The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that influence student selection of a four-year post-secondary commercial aviation program. Additionally, this study attempted to determine if there is a difference in factors based upon gender and race that influenced choice of a four-year post-secondary commercial aviation program. Specifically, the primary focus was to collect data from aviation students regarding choice factors in enrolling in four-year post-secondary institutions. The survey method allowed the researcher to collect data from students enrolled in four-post secondary aviation programs to determine the current factors influencing student choices. In addition, the study examined enrollment data by gender and race of students in 23 four-year post-secondary aviation programs.Findings suggest the factors that influence selection of a four-year post-secondary aviation program are similar for all aviation students. The students that are drawn to four-year post-secondary aviation programs are there simply for aviation. Specifically, study results suggest that students enroll in fouryear post-secondary aviation programs because they want to fly (62%). Additionally, the 10 most influential program and institutional characteristics that attract students to collegiate aviation were program educational quality, university reputation, condition of equipment, institutional educational quality, location of institution, small class size, safety concerns, program characteristics, student to faculty ratio, and distance from home. These findings will be especially helpful to collegiate aviation programs that actively recruit students to their institution. (Luedtke, 1993). The demand for and growth of air travel had risen steadily from the 1960s until the tragedy on September 11, 2001 (FAA, 2001. Prior to September 11, 2001, air travel was expected to continue growing even though 60% of the pilots flying domestic flights were expected to retire by 2015 (Mangan, 2000). While the aviation industry has continued to recover, women and minorities are still underrepresented in the field (Bowen, FAA, U.S. Department of Education, 1992; WIAI, 2001; Luedtke). For example in 2001 Female pilots made up less than three percent of the total pilots flying for airlines (WIAI). Similarly, minorities represent less than five percent with three percent of Hispanic origin and less than two percent black (U.S. Department of Education). Congress acknowledged that there are few women and minorities in the field; and was "interested in ways to increase the access of women and minorities to civilian aviation jobs" (U.S. Department of Education, 1992, p.1).One of the implications of military downsizing has been that collegiate aviation has become a major source of training for pilots flying for commercial airlines (Karp, McCurry, Turney & Harms, 1999; U.S. Department of Education, 1992). Mangan (2001) reported that "six years ago, 80% of the nation's newly hired pilots had been trained by the armed forces; now just 50% of the new hi...
