Situation Report (SITREP): UNLV Student Pilot Training

[CIABrad.eth]

**Situation Report (SITREP): UNLV Student Pilot Training**

**Date**: August 28, 2025  
**Location**: University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, NV  
**Subject**: Training Programs for UNLV Student Pilots  

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### **1. Overview**
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) offers limited aviation-related training, primarily focused on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) through its Continuing Education program and a UAS minor within the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering. There are no formal degree programs or certificate courses at UNLV specifically designed for training student pilots for manned aircraft, such as private or commercial pilot licenses for airplanes or helicopters. Students interested in traditional pilot training are often directed to local flight schools or nearby institutions like the College of Southern Nevada (CSN), which offers a Professional Pilot track within its Aviation Technology Program.

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### **2. Current Training Programs at UNLV**

#### **Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Certificate Program**
- **Description**: UNLV’s Continuing Education program offers a 40-hour UAS Certificate Program designed to prepare students to become FAA-licensed commercial drone pilots under the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. The program includes classroom instruction, online learning, and hands-on flight labs.[](https://www.unlv.edu/news/release/unlv-launch-drone-pilot-certificate-program-through-continuing-education-spring)[](https://continuingeducation.unlv.edu/programs/uas)[](https://live.test.unlv.edu/news/release/unlv-launch-drone-pilot-certificate-program-through-continuing-education-spring)
- **Curriculum**: Covers UAS operation, system design, flight methods, safety, local and federal regulations, and privacy issues. The course aligns with ASTM F3266-18 standards and the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Trusted Operator Program Levels 1 and 2.
- **Eligibility**: Open to all, with no prior aviation experience required.
- **Schedule**: Typically offered over two weekends, with the most recent referenced session occurring in February/March 2019. Current scheduling details are unavailable but can be accessed through UNLV Continuing Education.[](https://www.unlv.edu/news/release/unlv-launch-drone-pilot-certificate-program-through-continuing-education-spring)
- **Outcome**: Graduates are eligible to take the FAA Part 107 exam to become licensed commercial drone pilots, positioning them for opportunities in Nevada’s growing UAS industry.

#### **UAS Minor Program**
- **Description**: Offered through the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering, this minor introduces students to UAS technology and prepares them for careers in the UAS industry.[](https://www.unlv.edu/uas/courses)[](https://www.unlv.edu/engineering/uas)
- **Curriculum**: Includes courses on UAS fundamentals, simulation training, and privacy issues (taught by the William S. Boyd School of Law). The program emphasizes hands-on learning and aligns with Nevada’s FAA designation as a regional site for UAV development.
- **Eligibility**: Open to UNLV students pursuing any major, with no specific prerequisites noted.
- **Outcome**: Prepares students for future FAA UAV pilot certification and provides a foundation for careers in UAS-related fields.

#### **Private Pilot Ground School (ME 110)**
- **Description**: UNLV offers a course listed as ME 110 - Private Pilot Ground School, which provides theoretical knowledge for aspiring pilots.[](https://catalog.unlv.edu/preview_course_nopop.php?catoid=19&coid=94064)
- **Details**: Specifics on course content, frequency, or current availability are not well-documented in available sources. It is unclear if this course includes flight training or solely focuses on ground instruction for private pilot certification.
- **Outcome**: Likely supports students preparing for the FAA Private Pilot written exam, but practical flight training would require external flight schools.

#### **Air Force ROTC Program**
- **Description**: The Aerospace Studies/Air Force ROTC program at UNLV supports students interested in military aviation careers, referred to as “Flying Rebels.”[](https://www.unlv.edu/unit/aerospace-studiesair-force-rotc)
- **Curriculum**: Includes specialized military training, leadership development, and professional development, with potential pathways to flight training for those pursuing Air Force pilot roles.
- **Eligibility**: Open to UNLV students willing to commit to Air Force service.
- **Outcome**: Prepares students for leadership roles in the Air Force, with some advancing to pilot training through military pathways.

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### **3. Limitations at UNLV**
- **No Manned Aircraft Pilot Training**: UNLV does not offer a comprehensive pilot training program for manned aircraft (e.g., airplanes or helicopters). Students seeking to become professional pilots are advised to explore options at nearby institutions or flight schools. A Reddit discussion from 2021 highlighted that UNLV’s aviation-related offerings are limited to UAS, and students interested in piloting manned aircraft were recommended to consider CSN or local flight schools like those at North Las Vegas Airport (KVGT) or Henderson Executive Airport.[](https://www.reddit.com/r/UNLV/comments/q4sjh1/hi_yall_im_new_to_las_vegas_and_want_to_study_at/)
- **Comparison with CSN**: The College of Southern Nevada offers an Aviation Technology Program with a Professional Pilot track, which includes FAA Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot certifications. This program provides both ground instruction and in-flight training, making it a more direct pathway for aspiring pilots in the Las Vegas area.[](https://www.csn.edu/schools/school-of-advanced-and-applied-technologies/department-of-applied-technologies/aviaton-technology-program)
- **Local Flight Schools**: Facilities like Pilot Training LV at North Las Vegas Airport (KVGT) offer private pilot, instrument rating, commercial pilot, and certified flight instructor (CFI) training. These schools provide personalized instruction and hands-on flight experience, filling the gap left by UNLV’s lack of manned aircraft training.[](https://pilottraininglv.com/)

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### **4. Student Pilot Support and Compliance**
- **International Students**: International students on F-1 visas interested in aviation training (including UAS) must comply with regulations managed by UNLV’s Office of International Student and Scholar Compliance (ISSC). For off-campus training opportunities like Curricular Practical Training (CPT), students must maintain good academic standing, complete two full-time semesters, and obtain a new I-20 form with CPT authorization.[](https://www.unlv.edu/international-student-scholar-compliance/current-students/program-updates)[](https://www.unlv.edu/international-student-scholar-compliance/current-students/cpt)
- **Academic Advising**: Students exploring aviation-related studies can seek guidance from UNLV’s Academic Success Center or advising centers within specific colleges. Changes to majors or minors (e.g., adding a UAS minor) must be updated in MyUNLV and reported to ISSC for international students.[](https://www.unlv.edu/registrar/forms)[](https://www.unlv.edu/international-student-scholar-compliance/current-students/program-updates)

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### **5. Industry Context and Opportunities**
- **Nevada’s UAS Industry**: Nevada’s designation as one of six FAA regional sites for UAV development underscores the relevance of UNLV’s UAS programs. The state’s growing UAS industry offers career opportunities for certified drone pilots in fields like aerial photography, agriculture, and infrastructure inspection.[](https://www.unlv.edu/uas/courses)[](https://www.unlv.edu/engineering/uas)
- **Flight Training Trends**: According to the 2024 State of Flight Training Report, the median time to earn a pilot certificate has decreased to 24 weeks, but costs have risen to $14,000. This suggests that students pursuing manned aircraft training at local flight schools face increasing financial barriers but can complete training faster than in previous years.[](https://generalaviationnews.com/2024/03/10/flight-training-survey-reports-new-pilots-take-fewer-weeks-but-spend-more-to-earn-certificate/)
- **Job Prospects**: Graduates of UNLV’s UAS programs are well-positioned for Nevada’s drone industry, while those pursuing manned aircraft training through CSN or local flight schools can aim for careers as commercial pilots, flight instructors, or aviation managers. CSN’s program, for example, boasts strong job placement in aviation roles.[](https://www.csn.edu/schools/school-of-advanced-and-applied-technologies/department-of-applied-technologies/aviaton-technology-program)

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### **6. Recommendations**
- **For UAS Training**: UNLV’s UAS Certificate Program and minor are robust options for students interested in drone piloting. Students should contact UNLV Continuing Education for updated schedules and registration details.
- **For Manned Aircraft Training**: UNLV students aspiring to become pilots for airplanes or helicopters should explore CSN’s Aviation Technology Program or local flight schools like Pilot Training LV. A discovery flight at a local school, as suggested in a Reddit thread, can help students assess their interest and connect with instructors.[](https://www.reddit.com/r/UNLV/comments/q4sjh1/hi_yall_im_new_to_las_vegas_and_want_to_study_at/)[](https://pilottraininglv.com/)
- **For Military Aviation**: The Air Force ROTC program offers a pathway for students interested in military pilot careers, with access to funding and specialized training.[](https://www.unlv.edu/unit/aerospace-studiesair-force-rotc)
- **Support for International Students**: Ensure compliance with ISSC regulations for any off-campus training, including securing CPT authorization for practical flight experience.[](https://www.unlv.edu/international-student-scholar-compliance/current-students/cpt)

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### **7. Conclusion**
UNLV provides strong training opportunities for student pilots in the UAS domain through its Continuing Education certificate and engineering minor programs, capitalizing on Nevada’s growing drone industry. However, students seeking traditional pilot training for manned aircraft must look to external institutions like CSN or local flight schools. UNLV’s Air Force ROTC program offers an alternative for those interested in military aviation. Coordination with academic advisors and, for international students, the ISSC is critical to navigate program requirements and regulations effectively.

**Prepared by**: Grok, xAI  
**Sources**: UNLV Continuing Education, Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering, Reddit discussions, CSN Aviation Technology Program, Pilot Training LV, and General Aviation News.[](https://www.unlv.edu/news/release/unlv-launch-drone-pilot-certificate-program-through-continuing-education-spring)[](https://continuingeducation.unlv.edu/programs/uas)[](https://www.reddit.com/r/UNLV/comments/q4sjh1/hi_yall_im_new_to_las_vegas_and_want_to_study_at/)