Aspiring Students
Are You a High School Student? Aspiring to Become a Pilot?
Students can accelerate their training at Hampton University by entering Freshman year with their Private Pilot License; not at all necessary, but recommended if possible. We highly recommend that students apply for scholarships to prepare funds to cover their flight training fees, which are separate from tuition.
We believe the skies are for everyone, so here are some tips and tools to get ahead. Begin Private Pilot ground school, so you can learn key information from aircraft, their systems, and procedures, to navigation and certificate limitations to prepare for your written exam.
The EAA Young Eagles program offers free discovery flights if you are 17 years old or younger. Completing one of these flights helps you know whether you want to pursue flight training, and grants you Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course for free. This is a certified ground school for Private Pilot to then take your FAA written exam. If you pass the written exam, EAA will reimburse you! Go find your local EAA Young Eagles chapter, and start flying.
Get Involved.
Joining organizations now allows you to connect with professionals as you advance in your training or career, especially if you attend college. Organizations offer conferences, scholarships, and professional development opportunities. Many of our students personally found that the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals has made one of the greatest impacts. The organization offers the ACE Academy during the summer, exposing students to the various careers within aviation, from pilots and air traffic controllers to aerospace engineers and airport executives. Find the nearest academy and consider attending to discover other careers in the industry and make connections.
Luke Weathers Solo Flight Academy
The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals also offers the Luke Weathers Solo Flight Academy (LWSFA) in Olive Branch, Mississippi. This two-week training program is designed to excite and expose students aged 16-18 to flight training.
While enrolled in the academy, students will receive approximately 40 hours of ground school detailing federal air regulations, basic meteorology, navigation, basic engine theory, aircraft performance, basic maneuvers, STEM core principles, and the Airman’s Information Manual.
Upon successful completion of the ground school, students will receive up to 10 hours of flight time to hopefully be cleared to serve as a “sole manipulator” for the very first time.
Tuskegee NEXT
Another program helping students reach the cockpit is Tuskegee NEXT. Two of our very own Hampton students have attended and earned their Private Pilot licenses by the end of the summer. Students are immersed in everything aviation and flight training for 8 weeks. Outside of the cockpit, students plan their careers through practicing interviews and creating resumes.
ADMISSIONS
The Department of Aviation’s admission requirements are congruent with the University’s requirements. To be admitted into the program, you must be admitted to Hampton University first. Inquiries concerning admission should be addressed to:
Office of Admission
Hampton University
1st Floor, Multi-Use Facility Building
Hampton, VA 23668
applicationstatus@hamptonu.edu
757-727-5328
deadlines
Early Action (Non-binding) – November 15th
Regular Decision – March 1st
Admitted Students Day
Received your acceptance letter? Congratulations! We invite you to visit us during Admitted Students Day on February 28, 2026, where students accepted for the 2026 Fall semester explore our campus. Students and families can tour academic buildings and residence halls. Come meet our staff, faculty, and students as we share more in-depth information about our program and answer any burning questions. Welcome to the Aviator family!
Already have a license?
You’ll receive credit for the eligible classes! Remember, this will not replace your other class requirements. Reach out to the Flight Education professor via email or when you arrive on campus.
Laboratories & Facilities
FAA Testing Lab
Our department is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to administer FAA computerized written tests so that our students may complete their exams on campus. It can be found in Room 264 in the Science & Technology Building.
Flight Simulator Lab
Located in Room 263 in the Science & Technology Building are flight simulators for our aviation students. Students working toward their Instrument rating will have scheduling priority as they may gain simulated flight hours. Any aviation student, after a simulator check-out by a departmental instructor, may use the simulators.
Air Traffic Control (ATC) Lab
The ATC program has two labs that emulate radar and tower environments, located on the second floor in Whipple Barn. The terminal lab utilizes ATCPro and ATCSimulator-2 software to introduce students to procedures. The TRACON (Terminal Radar Control) lab includes voice recognition, virtual controllers, pseudo-pilots, and more.
The Aviation Department has a licensing agreement with FeelThere to use the Tower 3D Pro and Tower Simulator 3 software for a realistic tower environment.
