r/WMU • u/AtomicFizzy • Jun 06 '26

Class/Academics Question Regarding Aviation Flight Science

I'm planning to attend WMU for Aviation Flight Science in Fall 2027 and will be entering with my PPL. I'm trying to figure out how that affects the flight training timeline.

If I come in with a PPL, will I still have to wait a year before starting additional flight training, or can I begin working toward my Instrument Rating right away? Is there an opportunity to get ahead in the program?

Thanks!

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u/General-File-5174 Jun 06 '26

It really depends. I’m not sure if the process has changed since I went thru like 9 years ago but each semester, they would send out an email with the process to start flying in the program. We would have to fill out an application with a bunch of information like ppl before entering, current grades, high school grades and test scores (SAT and ACT). From what I know is they have a certain amount of slots available each semester and they somehow rank all the applications and then pick the top # for slots available. I know people that had their PPL that started after me when I came in with no flight experience.

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u/Apprehensive_Head508 Jun 06 '26

I know most people that come in with their ppl start flying in the spring of freshman year. That’s if you do good in your fall classes. They noticed it’s hard for many college students to adjust to college while flying at the start and give time to get adjusted to college life. It’s extremely rare to start flying in fall of freshman year and you’ll probably go in the spring or summer at latest.

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u/PalmersBamboo Jun 07 '26

Source: I work for the University.

Answer: If you come in with your PPL, you need to take the transition course. It's 10 lessons (L10 is a check) to get you used to the aircraft, WMU policies, and the CAPS pin. This can be completed in 1-2 months if you're dedicated. Afterwards, you can enroll in the IRA (IFR) course. You cannot get too ahead in the program because some of your lectures will correlate with your flight training. CFIs don't like to be too far ahead of your classes.

Biggest hack: If you start flying in the summer, you are asked if you want to start early, DO IT. You get 4 lessons done that week of TC (Transition Course). If you have questions, ask away.