[August 25, 2020]

LIFT Academy and Vincennes University Partnership Welcomes First Students in New Professional Pilot Training Program

Leadership in Flight Training (LIFT) Academy and Vincennes University welcomed its first group of students in its professional pilot training partnership program last week. The partnership offers students an opportunity to pursue the VU Aviation Associate Degree Program along with their professional flight training through LIFT Academy.

The agreement provides classroom-to-cockpit training and a preferred pathway to a career at Republic Airways upon successful completion of flight training, the academic degree and flight hours required by the FAA for the commercial airline pilot position.

"We are excited to now offer a degree path as an option for students pursuing flight training directly from high school," said Matt Koscal, Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Republic Airways. "This partnership was over two years in the making and brings together academics of Vincennes University and commercial leadership of Republic to create a unique training environment that will best prepare young professionals for an exciting career in aviation."

LIFT Academy, a subsidiary of Republic Airways, opened its doors for flight training in September 2018 at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND). LIFT has 300 students in flight training and recently added an aviation maintenance technician apprenticeship program to its offerings as well. Students train on a new fleet of fuel-efficient Diamond DA40 single-engine aircraft and DA42 twin-engine aircraft equipped with state-of-the-art avionics.

The Vincennes University Aviation Technology Center offers students an associate degree in Aviation Flight Technology and through its "Two-Plus-Two" partnership with Purdue University (News - Alert), students may be eligible to complete a bachelor's degree in Aviation Technology on the Indianapolis campus and have the option to apply Title IV funding and education benefits for military veterans.

"Indiana has a rich aviation history, and both Vincennes University and Republic have played a key role in contributing to it," said Chuck Johnson, President of Vincennes University. "This exciting partnership with Republic Airways expands on other industry partnerships Vincennes University has invested in over te years to provide our students with education and skills that meet the needs of employers through hands-on and work-based experiences."

For more information on LIFT Academy or to submit an application, visit www.flywithlift.com. Recruitment for the Spring semester partnership program will begin soon. Questions on the program can be directed to LIFT admissions at [email protected]. Learn more about Vincennes University's Aviation Associate Degree Program at https://www.vinu.edu/web/atc.

About LIFT Academy: Leadership In Flight Training (LIFT) Academy is a U.S.-based commercial aviation pilot training school owned and operated by Republic Airways. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, LIFT revolutionizes commercial aviation training, utilizing state-of-the-art, eco-friendly training technologies and systems to educate future aviators. Students receive instruction from experienced pilots, under FAA and industry standards, with the most advanced equipment and curriculum that combines flight, flight simulator, online and in-classroom training. LIFT Academy students train on a fleet of advanced new aircraft and flight simulators produced by Diamond Aircraft Industries, including the DA40 single-engine and the DA42 twin-engine aircraft, as well as Diamond Flight Simulator Training Devices (FSTD) built to achieve the most realistic cockpit simulation environment. LIFT offers its graduates a preferred pathway to a pilot career at Republic Airways.

About Vincennes University - Indiana's First College: VU is state-supported with campuses in Vincennes and Jasper, the Aviation Technology Center and American Sign Language program in Indianapolis, Early College Career and Technical Education Centers, and additional sites such as the Gene Haas Training and Education Center in Lebanon, the Logistics Training and Education Center in Plainfield, and the Gibson County Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics in Fort Branch. VU offers online degrees and classes to students who need access to college courses and flexibility through its Distance Education. A leader in dual credit and career and technical education statewide, VU also offers instruction at military sites throughout the nation. In addition to offering a wide range of associate degree and certificate programs, VU also offers bachelor's degree programs in technology, homeland security, nursing, health care services administration, secondary education programs in mathematics and science, and special education/elementary education. VU enrolls students from throughout Indiana, 35 other states, and 21 other countries. Tuition and fees are the lowest among Indiana campuses with residence halls. VU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Founded in 1801, VU is Indiana's first college and is the only college in the nation founded by an individual who would later become President of the United States. William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. President, founded VU while serving as governor of the Indiana Territory. More information is available at www.vinu.edu.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200825005598/en/

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