Auburn University in Alabama boasts a fleet of G1000-equipped aircraft, including 56 Cessna 172s. [Credit: Auburn University]
Key Takeaways:
Only a select number of U.S. universities, including Purdue, Ohio State, Auburn, and Oklahoma, operate their own airports, providing unique and comprehensive on-site aviation training facilities.
These programs offer diverse aviation degrees (e.g., professional flight, management, air traffic control, engineering) supported by extensive fleets of trainer aircraft, advanced simulators, and dedicated educational buildings.
The university-owned airports boast rich histories, serve as vital community assets, facilitate strong industry partnerships (e.g., with airlines and maintenance providers), and offer students invaluable hands-on experience in active aviation environments.
For some, the most appealing and memorable spot on a college campus is the football stadium, where they tailgated and cheered on their team to victory. For others, it’s the lecture hall or library, where they met their significant other or decided what they wanted to pursue as a career.
For many pilots though, the most important place during those college years is the airport.
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Grant Boyd is a private pilot with eight years of experience in aviation business, including marketing, writing, customer service, and sales. Boyd holds a Bachelor's and a Master's of Business Administration degree, both from Wichita State University, and a Doctor of Education degree from Oklahoma State University. He was chosen as a NBAA Business Aviation ""Top 40 Under 40"" award recipient in 2020.
![Auburn University in Alabama boasts a fleet of G1000-equipped aircraft, including 56 Cessna 172s. [Credit: Auburn University]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-05-06-Contributor-Submission-James-Birdsong-Gratis-FLY-finalcomp1.jpeg)
