Henderson State aviation adds two planes, flight instructors to accommodate growth

Henderson State added two planes to its fleet this summer.

Henderson State aviation is growing with 129 students enrolled for Fall 2025 - the highest enrollment since Fall 2022. HSU added two planes to its fleet this summer and employs 14 certified flight instructors.

Henderson offers associate and bachelor's degrees in aviation as well as a Master of Business Administration degree with an aviation management focus. Additionally, the newly launched Arkansas Aviation Academy at Henderson State provides commercial multi-engine licensure for non-degree seeking pilots.

The Arkansas Aviation Academy at Henderson State offers three classes specifically geared for non-degree seeking pilots. These include a commercial multi-engine add-on course, a tailwheel course, and a CFI spin-training course.

Henderson added two Maule aircraft to its fleet this summer. The fleet includes 13 Maules used for private pilot, instrument, and commercial pilot certifications; two Piper Arrows with advanced avionics for the final stages of the commercial pilot certification; two Tecnam P2006T twin-engine aircraft for commercial multi-engine ratings; and one Bellanca Citabria which is used to train flight instructors.

Henderson has recently received authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration to handle check-off rides for private, instrument, and commercial pilot certifications upon successful completion of flight training.

"As a result, we will be able to conduct evaluations in-house, significantly expediting the training process by eliminating the wait times typically associated with external evaluations," Jordan Dennis, chief flight instructor, said.

The program now has 14 certified flight instructors (CFIs), including Dennis and assistant flight instructor Cody Unruh. Flight instructors guide students through their private, instrument, and commercial training.

"At a four-year university operating under a Part 141 flight school, the role of a CFI extends well beyond basic flight training," Dennis said. "Within the university setting, CFIs often serve as academic mentors, helping students align their flight training with their degree requirements, maintain eligibility for programs, and plan their path toward professional aviation careers."

According to Rich Wyman, aviation department chair, "Most of our flight instructors have come through our program as students and will often work here for about three semesters before they acquire the additional flight time needed to move on to the airlines."

For more information, please visit hsu.edu/aviation.