DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has announced a strategic partnership with Panhandle Helicopter Academy (PHA), a distinguished leader in helicopter pilot training located in Panama City Beach, Florida. This collaboration exemplifies Embry-Riddle's ongoing commitment to expanding educational opportunities and elevating standards in aviation training through innovative academic alliances. By joining forces with PHA, Embry-Riddle's Worldwide Campus furthers its reputation as a global pioneer in online aviation education and underscores its dedication to supporting the academic and professional ambitions of future aviation professionals.

This partnership creates clear academic pathways for helicopter students who aspire to pursue higher education through Embry-Riddle Worldwide's flexible online degree programs. By aligning PHA's rigorous FAA-approved helicopter training curriculum with Embry-Riddle's academic standards, students will be able to transfer select credits earned based on holding certain FAA certificates and ratings toward associate or bachelor's degrees, accelerating their path to graduation.

"Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is committed to expanding access to higher education for aviation professionals, no matter where they are in their careers or in the world," said Worldwide Chancellor John R. Watret, Ph.D., FRAeS. "Through this partnership, PHA students can leverage their flight training to continue seamlessly into our degree programs, combining practical skills with the academic foundation needed for leadership roles in the aviation industry."

With Embry-Riddle Worldwide's online modality, students are provided the flexibility to balance professional flying and work schedules, and personal commitments with their coursework.

"We are thrilled to partner with Embry-Riddle Worldwide," said JR Hott, President, at Panhandle Helicopter Academy. "This collaboration provides our students with a direct pathway to advance their careers, while earning credit for work already done as part of flight training and benefiting from a university that leads the world in online aviation education."

The collaboration underscores both institutions' commitment to preparing the next generation of aviation professionals with the technical expertise, academic knowledge, and adaptability to thrive in today's fast-changing aviation landscape.

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Embry-Riddle educates over 30,000 aspiring aerospace and aviation professionals at its residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida and Prescott, Arizona, and across more than 115 Worldwide Campus locations and online degree programs. In 2024, U.S. News & World Report named Embry-Riddle Worldwide the nation's No. 1 provider of online bachelor's degree programs among private universities. Our residential campuses hold multiple Top 10 rankings. All of our campuses have been ranked Best for Veterans.

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