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Alanah Pluchos has been interested in aviation for as long as she can remember.

“I have always been the one to stare up into the sky every time I heard an aircraft,” the Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University Aeronautics sophomore said.

When a friend who is a pilot took Pluchos on a flight over the ocean at sunset when she was a senior in high school, that sealed the deal.

“It was so beautiful and peaceful up there,” she said, “and it was that day that I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life in the sky.”

What are some scholarships available to Embry‑Riddle students?

In 2019, just before coming to Embry‑Riddle, Pluchos was awarded scholarships from  and .

“I am so grateful that I was chosen for both of these scholarships,” Pluchos said, adding that “to have such a big company like Boeing recognize my hard work and quite literally put a roof over my head means the world to me.”

What is an Aeronautics degree?

This renowned Embry‑Riddle degree is designed specifically for students who work, have worked or want to work in aviation-related careers and awards credit for prior experience.

For students with existing aviation-related knowledge and skills, this degree acknowledges a student's valuable acquired experience through the award of advanced standing prior-learning credit. The curriculum then builds on those skills and knowledge.

The program also provides an opportunity for those students new to aviation to acquire aviation-specific knowledge through aviation-related coursework.

Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University is recognized as a leader in the aviation industry, and our program is accredited by the  which requires a rigorous review of the curriculum to ensure the highest standards of performance, integrity, and quality are maintained.

Where can you work with an Aeronautics degree?

Beyond the respected degree program, Embry‑Riddle students also have the added advantage of connections to expert faculty and more than 150,000 alumni around the world – which can make all the difference when it comes time to land an internship or launch a career.

Our students and graduates are now working at regional and major airlines that include ,  and , along with major aviation and aerospace companies that include Boeing,  and .

Pluchos says she may at some point join the military, at least partly for the flying opportunities.

“One of my dream aircraft is the F-15,” she said. “I don’t know where my career will take me, but I would be honored to serve my country and take this route.”

With 90 hours of flight time under her belt, Pluchos said flying gives her a unique sense of accomplishment.

“I have so much fun in the air,” she said. “While it is challenging, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”