Calling All Future Pilots from Laurens County: Charleston Southern Expands Aviation Program with Acquisition of Flight School

Calling all future pilots from Laurens County and beyond — Charleston Southern University (CSU) has announced a major expansion of its aeronautics program with the recent acquisition of Holy City Helicopters, a Charleston-based flight school. The acquisition strengthens CSU’s growing aviation offerings and marks an important step in the university’s commitment to training the next generation of pilots.

Holy City Helicopters will now operate as CSU Aviation, giving students direct access to hands-on flight training as part of their coursework. With the addition of its own fleet of aircraft, CSU joins a select group of Christian universities in the country that own and operate their own flight training programs.

CSU’s aeronautics program, which launched in 2021, offers students a variety of degree options, including a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics – Professional Pilot, a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management, and an Associate of Science in Aviation Maintenance. These programs are designed to prepare students for careers in both commercial and private aviation, flight operations management, and aircraft maintenance and repair.

The university’s aviation program also integrates a Christ-centered educational approach, combining faith and career preparation to equip students to serve in diverse roles across the aviation industry, from commercial airline pilots to missionary pilots and aviation business leaders.

The demand for skilled pilots and aviation professionals continues to grow nationwide, and CSU’s investment in flight training and aviation education positions the university to play a key role in meeting that need.

For more information about Charleston Southern’s aeronautics programs and the opportunities available through CSU Aviation, visit charlestonsouthern.edu.