Coe announces flight training partnership with ATD Flight Systems
Coe College continues to cultivate the best opportunities for future pilots within its aviation management and flight operations program. A partnership with ATD Flight Systems brings an elevated level of experience and expertise to enrolled students who will be training out of the Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) while taking classes on Coe’s campus adjacent to downtown Cedar Rapids.
Based out of Kansas City, ATD has a 20-year history of adhering to the rules and regulations required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide Part 141 flight training. Part 141 allows students to complete flight training quicker due to the structured FAA-approved curriculum with stringent requirements. The Coe aviation management and flight operations program is pending FAA approval.
Students can also expect shorter wait times for the practical exams and check rides as ATD holds examining authority from the FAA. Less than 60 flight providers in the United States hold both 141 approval and examining authority. Wait times for a Designated Pilot Examiner can approach three months, and Kohawks will be able to avoid that challenge with ATD’s expedited examining process.
“What ATD brings for our students is superb instruction, knowledge and relationships with an extraordinary history of safety. It’s our goal to securely educate top of the line pilots for an industry that needs a quality influx of aviators,” said Coe College President David Hayes ’93.
The current pilot shortage is estimated to be at 17,000, and that gap is driving starting salaries for commercial pilots toward $90,000 in some instances. The partnership with ATD will allow a greater number of students to enroll in the aviation management and flight operations program.
“Working with a college like Coe that is not only dedicated to the success and safety of its students, but also to fulfilling a need in a critical industry, is a privilege,” said Keara Neifach, director of operations at ATD. “We’re excited to work with Kohawks and take to the air in Cedar Rapids.”
At least three training aircraft will be based at Coe’s aeronautical field station at CID. Coe students will be able to pilot aircraft in their first term on campus as part of their flight training.
“We welcome this extra traffic at CID. Students in the program are going to enjoy working with ATD, as they have a sterling reputation in the flight training sphere,” said Eastern Iowa Airport Directory Marty Lenss.