LAKE WORTH, Fla. (Aug. 5, 2026) — Palm Beach State College and Boca Pilot Training are expanding the college’s Professional Aeronautics Certification program to a second location at Lantana Airport as the aviation industry continues to face a nationwide pilot shortage.
The accelerated, nondegree program prepares students for careers as professional private and commercial pilots. In 12 to 16 months, students can complete 250 to 300 flight hours while working toward FAA certifications needed to enter the aviation workforce.
The program, part of PBSC’s Corporate and Continuing Education division, uses a cohort model that combines classroom instruction at PBSC’s Boca Raton campus with simulator and aircraft training at Boca Pilot’s facilities at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport and Lantana Airport.
“This partnership combines exceptional academic instruction with hands-on, industry-quality flight training,” said Deborah Gordon, director of the CCE program. “As Boca Pilot expands to Lantana and Fort Lauderdale, our collaboration will provide even greater access to students and a direct, affordable pathway to rewarding aviation careers.”
Students can earn a private pilot license, instrument flight rating and commercial pilot license. The program also offers certified flight instructor and multi-engine instructor training for students interested in teaching roles.
“Professional pilots get paid for their FAA licenses, not their degrees,” said Dr. Chris Johnson, the program architect and former Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University professor. “We designed this program to provide exactly what airlines are looking for — career-ready pilots.”
A larger class is expected in fall 2026, and Boca Pilot Training plans to hire additional flight instructors and purchase more aircraft and a flight simulator.
An open house is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8, at 9 a.m. at Boca Pilot Flight Training inside the Signature Building main lobby at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. Prospective students can tour the flight school, explore the aircraft, flight line and maintenance hangars, meet instructors and attend a presentation.
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About Boca Pilot Flight Training
Founded in 2019 by Ken Morgenbesser, Boca Pilot Flight Training is known for career-focused pilot education, safety excellence, and scenario-based instruction. Drawing from decades of aviation experience, Morgenbesser has built Boca Pilot into one of South Florida’s most respected flight schools for aspiring professional pilots.
Media Contact:
Chris Johnson, Program Manager
608-620-4315 (mobile)
About Palm Beach State College
Founded in 1933 as Florida’s first public community college, Palm Beach State College has been an integral player in the growth and prosperity of Palm Beach County. Our graduates impact every industry and are community and business leaders. With 170 different programs of study, PBSC offers bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, professional certificates, career training and lifelong learning. More than 40,000 students enroll annually in onsite, online, live online and hybrid classes at five convenient locations in Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee Groves and Palm Beach Gardens, and through PBSC Online. Learn more at www.pbsc.edu.