Earn College Credit for Your Flight Training

Your Career in the Sky Starts Here

Ideal Aviation and Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) joined forces to give you a professional edge. Through this partnership, you can earn college credits for your flight and ground training. This program blends professional flight instruction with academic achievement. By training with us, you are building a resume that stands out to major airlines and commercial operators.

Continuous Enrollment With No Breaks

A Degree Built for Pilots

You can earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Aviation Pilot Training while you complete your flight ratings. This degree covers both airplane and helicopter paths.

Many flight schools make you wait for a new semester to start your next phase of training. At SWIC, the program uses fluid enrollment. This means you can progress continuously. You do not have to deal with long pauses between courses. You move at the pace of your own skills and schedule.

Lear More About the Degree

Easy Transfers to SIU Carbondale

A Clear Path to a Bachelor's Degree

A four-year degree is a major advantage for pilots who want to fly for the biggest airlines. Our partnership makes this goal easier to reach.

Once you finish your Associate degree at SWIC, you have a direct transfer option to Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC). You can transition your credits toward a Bachelor’s degree, keeping your education moving forward without losing progress.

Get Started Today

Student in front of airplane holding a small white board saying first solo 1/5/26

Expert Instruction and Modern Fleets

Why Choose the Ideal Aviation and SWIC Partnership?

Professional Training

Our instructors have thousands of hours of experience. We focus on making you a safe, skilled, and confident pilot.
Modern Fleet and Facilities

Train in well-maintained aircraft and clean, private classrooms designed for your success.
Flexible Scheduling

We work around your life. With fluid enrollment, your education fits your flight schedule, not the other way around.
Local Helicopter Training

SWIC offers the only collegiate helicopter program in Illinois. You can earn your rotor-wing ratings and your degree in one place.
Faster Checkrides

We maintain strong relationships with local examiners. This helps you schedule your final FAA tests quickly so you can start your career sooner.

Schedule a Discovery Flight

Don't Take Our Word For It

Hear From Our Students

Isabela Jung

Student Pilot

I'm writing as a dedicated student in both Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) and Ideal Aviation's Part 141 program to strongly endorse the renewal of our partnership. This collaboration is vital. It uniquely combines SWIC's rigorous academics with Ideal Aviation's structured, FAA-approved curriculum, allowing students like me to earn an Associate's Degree and Commercial Pilot Certificate efficiently and cost-effectively. From personal experience, the program is excellent, featuring professional instructors and modern aircraft, which minimizes delays and ensures predictable progress. The combined institutions cultivate well-rounded professionals, not just license-holders. I urge you to recognize the profound value this collaboration brings to future students and the entire aviation community. Thank you for your consideration.

Brian Elie

Certified Flight Instructor

I am writing this letter to recommend Ideal Aviation to anyone considering starting flight training. They are by far the place to get the most quality flight training in the St. Louis area. I have received all my training from my private pilot certificate to my flight instructor certificate at Ideal. Throughout my time at Ideal I have had the chance to get to meet some incredible people all of which are dedicated and passionate about the aviation field. Walking through Ideal you will notice that instructors are friendly with every student, and they are dedicated to the success of every single student that walks through the doors. I learned this very early on in my training, and in fact, I am still in contact with every one of my flight instructors. The facilities at Ideal are also in great condition. Ideal is a great place to learn both on the ground and in the air. The aircraft are always kept in a safe condition and any maintenance needed is always done in a timely manner. Not only does Ideal provide great flight training but they also provide a great community and culture for a new student to be a part of. To anyone thinking about starting flight training I would recommend Ideal without a second thought.