On Oct. 23, 2025, Moravian University partnered with flyGATEWAY, a nonprofit FAA-approved flight school, to launch its new Aviation program directed by retired airline captain Mark S. Cronin. Cronin has over 40 years of aviation experience, including 32 years as an American Airlines pilot, ten years as a chief pilot, and seven years in the U.S. Air Force.
Training will take place at Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) and at Queen City Airport in Allentown, Pennsylvania. According to an email from the provost’s office, Moravian believes it can position itself as a regional leader in meeting the country’s aviation needs amid an unprecedented worker shortage in the industry.
According to Moravian’s aviation programs website, enrollment will begin in the fall semester, offering both a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management and a Bachelor of Science in Piloting. Within these four-year programs, classes will cover subjects ranging from Aerodynamics and Aviation Law to Aviation Safety and flight courses, including private pilot and commercial pilot training.
These programs will prepare students for employment as pilots, airport operations managers, Aviation Logistics Coordinators, Flight Dispatchers, and Aviation Business Managers. Classes outside the airport will be held online.
Students participating in the program will still be required to complete the MILE general education curriculum. Additionally, plans include an air traffic control program currently under development as a potential add-on to the Aviation Management B.S. or as a standalone program, and a potential Aviation Maintenance technician program. Cronin stated that the goal is to get those programs running by the fall of 2026.
“We are striving for what is referred to as a restricted airline transport pilot certification. Now, there’s a lot that goes behind those words,” he said. “Basically, they’ll start out and achieve their private pilot certificate. Then their instrument rating, then their commercial rating with instrument privileges, and multi-engine. Then they’ll be able to earn their certified flight instructor rating. Hopefully, those who accomplish that will come back as instructors for the program.”
If students are interested in more information, the website offers a form for aspiring students to request personalized information from staff members. Given the seriousness of flight training, these programs will be demanding, with a 50/50 split between hands-on flight training and classroom work.
The program also plans to provide supplementary academic support to students who need it. Information on available scholarships, more about the program, and what the director has to offer will be available on Cronin’s Website, velocityR.org.
