‘Chulsapyo’ Launched by the Only Aviation University in the Southeast Region... Silla University’s Talent Development Plan for 5 Departments in the Aviation Industry Sector

Aviation Operations, Maintenance, Service, Logistics, and Traffic Management Present 'Rolling Admission' Strategy

Students of the College of Aviation, Silla University.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] Shilla University, the only aviation university in the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam region, is accelerating the training of aviation industry personnel ahead of the construction of Busan Gadeok New Airport.

Marking its 68th anniversary this year, Shilla University (President Kim Choong-seok) is a traditional private university in Busan focusing on nurturing creative talents with the vision of becoming a ‘Student Success Glocal University Leading the 4th Industrial Revolution Era.’

Shilla University aims to be a ‘comm-university’ based on the local community. It pursues specialization in aviation, teacher education, and welfare fields as a growth strategy where local governments, regional industries, and the university develop together.

Among universities in the southeastern region, Shilla University is the only one to have established an aviation college comprising all five core aviation-related departments: Department of Aviation Operations, Department of Aircraft Maintenance, Department of Aviation Services, Department of Aviation Logistics, and Department of Air Traffic Management, focusing on aviation professionals connecting air, port, and land transport.

A Shilla University official said, “With the slogan ‘Creating an Exciting University That Recognizes Me’ through ‘Student Success,’ we are concentrating on training specialized personnel alongside the construction of Gadeok New Airport, and we plan to elevate the university as a hub for the global aviation industry.”

The Shilla University Aviation College consists of five departments. The university has released a blueprint for the early admission strategy, detailing what students learn in each department, the strengths of each department, and career paths after graduation.

Flight training practice of students from the Department of Aviation Operations at Silla University.

◆ Department of Aviation Operations

Designated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport as a specialized educational institution, the Department of Aviation Operations trains aviation pilots and industry experts. It anticipates the development of the air transport industry and the commercialization of urban air mobility devices within the next decade.

In the first year, students take courses in aviation control English, liberal arts, aviation operations major subjects, and flight training using a flight simulator.

In the second year, students undergo training to obtain a private pilot license. The third year focuses on advanced aviation and piloting theory and practical courses, and in the fourth year, students participate in the commercial pilot instructor course at Sierra Aviation Academy located in San Francisco, USA.

Upon completing the curriculum, students qualify to take the aviation pilot license exam, with the practical test waived. They obtain a private pilot license in the second year and FAA commercial pilot and instructor licenses in the fourth year.

Those who acquire instructor licenses are given opportunities such as serving as local instructors at Sierra Aviation Academy in the U.S. and internships at Air Busan, followed by employment as first officers through business agreements.

The department operates a student thesis competition team, winning five awards in total at the Korean Society of Aviation Operations student (graduate) thesis competitions: two encouragement awards in 2020 and three in 2021.

Since 2021, through the ‘Air Busan Dream Campus’ hosted by Busan City and Air Busan, students have participated in field training and internships in the piloting field.

The department features a unique program called the ‘Dongbeon Culture,’ where senior students take care of juniors in the same academic year, helping new students adapt to school life, prepare for flight training, pass on know-how, and assist with practical training. Additionally, events such as participation in the Sacheon Air Show, airline experience programs, and guest lectures by active pilots provide motivation.

After obtaining a commercial pilot license, graduates can choose career paths such as first officers at domestic and international airlines and air transport companies, flight instructors at domestic and international flight training institutions, aviation public officials at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Coast Guard, and pilot officers and warrant officers in the Army, Air Force, and Navy.

English proficiency is essential due to the nature of pilot duties. Students must manage their English grades in their academic records.

Considering the high weight of interview evaluations, applicants who clearly demonstrate their strengths and show the dedication and responsibility required of pilots have an advantage in the admission strategy.

Department of Aircraft Maintenance class.

◆ Department of Aircraft Maintenance

This department trains aircraft maintenance engineers, a promising occupation in the 4th Industrial Revolution era.

Recognized for its quality educational infrastructure including curriculum, faculty, facilities, and equipment for training aircraft maintenance engineers, it was designated as a specialized educational institution by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in 2019.

From the first to third year, students study theoretical and practical subjects such as aviation regulations, general aircraft maintenance, airframe, aircraft engines, and electronic and electrical instruments, completing the Ministry’s specialized education curriculum.

In the fourth year, students engage in advanced maintenance practice by aircraft type and field training. They also cover major subjects related to aeronautical engineering such as mechanics of materials, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics.

Shilla University operates the ‘Aircraft Technology Education Center,’ designated as a specialized educational institution by the Ministry. Students can enroll in this center upon admission, enabling them to obtain aircraft maintenance engineer certification before graduation.

The university boasts state-of-the-art educational facilities including the Future Aviation Convergence Center and Aircraft Maintenance Practice Building (hangar), and owns six aircraft such as Learjet 25 and Cessna 172, as well as twelve aircraft engines including CFM-56 and J-85, providing abundant practical training equipment.

Students visit high schools to introduce aircraft maintenance engineering to high school students interested in the aviation industry and explain career paths and visions through ‘Visiting Career Services’ activities.

The department runs a distinctive program offering annual theory and practical special lectures to help students acquire aviation industrial engineer and aircraft maintenance engineer certifications, enhancing employment capabilities.

It also holds the ‘Chang-gong Academic Festival’ and sports competitions annually to strengthen departmental cohesion and promote enjoyable university life.

Graduates mainly enter domestic and international airlines and air transport companies based on their aircraft maintenance engineer certification.

They find employment at aircraft MRO specialists such as Korean Air Tech Center and Korea Aviation Services Co., Ltd., as well as aircraft and parts manufacturers like Korea Aerospace Industries Co., Ltd. Career paths also include aircraft maintenance technical non-commissioned officers and officers in the Army, Navy, and Air Force, military civilian employees, and public officials at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Applicants should manage their grades in English, mathematics, and physics subjects necessary for aircraft maintenance duties. In interviews, demonstrating preparedness, sincerity, and responsibility can earn good scores.

Students of the Department of Aviation Services.

◆ Department of Aviation Services

This department targets competitive aviation cabin crew, ground staff, and general positions in airline and airport public enterprises, aligning with Busan City’s efforts for the enactment of the Gadeok New Airport Special Act and training aviation service experts.

In the first and second years, students receive character education and foundational major education through liberal arts and basic major courses. In the third and fourth years, they focus on practical education in aviation service specialized skills and customer service methods.

The department emphasizes nurturing aviation service experts with an international mindset and competitiveness through advanced and applied courses.

It has secured aviation expert professors who are former branch managers, executives, and cabin crew of leading domestic and international airlines such as British Airways and Air France, building a solid network.

Through industry-government-academia agreements with Busan City and Air Busan, various cooperative projects are underway to connect internships and regular employment.

Riding on the reputation as the only aviation college in the southeastern region, the department actively engages in various external activities based on its aviation industry and regional network. Recently, students appeared in KNN’s ‘Youth is the Future’ Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam youth campaign and participated in various local broadcasts and interviews. They also serve as helpers and ambassadors at regional events such as the Gijang Anchovy Festival.

Students enhance their employment competitiveness by receiving on-the-job training and employment know-how from external experts and active workers through the cabin crew incubator program.

The department operates cabin crew experience programs with renowned airlines such as Asiana Airlines, Air Busan, and Thai Airways, providing scholarship benefits.

It also runs special classes for certification, supporting acquisition of IATA Cabin Crew, IATA Airfare, and Korean Air TOPAS certifications, boasting a high certification acquisition rate of over 90% among enrolled students.

Graduates mostly enter domestic and international airline cabin crew and ground staff positions. They can also work as service experts in airport transportation fields such as reservation and ticketing, foreign airlines, public enterprises, government aviation departments, global hotels, and travel-related companies.

The department selects 34 out of 48 quota students through an interview excellence screening. The interview accounts for 40% of the evaluation, so preparing well for the interview can increase acceptance chances.

Applicants who express their aspirations as aviation service experts with neat and polite manners can expect good results.

Students majoring in Air Logistics are visiting companies.

◆ Department of Aviation Logistics

This department trains aviation logistics experts, import-export specialists, e-commerce, and overseas marketing professionals. Located in Busan, the world’s largest transshipment port and an international logistics node, it focuses on nurturing global talents to lead the Tri-Port connecting air, sea, and land transport.

Students learn new value creation methods through global country, market, and consumer linkage and integration. The first year focuses on language and major learning capabilities, the second and third years on theoretical and practical advanced courses to develop aviation logistics expertise, and the fourth year on major practice and customized employment support aligned with individual career goals.

Busan, as an international logistics hub city, has high corporate demand for aviation logistics talents and diverse fields for employment.

Students who achieve a TOEIC score of 700 or higher and obtain at least one aviation logistics-related certification have an advantage in employment. To provide field-customized education, agreements have been signed with related organizations such as the Korea Customs and Logistics Association and the International Logistics Association, enabling students to experience various field training, internships, and employment opportunities.

The department invites external experts annually for special lectures in the aviation logistics field and operates certification acquisition programs.

It continuously runs events such as aviation logistics startup competitions, logistics field training, workshops, expert guest lectures, and employment special lectures to enhance students’ practical adaptability.

All students have opportunities for short- and medium-term overseas study and employment programs recognized for academic credit. Experts from Busan and the metropolitan area are invited to teach practical aviation logistics skills in operation, sales, and solutions, improving field adaptability.

Graduates enter aviation logistics, customs brokerage, import-export specialties, and online and offline overseas marketing fields. They can work in airlines, public enterprises, international logistics companies, and e-commerce sectors.

For detailed information on strengths and admission strategies, checking the website and consulting through the ‘Admission SOS’ hotline for one-stop answers to questions is effective.

Department of Air Traffic Management Flight Simulator.

◆ Department of Air Traffic Management

This department trains air traffic controllers who perform tasks such as checking aviation weather, preparing flight plans, deciding aircraft operations, and monitoring and controlling operating aircraft.

It also aims to produce comprehensive aviation traffic experts including aviation safety management specialists in safety, security, and transport fields, and aviation dispute management specialists who handle complaints related to noise, environment, and altitude restrictions.

The department focuses on courses required to qualify for the air traffic controller exam authorized by the Korea Transportation Safety Authority under the Aviation Safety Act. Students can also take specialized elective courses in aviation safety management, airport dispute management, and aviation weather.

It is the only department in the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam region designated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport as an air traffic controller qualification exam training institution. It is equipped with top-notch facilities and practical equipment such as a video wall computer system modeled after Air Busan’s operation control room and flight simulators.

Agreements have been signed with Midwest University in the U.S. and Total Aviation Service System Co., Ltd. to establish a foundation for students’ advancement to the U.S.

The department operates a differentiated curriculum related to airport dispute management and has signed an agreement with the Air Force Headquarters this year to promote policy consultation and joint research.

It also invites current professionals for special lectures by job type and explores career paths through company visits to Busan Regional Meteorological Office and Aron Flight Ship Industry.

The ‘3M Plus Alpha (+A)’ program systematically trains experts in Aviation Operation Management, Safety Management, Dispute Management, and Aviation Weather, strengthening students’ capabilities.

Graduates mainly target positions as air traffic controllers in airline operation control rooms. They can also work as airline safety managers, aviation traffic officials at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and airport corporations, military civilian employees and public officials in airport dispute management at the Ministry of National Defense, Air Force, and local governments, and forecasters at the Korea Meteorological Administration and Aviation Weather Agency.

Although the Department of Air Traffic Management belongs to the natural sciences category, the difficulty level of related subjects is not very high, so students from humanities and social sciences can apply without much burden.

English is necessary due to the nature of the department, but language skills can be improved through department courses. Students should identify and manage subjects in Korean, English, mathematics, social studies, and science.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.