Charleston Southern University acquires flight school
February 28, 2025
University deepens commitment to growing aeronautics program
Charleston Southern University has purchased Chucktown Flight Training, LLC DBA Carolina Sky Flight Training, a local group based in Summerville, SC, to further its mission of providing a high-quality flight training experience for its fast-growing aeronautics program. The university began its partnership with the flight school in 2021 to offer CSU’s inaugural professional pilot degree—the only 4-year collegiate program in the state of 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, Charleston Southern’s aeronautics program is ready to deliver an outstanding course of study for driven and bright students. Whether on ground or in the sky, we integrate faith in each student learning experience while preparing them for the workforce of tomorrow in the high-demand aerospace industry.”
The CSU aeronautics program that started less than four years ago has grown from 19 students to more than 150 students. Year over year, the program has seen a 33% enrollment growth in its three degree tracks: professional pilot, aerospace management, and aviation maintenance management.
“This is truly a thrilling time for CSU Aeronautics,” Lloyd Richardson, chair of the CSU Department of Aeronautics, said. “The program reflects the growing need for quality education in the aerospace industry. We look forward to witnessing what God will do next at CSU!”
As a result of this growth, Charleston Southern 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. A new flight simulation lab will also be installed in the space.
“Charleston Southern took a major step today to ensure the continued viability and growth of its new aviation program,” CSU Board Chair Dean Murphy said. “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. 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 also brings exciting opportunities for veterans enrolled at CSU. 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 (SEVP) certification from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Through diligent efforts, CSU is working with Congress for additional equipment funding that will increase the training pipeline capacity and enhance the degree program experience. Richardson said that formal partnerships are also in the queue. “In the future, expect to see program additions and expansions as CSU Aeronautics leads the way in collegiate flight training in South Carolina.”
About Charleston Southern University
Founded in 1964 in the heart of the Charleston metro area, Charleston Southern University is a private, Christian liberal arts university. With an enrollment of nearly 3,900 students, CSU offers more than 80 academically rigorous and faith-integrated undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Charleston Southern has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report nationally for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans. Students can learn online or in a traditional classroom setting, all while discovering their pathway to purpose.
