Charleston Southern University grows aeronautics with new flight school

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Charleston Southern University has purchased a flight school to provide a high-quality flight training experience for its aeronautics program.

Charleston Southern purchased Chucktown Flight Training, LLC DBA Carolina Sky Flight Training, a local group based in Summerville.

University officials say CSU began its partnership with the flight school back in 2021 to offer CSU’s inaugural professional pilot degree, the only 4-year collegiate program in South Carolina.

“This is a historic and transformative moment in the life of our university,” said CSU President B. Keith Faulkner. “This acquisition allows us to reach greater heights and excellence in our education of the next generation of pilots and managers. Whether they dream of flying for commercial airlines, service in Air Force or Space Force, or using their talents to serve in missions.”

The CSU aeronautics program was started less than four years ago with 19 students and has grown to more than 150 students, according to the university.

As a result of growing, CSU has committed to a multi-million dollar investment in the aeronautics program for 2025.

In addition to the flight school, the university is providing a centralized location for the aeronautics faculty and staff in its second construction phase for the science and engineering building this summer. Officials say a new flight simulation lab will also be installed in that space.

“This acquisition ensures that the university will be able to provide stellar training for new pilots, as well as for others interested in avionics as a future career,” said CSU Board Chair Dean Murphy. “As a university, we remain committed to offering educational opportunities which will afford our graduates with immediate employment opportunities. Exciting times to be a Buc!” 

The acquisition will also bring opportunities to the veterans enrolled at CSU. Officials say veterans will soon be able to apply U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Post 9/11 benefits to private pilot flight training.

Owning the flight school also makes the professional pilot program eligible to be considered for approval to enroll international students through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

CSU officials said they are working with Congress for additional equipment funding that will increase the training pipeline capacity and enhance the degree program experience.