Arkansas Aviation Academy at Henderson Receives FAA Examining Authority Authorization
10/06/2025
The Arkansas Aviation Academy at Henderson State University has received authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct the final phase check for private, instrument, and commercial pilot certifications upon successful completion of flight training.
“As a result, we will be able to conduct evaluations in-house, significantly expediting the pilot training process by eliminating the wait times typically associated with external evaluations,” Jordan Dennis, chief flight instructor, said.
As a four-year university operating under a Part 141 flight school, Henderson already offers an expedited career path for students seeking careers as commercial airline pilots. Students earning a bachelor’s degree in aviation at Henderson and accomplishing additional post-degree certification as flight instructors can transition to employment with commercial airlines by completing 1,000 flight hours, versus 1,500 hours for student-pilots in non-Part 141 flight schools. The FAA examining authority authorization further streamlines this process.
Cody Unruh, assistant chief flight instructor, left, and Jordan Dennis, chief flight instructor, will conduct the evaluations. Dennis, who is authorized by the FAA, will issue certificates upon successful completion.
Rich Wyman, director of aviation, said Henderson had previously relied on scheduling the required evaluations with designated pilot examiners. Dennis, who is the Airman Certification Representative (ACR), will prepare and issue the Temporary Airman Certificate to the graduate of a course with examining authority. Dennis said he expects to conduct about 20 evaluations each semester.
Henderson offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in aviation as well as a Master of Business Administration degree with an aviation management focus. Additionally, the newly launched Arkansas Aviation Academy at Henderson State provides commercial multi-engine licensure for non-degree seeking pilots.
The Arkansas Aviation Academy at Henderson State offers three classes specifically geared for non-degree seeking pilots. These include a commercial multi-engine add-on course, a tailwheel course, and a CFI spin-training course.
​​Henderson State aviation is growing with 129 students enrolled for Fall 2025 — the highest enrollment since Fall 2022. Henderson added two planes to its fleet this summer and employs 14 certified flight instructors.
For information, please visit hsu.edu/aviation.
