked Questions

Admission requirements vary by program:

• All Programs: High school diploma or GED, official transcripts, photo ID
• Flight Programs (BS): 2.5 GPA minimum, FAA 1st Class Medical Certificate, Math placement test
• Maintenance Programs (AAS): 2.0 GPA minimum, mechanical aptitude

No! Pontchartrain Aviation University has no application fee for Louisiana residents. Out-of-state applicants pay a $25 application fee.

We have rolling admissions. Recommended deadlines:

• Fall Semester: July 15
• Spring Semester: December 1
• Summer Semester: April 15

Late applications may be considered based on space availability.

Yes! We welcome international students. Requirements include:

• TOEFL or IELTS scores (English proficiency)
• Transcript evaluation from a recognized agency
• Student visa (F-1) documentation

Contact our admissions office for a detailed international application guide.

The M.J. Foster Promise covers 100% tuition for Louisiana residents pursuing AAS degrees in:

• Aviation Maintenance Technology (A&P)
• Avionics Technology
• Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drone) Certificate

$0 tuition for eligible Louisiana residents! Learn more about M.J. Foster →

Flight training costs are separate from tuition:

• Private Pilot: $12,000 - $15,000
• Instrument Rating: $10,000 - $12,000
• Commercial Pilot: $18,000 - $22,000
• CFI Rating: $6,000 - $8,000
• Multi-Engine: $5,000 - $7,000

Financing options and scholarships are available.

We offer several scholarship opportunities:

• Presidential Scholarship: $5,000/year (merit-based)
• Aviation Excellence Award: $2,500/year (academic achievement)
• Women in Aviation Scholarship: $3,000/year
• Veterans Scholarship: $2,000/year
• Need-Based Grant: Up to $5,000/year

Yes! Our FAFSA school code is 009543. Complete the FAFSA to qualify for:

• Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year)
• Federal Student Loans
• Work-Study programs

BS (Bachelor of Science): 4-year degree with general education courses. Preferred by major airlines for pilot positions.

AAS (Associate of Applied Science): 2-year degree focused on technical skills. Faster path to workforce, eligible for M.J. Foster ($0 tuition).

Aviation Maintenance A&P offers the best ROI:

• $0 tuition with M.J. Foster for LA residents
• 2 years to complete
• Starting pay: $55K-$75K
• Jobs at Boeing Michoud, Delta TechOps, Signature MSY

Yes! Many of our students work part-time. We offer:

• Flexible class schedules (morning, afternoon, evening options)
• Work-study positions on campus
• Part-time jobs at MSY Airport and local FBOs

Some courses are available online, including:

• Aviation Management core classes
• General education requirements
• Ground school theory courses

Flight training and maintenance labs require in-person attendance at Lakefront Airport.

Yes! Get your medical BEFORE spending money on training. You'll need at least a Third Class Medical to solo. We recommend getting a First Class Medical even if you're pursuing a Private Pilot license to ensure you can pass the stricter standards.

Don't worry! You can still have a great career in aviation:

• A&P Mechanic: No medical required, $55K-$75K starting pay
• Avionics Technician: No medical required, $60K-$85K starting pay
• Aviation Management: No medical required
• Drone Pilot (Part 107): Less restrictive medical requirements

We have a list of approved AMEs in the New Orleans area:

• Metairie Medical Center - Dr. Robert Mitchell
• New Orleans Aviation Medical - Dr. Sarah Chen
• Kenner Health & Wellness - Dr. Michael Williams

See our Medical Information page for full details and contact information.

Pontchartrain Aviation University has a 100% job placement rate for graduates within 6 months of completing their program. Our industry partnerships and career services team help connect students with employers.

Our graduates work at:

• Airlines: Delta, United, Southwest, American
• Helicopter Operators: PHI, Bristow, ERA
• Maintenance: Delta TechOps, Boeing Michoud, Textron
• FBOs: Signature Flight Support, Atlantic Aviation

• A&P Mechanic: $55,000 - $75,000
• Avionics Technician: $60,000 - $85,000
• Flight Instructor: $45,000 - $65,000
• Regional Airline FO: $55,000 - $90,000
• Helicopter Pilot (Gulf): $60,000 - $90,000
• Aviation Manager: $50,000 - $70,000

Our campus is at Lakefront Airport (KNEW) - 6001 Stars & Stripes Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70126. We're minutes from downtown New Orleans and Louis Armstrong International Airport.

We do not have on-campus dormitories, but we can help you find off-campus housing options near Lakefront Airport. Many of our students live in:

• Gentilly (5-10 minutes)
• Lakeview (10-15 minutes)
• Mid-City (15-20 minutes)
• Downtown New Orleans (20 minutes)

Our Lakefront Airport campus features:

• Modern glass-cockpit Cessna 172s and Piper Seminoles
• Robinson R44 helicopters
• Advanced flight simulators
• FAA-certified maintenance hangars
• Student lounge and study areas
• On-site cafeteria

We offer Open House every Saturday at 10AM! You can also schedule a private tour by contacting our admissions office at (504) 555-9631 or submitting a contact form.