Press Release

Issued by Wayman College of Aeronautics.

December 8, 2021

Wayman Aviation Academy is proud to be appointed Florida Memorial University ( FMU ) new flight training partner.

FMU's Aviation programme is rich with opportunities for students from south Florida, the Caribbean and internationally. The four year bachelor's degree in aeronautics will be taught with the in-aircraft flight training of Wayman Aviation Academy. The FMU campus is centrally located in North Miami; between Wayman's two campuses at Miami Opa Locka Executive Airport (KOPF) and headquarters at North Perry Airport (KHWO). Florida Memorial's owned Cessna 172 G1000 will join the Wayman Fleet, growing the number of planes available for FMU and Wayman students to over 40 aircraft.

Vice president Wayman Eddy Luy says “FMU is a jewel in South Florida. A small HBCU four year programme, next to a major executive airport, in the heart of one of the most important aviation hubs in the world.”

Local students find community and history in the 142 year old Historically Black College University (HBCU). International aviation students can attend this F-1 approved programme; work on campus as flight instructors until graduation and then earn a three year US work permit to build on what they have studied. This is a great advantage for the many airline and charter operators located in Miami facing a pilot shortage. Students can learn to fly, earn a degree, and work, gaining valuable flight hours and experience.

Local students will be able to access scholarships, financial aid and work-study programmes in the growing aviation industry. The Beacon Council reports that one in four jobs in Miami-Dade County are aviation related; including Miami International Airport, the largest employer in Miami. Students that excel in the flight programme and reach their instructor ratings can be hired by Waman Aviation Academy. They gain valuable experience and flight hours as an instructor until reaching a reduced 1,000 hour Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) rating thanks to the four year university degree. Then the student can select from five Wayman airline partners including Sky West and Republic Airways, which fly for American Airlines, United, and Delta. Many Part 135 executive charter operators have expressed interest as well.

Boeing's recent 2021-2040 market outlook states a need for 612,000 new pilots over the next 20 years. After the initial furlough due to the pandemic, the regional airlines have led the recovery. The long term demand for pilots to replace retiring crews has not lessened, but accelerated due to early retirements.