Baylor University Institute for Air Science to host Grand Opening for the Baylor University Flight Center

Media Contact: Tonya Hudson, Baylor University Media and Public Relations, 254-710-4656

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by Cerenity Austin, student newswriter, Baylor University Media and Public Relations

WACO, Texas (Oct. 4, 2019) — The Baylor University Institute for Air Science will hold a grand opening ceremony for the Baylor University Flight Center (operated by Universal Flight Concepts) at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, at Waco Regional Airport, 7727 Karl May Drive.

Trey Cade, Ph.D., director of the Baylor Institute for Air Science, said the new flight center will create a superior flight training experience for students and set a new standard for collegiate aviation programs.
"One reason for creating the Baylor University Flight Center is to increase our capacity for aviation sciences majors to help meet our nation's critical need for pilots," Cade said.

Baylor's aviation sciences program houses about 80 students. The program offers an aviation sciences major, with either a professional pilot concentration or aircraft dispatch concentration and an aviation administration major. The program leverages real-world experience in airport management, aircraft accident investigation, aviation law, master flight instruction, commercial aviation, corporate aviation, military aviation and weather analysis and forecasting.

Cade has partnered with Gordon Jiroux, Ph.D., president and CEO of Universal, to create a spectacular event including airport and city officials; Baylor faculty; a live band performance; food; and pictures with Bruiser, the official mascot of Baylor Athletics, who will be in aviation gear.

"Attendees will be able to see the new facilities, new airplanes, enjoy music, food and take pictures with pilot Bruiser," Cade said.

Universal has distinguished itself over the past decade as one of the largest FAA Part 141 Flight Training Companies in the world and is the only contracted flight training provider for the helicopter degree program at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, the world's largest aviation university. Universal has had a strong presence in Texas for more than five years with locations at Waco TSTC Airport and Dallas Executive Airport and now has made a long-term commitment at Waco Regional Airport, leasing 9,000 square feet of office and 32,000 square feet of hangar space.

The Institute for Air Science was created in 1991 to advance Baylor University's mission through research, public service and the education of a new generation of pilots. In the same year, the institute initiated the Bachelor of Science in Aviation Sciences (B.S.A.) degree and graduated its first class in 1995.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 17,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.