Delaware State shaping next generation of Army aviators with helicopter flying program

At Delaware State University, students are gaining hands-on experience as future Army aviators through the Army-funded Helicopter Flight Training Program.

The program, which launched in 2023, makes DSU the first HBCU to offer a four-year helicopter flight training pathway for ROTC cadets.

About a dozen students receive scholarships covering tuition and flight costs while working toward key aviation certifications, including private pilot, instrument, commercial, and certified flight instructor ratings. Students balance traditional college coursework with helicopter training, often taking flight lessons alongside their academic classes.

Program leaders say the training requires maturity and dedication, while participants describe the opportunity as both exciting and transformative as they pursue careers as Army pilots.

DSU's Helicopter Flight Training Program
Category	Details
The Institution	Delaware State University (DSU), a historically Black university in Dover, Delaware.
The Program	The Helicopter Flight Training Program (HFTP), a specialized initiative integrated into DSU's Aviation Management and Professional Pilot degrees.
The Milestone	DSU is the first and only HBCU in the nation with an aviation program to offer a four-year collegiate helicopter flight training pathway.
The Partnership	Established in collaboration with the U.S. Army Cadet Command and contracted through Ascent Aero for hands-on training at the Delaware Airpark.
Scholarship Benefits	The Army ROTC scholarship covers full college tuition, all flight lab fees, a $420/month stipend, and a $1,200 annual book allowance (a total value of up to $220,000 per cadet).
Certifications Earned	Cadets graduate with 200 total flight hours and earn their Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial, and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certifications.
The Goal	To diversify the military pilot pipeline and equip student-cadets with the premier leadership and technical skills needed to commission as highly trained U.S. Army Aviators upon graduation.