GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A first-of-its-kind program in Northeast Wisconsin is now being offered at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.
“This program was developed from expert insight, from the way college programs run and independent flight schools run,” said Program Manager Chris Johnson.
It’s a partnership between NWTC and Aviate Flight School in Ashwaubenon. Students will be able to earn their commercial pilot license in as little as a year through the Professional Aeronautics Certificate. Dean of Corporate Training and Economic Development at NWTC Jim Draeger said this is important due to a pilot shortage.
“There are more folks leaving through retirements than there are entering the workplace. This trend is going to continue for at least the next 10 years,” said Draeger.
According to a UW-Madison study, from Jan. 2021 to Feb. 2025, Wisconsin experienced an average monthly shortfall of more than 90,000 workers. The study reads in part, “There are simply not enough people actively seeking employment to meet demand.”
Johnson said Green Bay is a prime market for a learning experience like this.
“Down in Oshkosh, every summer, we have the largest air show in the United States. So, we have so many people who have been dreaming of being a professional aviator since they were a small child,” said Johnson.
The PAC program will cost just under $60,000.
“The price of this program costs less than your typical bachelor’s degree from a state university and it takes less than half the time,” said Johnson.
Students will earn their commercial pilot license at around 250 total flight hours. However, that doesn’t mean they’ll be in the cockpit for your next flight on Delta, American or United. According to Aviate, to be eligible, students must obtain an Airline Pilot Certificate and clock at least 1,500 hours of flight time.
Johnson said commercial airlines don’t require a four-year degree. Now, aspiring pilots in Northeast Wisconsin have another way to fulfill that dream.
