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Department of Aviation Technology

Bailey College of Engineering & Technology

Our Mission

The mission of the Aviation Technology (AVT) Department is to prepare students for a career in the dynamic and challenging world of aviation. The Department received recognition for the excellence of its facilities, faculty, and graduates. We offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management, Professional Aviation Flight Technology, and Unmanned Systems. Additionally, the Department offers a minor in Unmanned Systems and Aviation Technology.

Flight Operations

Established in the Fall of 2013, the Aviation Department's Flight Academy, located at the Terre Haute Regional Airport, is a twenty-minute drive from campus. With a newly renovated facility and a multi-million-dollar fleet of aircraft, students receive quality flight training assuring they are sought after by employers. The fleet consist of Diamond DA-20, DA-40, DA-42, and a Piper Arrows. Training at the academy is exclusive to students who are enrolled in the Professional Aviation Flight Technology degree program. The Flight Academy is an FAA part 141 approved training facility.

The Aviation Department was one of the first in the nation to create a degree in the unmanned systems. In addition to a classroom laboratory, the program operates a mobile laboratory that provides hands-on experiences for students. The mobile lab complements classroom learning by allowing students to plan and then execute drone missions. With the aid of UMS faculty members, students in the program have completed several projects in support of local government and private agencies.

Flight simulation is a crucial component in reducing the overall cost of obtaining any given certificate or rating. Additionally, it allows for simulating emergency situations that would not be acceptable in an aircraft. The Aviation Department has invested in several technically advanced flight simulators. The simulation lab has two fixed Redbird trainers, one full motion Redbird trainer and a new Precision Flight Controls Simulator that can simulate multiple aircraft including a light jet. In addition to the simulators in the flight simulator lab on campus, there are two additional Redbird flight simulators located at the Flight Academy.

Unmanned Systems (UMS)

Unmanned Systems (UMS) is a new leading-edge technology which will soon be a significant segment of the aviation industry.  Unmanned Systems represent new and growing opportunities in the civilian, government, and military job markets.  Indiana State University is one of the first universities to offer unmanned systems education and training. Indiana State University is ranked one of the Top Five Best Drone Training Colleges in the United States by Drone Training HQ.

The minor program includes an introduction to unmanned systems operations and a study of advanced unmanned aircraft theory.  Additional areas of UMS modeling and control fundamentals, ground-based systems, visual and electro-optical aspects of navigation, obstacle and terrain avoidance systems, modular on-board processing systems, and current applications are explored.

Students learn about the significant regulations impacting the unmanned systems operations and the differences with manned systems.  Paramount to all aviation operations, safety assessment, functional requirements, UMS integration, and sensitivity analysis are explored.  Students demonstrate proficiency in UMS programming, preflight, flight operations, post flight inspection, and mission analysis and debriefing.