DSU aviation program taking to new heights with addition of helicopter training
DOVER, Del. – ROTC students interested in Delaware State University’s (DSU) aviation program now have the opportunity to take their training, and education, to new heights.
Helicopter Training Program Lifts Off
A helicopter training program is lifting off at the historically Black college and university (HBCU).
Thursday morning, DSU and the U.S. Army Cadet Command signed off on the partnership. Soon, 10 ROTC members will be able to get trained and certified to pilot a helicopter at DSU. DSU is now the first, and only, HBCU with an aviation program offering helicopter training.
“There are very few opportunities like this,” said Deputy Commanding General (DGC) Amanda Azubuike of the U.S. Army Cadet Command. “The Army is all about opportunities. And, for those who want to come into the aviation industry, with a program established by Delaware State University, partnering with the Army, is going to help fund the program.”
Army officials say this new pathway could help feed the pipeline of aviators that both the private sector, and military, need.
“We’re hoping that will attract more of the people that we want in the military, with those leadership skills, that just may not have that opportunity otherwise,” said DCG Azubuike. “If you already can’t afford fixed wing, but you’re interested in rotary wing, we’ve just provided an opportunity that you may not have had.”
Opening Up Opportunities
The Army will cover those students’ tuition and training costs; it’s essentially a scholarship.
“It’s $120,000 per person for the four years. So, for the Army to pay for all of that, that’s a burden off of people’s shoulders. They can get the experience that they need,” said Cadet Tajay Kelly, who will be in the first cohort of students. “Now that the helicopter is coming, I’m switching back to aviation pilot, because I was going to commission in the Army as a pilot anyway. So, they trained me. But, since they gave me the scholarship to learn here, civilian side, I just decided to take it.”
But, it’s not just about giving more opportunity to all; It’s also about the broader mission of achieving a diverse armed forces, says DCG Azubuike.
“Aviation in general, whether it’s in the military or not, for some reason is not very diverse; whether it’s gender, or ethnic minorities,” said DCG Azubuike. “We’re hoping that will attract more of the people that we want in the military with those leadership skills that just may not have that opportunity otherwise.”
And, DCG Azubuike says this isn’t where the road ends for students’ opportunities within the military.
“We’re specifically talking about aviation today,” said DCG Azubuike. But, we give $300 million in merit-based scholarships. People, a lot of times when they think of the Army, they only think of infantry. We have nurses, doctors, finance officers, personnel officers, in addition to pilots.”
“Go for it.”
For those hoping to take flight at DSU, current aviation students have this message:
“I say go for it. Go for it. There’s no need to be afraid. It’s a passion, and if you really like it, you’ll like it,” said DSU Sophomore Caleb Harris.
“Just take that jump,” added DSU Freshman Evan Knox. “It’s such a fun career. A lot of people also need to realize that it is a lot of work, and it takes a lot of time and development.”
The first cohort of students in the helicopter program will start their training this fall. The training is being provided by Ascent Arrow. DSU officials say they’ll scale up the class size as they go, and expect much more demand for the program by 2025.
