Preparing You for a Career in Aviation
The Prescott Department of Flight serves as the immersive, real-world laboratory for the Aeronautical Science program at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus. This is where textbook theory becomes proficiency — where students take to the skies and develop the judgment, precision and command presence that define great aviators.
Operating from two independent parking and dispatch facilities at Prescott Regional Airport, the department holds safety, excellence and professionalism as core values. The new, state-of-the-art ramp and dispatch operation further elevates an already exceptional training environment.
Under the guidance of a distinguished team of faculty and instructor pilots — professionals who bring extensive industry experience to every flight — students master the technical skills and aeronautical judgment needed to succeed in any aviation career.
Excellence Takes Flight
The Department of Flight offers structured, FAA Part 141 pilot training in one of the most demanding and rewarding flight environments in the country — high altitude, diverse terrain and year-round flying weather that builds pilots of exceptional skill.
Immersive Labs
National Champions
Embry-Riddle’s Golden Eagles Flight Team is a nationally recognized championship program, earning 38 straight regional titles and 16 national championships. More than 30 student pilots train and compete in NIFA SAFECON events, building elite skills, teamwork and aviation excellence.
Eagle Lands Scholarship Through Participation in Women in Aviation Groups
Discover how getting involved can open doors. One Prescott flight student turned her participation in Women in Aviation groups into a major Boeing scholarship—gaining mentorship, industry connections and real momentum toward her pilot career.
Key Information
Find answers to common questions and key details to help you prepare for life as an Embry-Riddle flight student.The Aviation and Transportation Security ACT (ATSA) require that all students taking flight training must show proof of U.S. citizenship. International and permanent resident students must obtain clearance from the ATSA (see below). All students must bring a current government-issued photo ID, plus one of the following documents to New Student Orientation. Photocopies and/or certified copies are not accepted.
- A valid, unexpired U.S. passport
- An original birth certificate with raised seal documenting birth in the United States or one of its territories
- An original U.S. naturalization certificate with raised seal, Form N-550 or Form N-570
- An original certification of birth abroad, Form FS-545, or Form DS-1350
- An original certificate of U.S. citizenship, Form N-560, or Form N-561
If you address all of these items/issues listed above and below, you should be ready to begin your flight training — ready to fly with the Eagles!
You are required to bring at least one of the following when you attend New Student Orientation:
- Current First-Class medical certificate
- Current Second-Class medical certificate
Students who are enrolling in FA121 must also have a Student Pilot Certificate, which can be obtained from your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) prior to Orientation or from your Certified Flight Instructor when your training begins.
A list of Aviation Medical Examiners who can perform this medical certification exam near you can be found at the Federal Aviation Administration's website for (AME). Prior to your physical examination, fill out a .
Please take a moment to review the Flight Student Required Documents handout to ensure you are prepared.
Note: The Embry-Riddle health forms that came with your admissions packet should be completed and sent before you arrive.
Helpful Information
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires . Your application for TSA clearance will be processed in person following Orientation, by appointment, with Flight Records Data & Certification located at the Eagle Main Complex at the Flight Department.
In preparation for this application, bring your current passport and U.S.-issued visa to Orientation. For assistance with this process or questions, please contact Flight Records Data & Certification or call 928-777-4323.Yes. Embry-Riddle students and immediate family members are permitted to observe any flight training activity. Any person participating in a training flight must be in proper attire — long pants, shirt with sleeves, socks and closed-toe shoes. Check in at the flight desk and inform the dispatcher that you wish to observe a training flight.
Yes. You are required to have a headset, electronic flight computer, iPad and a flashlight. These items may be acquired through the Embry-Riddle Bookstore or other commercial sources.
Private Pilot (FA 121) Training Start Dates
At Embry-Riddle, students are phased into our training at different start dates for capacity and safety reasons. Training start dates are assigned on a first come, first served basis depending on your matriculation date to the university. You can identify your start date by looking at your flight block registration (FA 95S). Each section will line up with the start date listed in the chart below (based on the semester you are registered for):
| FA 95S Sections | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester | 50, 51 & 53 | 60, 61 & 63 | 70 & 71 | 80 & 81 |
| Fall Semester Start Date | Week 1 | Week 5 | Week 9 | Week 13 |
| Spring Semester Start Date | Week 1 | Week 5 | Week 9 | Week 13 |
| Summer A Start Date | Week 1 | |||
| Summer B Start Date | Week 1 | Week 5 | ||
Start dates for instruments occur on a first come, first served basis as well. However, students are assigned daily as room in the flight block section (FA 95I) permits.
Yes. For safety reasons, any person occupying Embry-Riddle aircraft must wear long pants, a shirt with at least short sleeves (NO shirts with cutoff sleeves or sleeveless shirts), socks and closed-toe shoes.
If you come to Embry-Riddle with a Private Pilot Certificate you’ll be enrolled in a transition course to familiarize you with the area, our aircraft and our operations to ensure that you can meet the same standards as a student who just finished getting their certificate from Embry-Riddle.
We know that every student who gets their certificate before they come to Embry-Riddle has flown under differing circumstances than those at Embry-Riddle. Our goal is to try to ensure that as you move on to other advanced courses, you have the same knowledge as any other student going into that course. The training time in the transition course also counts toward the FAA minimums for issuance of a Commercial Pilot Certificate.
Online using a credit card:
Note: Credit card payments are subject to a standard processing fee (current rates apply).
Deposits are also accepted at the Cashier's office located in building 13 using pin-debit, cash, check or money order.
Cashier's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: Building 13
Phone: 928-777-3726
During flight check in, students should inform the Embry-Riddle representative that they have previous flight experience. At that time, an appointment will be scheduled with the Chief Instructor or his representative to review the students' logbook and determine which ground and flight course the student will be placed in.
If the student has already been endorsed for a check ride and has an endorsement in their logbook, they may petition the flight department chair for permission to train elsewhere and complete their check ride. Students must have prior written permission for this option.
Leadership
Department Chair and Assistant Professor
- Aeronautical Science Department
- College of Aviation
Related Resources
Contact Us
Prescott CampusCollege of Aviation
3700 Willow Creek Rd.
Prescott, AZ 86301