All airline pilots in the United States are required to hold an airline transport pilot certificate. To obtain this certificate, applicants must have at least 1,500 flight hours, 200 cross-country hours, completed instrument rating and have a commercial certificate. 

Saint Louis University has been granted approval to provide a transcript endorsement certifying graduates for a 250-hour or 500-hour reduction towards the ATP certificate for the Bachelor of Science in aeronautics degree with a concentration in flight science or aviation management. This allows you to qualify for the ATP certification at the age of 21 instead of 23.

You must complete 30 credits of approved coursework to be eligible for the 250-hour reduction or complete 60 credits of approved coursework to be eligible for the 500-hour reduction.

To obtain a certifying transcript endorsement, submit the Reduced ATP Minimums application. Once the application is received, the following information will be verified:

• Your graduation from Saint Louis University with a concentration in aviation management or flight science.
• Your accumulation of approved credits in approved courses.
• Your completion of the commercial or instrument certification at SLU.

If approved, a certifying endorsement will be applied to your transcript consistent with Saint Louis University’s letter of authorization. Allow at least two to three weeks for submission.

You will need to request an official transcript to include with the FAA Form 8710-1 when taking the airline transport-restricted practical test.

 Saint Louis University's Flight School trains students to become skilled pilots as well as strong industry leaders. 

Students enrolled in Saint Louis University's aviation program are able to fly within weeks of their freshman year, and continuously gather more and more certification throughout each year of the flight science degree program.

FAA Medical Certificate Requirements for Flight Training

All students planning to begin flight training at Saint Louis University are advised to hold a current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical certificate. Proof of your holding a current first or second-class medical certificate must be provided before you will be allowed to enroll in any flight training courses. A medical certificate will be considered current if it has been issued within 12 calendar months prior to the start of flight training.

Without a current FAA second-class or first-class medical certificate, you will not be allowed to enroll in any flight training course offered by Saint Louis University.

Learn More About FAA Medical Certificate Requirements

Location and Transportation

Our Center for Aviation Science is housed at the St. Louis Downtown Airport, located at 4300 Vector Drive in Cahokia, Illinois, and can be reached at 314-977-9569.

University transportation between campus and the Center for Aviation Science is available for aviation students during the fall and spring semesters.

• A Center for Aviation Science shuttle operates hourly Monday through Friday from 7 am to 5 p.m.  The shuttle pick-up and drop-off point is located at Grand Hall on the Saint Louis University campus and at the Center for Aviation Science at the St. Louis Downtown Airport.
• Additional transportation is available during off hours and on weekends via SLU Ride. Students are to use the TapRide app (which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play) during the hours of operation to request a ride.
• Outside of SLU Ride and the shuttle hours, the Department of Public Safety can provide safety escorts. To request a safety escort, call 314-977-3000.

Saint Louis University Aircraft Fleet and Technology

SLU hosts a versatile aircraft fleet, including these cutting-edge airplane options:

Flight training is further supported by our fleet of Frasca advanced aircraft training devices (AATD), also referred to as simulators.

Our smaller class sizes and individual flight instruction ensure a student-centered approach to learning and the individualized attention afforded by a private education. 

Registration

You can register for flight courses at Saint Louis University as soon as you are admitted to the flight science concentration.

To register for a flight school course, coordinate with the chief flight instructor for a flight slot. Once a flight slot has been obtained, you may register with the consent of your faculty mentor and academic advisor. You must register for flight courses online. New students may obtain a flight slot and register for their flight course during SLU 101.

Students are not allowed to register for a department flight course without having completed prerequisite coursework unless they have consent from the Department of Aviation Science. To complete the degree requirements in four years, it’s important that you continue to make adequate progress in each flight course.

Currently required FAA records are maintained using the Talon Systems’ Education and Training Administration software. Upon enrollment in a flight course, you will receive access to your flight training records via your ETA login. You are encouraged to monitor your flight training progress to avoid or anticipate additional flight course charges.

The Purdue Imaging Facility (PIF) is a research resource for Purdue faculty/staff/students and other academics and non-academics who want access to state-of-the-art light microscopy for their research and development work. PIF specializes in Confocal and Multi-Photon Microscopy, Pre-clinical Bioluminescence/Fluorescence and Computed Tomography. In addition, we are a resource for researchers at Purdue University and biotech companies around the community. PIF is a member of the Indiana CTSI service core community. We provide the instruments and expertise needed to visualize molecules in preparations ranging from single cells to entire animals. All facility users receive individualized instrument training as well as project-specific advice for optimal data acquisition. Consultation on demo preparation, image rendering, and data analysis are also available as our knowledge base permits. Collaborations and contract research services are encouraged.

Confocal microscopy

Our facility provides three visible-wavelength laser point scanning confocal systems suitable for creating multi-dimensional images of living or non-living samples.

• Multi-colored fluorescence imaging
• Photoablation/photoactivation
• Imaging in aqueous environments
• Material science – fluorescence and reflectance

Multiphoton microscopy

If your demo is thicker than 100 µm or you require less phototoxicity to your living sample, you might benefit by using a multi-photon (MP)

• Multi-dimensional images of thick samples, up to 800 microns
• Live cell and live animal (intravital) imaging
• Photo-uncaging
• Photoablation/photoactivation
• Second Harmonic Generation (non-centrosomatic)

TIRF microscopy

Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence uses a finite wave-front of energy to fluorescently illuminate samples and limit excitation of fluorophores close to the coverslip to dramatically increase the signal to noise of your sample.  

• Protein dynamic studies on the cell membrane
• Single molecule examinations

Super Resolution microscopy

For spatial resolution beyond the diffraction-limit (<220 nm) we offer Super Resolution microscopy with both SIM (3 colors) and STORM.

• Very high resolution intracellular imaging in thin samples
• Detailed localization analysis

Wide-Field imaging

• Cell morphology
• Immunohistochemistry
• Polarization
• Amyloid assays

Pre-Clinical Molecular and microCT

The Bindley Imaging Facility provides systems capable of imaging larger subjects such as small rodents, medical devices or other non-biologics

• Small Animal CT Imaging
• Material science - Computed Tomography 
• Fluorescent and Bioluminescent Imaging

Image Processing and analysis for all data

Images are great to display but have so much more data. Use one of our commerical analysis software tools to pull out all the information.

• Co-localization analysis
• Intensity analysis
• Time-lapse imaging of dynamic intracellular events
• Three-dimensional morphology
• Deconvolution

Lon graduated high school in 1965. He received his electronics training in the army. He has taken any instrument training available whether by a manufacturers association at a local college or training offered by his employer. He has taken correspondence courses in industrial electronics and industrial instrumentation [ about 3 years each ]. By going to night school, he got his associates degree in 1973. About 5 years before he retired, he thought it would be a good thing if he could transfer what he had learned over the last 30 years to people new to the field of instrumentation, so they could build on what he had learned, and become  much better than he could ever hope to have been. So, he started going to night school and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University in 1998. Since his retirement from Honeywell in 2001, he has been a substitute high school teacher for the state of Illinois. He also worked for Multi-Skills Training of Murray, Kentucky teaching instrumentation at Murray State University and onsite at Vanderbilt Chemical. He is certified by ISA as a CCST [ Certified Control System Technician ] Level III.

Faculty Account Application

To open a Core Research Facilities (CRF) Faculty account, complete and submit the account application. Please supply all requested information.

• Please list your name as the account name.
• Do not list your account as UMass Lowell or your department.
• Since the application form is able to accommodate external users as well please use the “automatic fill buttons” to complete the fields requesting billing and signatory official information.
• Please supply an account passphrase on your application. The passphrase is assigned by you, the account holder to safeguard your account.

Upon electronic receipt of your application you will be issued a CRF account number. The account number and passphrase will be emailed to you. Please forward this information to students authorized to use your account in order for them to apply for user registration. A user account is automatically generated person completing the account application form.

User Registration

Once CRF Account is established, students authorized to use the account may register for a user id. Users are required to provide the faculty CRF account number and passphrase on the user registration form.

Users are required to create a password for their login credentials. The password needs to be at least 8 characters. This password is encrypted and unreadable by anyone. Please email: crf@uml.edu to have your password reset.

User Rates

Internal user rates are direct cost based upon a cost recovery model in accordance with government guidelines. Industry rates are posted on the Core Research Facilities website. Internal rates, industry partners, academic and government rates are viewable upon users login to the CRF reservation system. Core Research Facilities are subsidized by UMass Lowell. The UMass Lowell subsidy is applied in our cost model prior to determining the direct cost allocation in our billing rates.

Rates include lab supplies*, stock materials, short use of the research laboratory ancillary and equipment and tools.

In accordance with federal guidelines CRF user rates are reviewed on an annual basis to coincide with the University’s fiscal year. Published rates will be reviewed and possibly adjusted July 1 of each fiscal year.

Note 1: Once users are certified, lab staff will provide minimal guidance (less than 10 minutes for each occurrence free of charge) for demo preparation, etc. Users requiring demo preparation must reserve “sample prep services” from the order menu.

Note 2* (Rates for the Nanofabrication Laboratory include gowning for one person. Gowning for additional guests must be ordered as an additional line item on the ordering system). Users of the experimental bays are required to prepay any and all related equipment installation and removal cost.

Safety Training

All “self-use” instrument users must complete Level 1(UMass Lowell General Training and Level 2 (lab specific safety training) prior to lab entry. Level 1 safety training may be completed online on the Life Safety & Emergency Management website.

Level 2 safety training is to be coordinated with the specific Lab Director/Manager. There is no charge for safety training.

Training

• There is no charge for general lab and safety training.
• Registered CRF users are required to complete training on instruments and be approved by the Lab Manager before registering for self-use. Users should schedule training close to when self-use will start. If there is a lapse of six (6) or more months between training and usage, users are required to re-train on the instrument.
  
• Instrument training rate is the combined rate of the hourly self-use rate use plus the blended bill-out labor rate.
• Instrument SOPs and related documents are available on the instrument listing.

Operating Hours

Standard operating hours for internal users are 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., or as permitted by the specific CRF lab director/manager. The Nanofabrication Lab operates on a 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. schedule.

Instrument use outside standard hours may be coordinated with the lab director/manager. After hours use of any CRF is not permitted without the approval of the lab manager/director.

Orders & Reservations

Our CRISP ™ database provides streamline searches, and order placement and reservations. Using the calendars feature, users may request services (referred to as “assisted use”) to be fulfilled by our lab staff. For such orders, please designate a required due date. When reserving using “self-use” hours, users request a specific time slots for instruments and facilities use. The scheduling tool will inform users when there is a conflict in placing the reservation. Please do not make reservation when there is a schedule conflict with another user. Reservations may be made for all CRF using one order form. Shopping carts remain open in the order system until orders are submitted. Users may use the “notes” feature of the order form to communicate information or ask question of the lab directors/managers.

All order are reviewed and confirmed by the appropriate CRF lab directors/managers. Users will receive an email order confirmation. Order confirmation should be received within 8 business hours of the order request.

Upon completion of an order, CRF lab staff close the order in the CRISP™ database system. If for any reason you are not satisfied with the instruments performance or services rendered, please discuss with the specific CRF lab director/manager.

A 24-hour cancellation policy is requested. Lab Director/Managers have the discretion to require a stricter cancellation policy based upon CRF activity. Users will be billed for “no-shows.” Charges for “no-shows” may not be charged to government sponsored programs and will be charged to faculty discretionary accounts.

SPEED TYPE NUMBERS are required at the time of order. We request that faculty provide their students with the correct speed type number to include on the CRF order. Faculty may email the CRF Business Office with the appropriate speed type number once the billing statement is received. After 30 days if faculty are non-responsive to request for the appropriate charge number, CRF invoices will be charged to the faculty’s discretionary account. Core Research Facilities Agreement may be indicated under the “billing reference” field on the order form.

Use Types

• Assisted: Assisted use is a service provided by the Core Research Facility. Our professionally trained staff will operate the reserved instrument and provide the data obtained to the user. When a more extensive analysis interpretation or expertise is required, users are to reserve “Lab Staff Analysis and Service” time in addition to instrument time.
• Training: All self-user are required to complete the prescribed training requirements listed in the description field for each instrument. Users with experience using an instrument must receive a training waiver and prove competency to the appropriate lab director/manager.
• Self-use: Certified users may reserve instrument use time. NOTE: Once users are certified, lab staff will provide minimal guidance (less than 15 minutes for each occurrence) for demo preparation, etc. Users requiring demo preparation must reserve “sample prep services” from the order menu.

Billing Statements and Payments

• Billing statements are compiled by all orders for each Core Research Facility.
• Monthly billing statements are emailed to faculty as well as a pdf copy of the invoice,
• Billing statements will reflect all orders for the monthly period. Please provide omitted speed type numbers to the CRF Business Office upon receipt of billing statement.
• The CRF Business Office submits the corresponding journal entry transmittal form to the Bursar’s Office for processing. After 30 days if faculty are non-responsive to requests for the appropriate charge number, CRF invoices will be charged to the faculty’s discretionary account.

A prominent Pennsylvania guitar maker is the first manufacturer in the country to receive an environmental sustainability certification for one of its instruments.

C.F. Martin & Company announced Thursday that it has received the Preferred by Nature Sustainability Framework certification, making it the first company in the United States to do so, and only the second worldwide.

According to a release, the Nazareth-based manufacturer received the accolade for its Martin OM Biosphere guitar, which was designed to show the company’s support for the preservation and replenishment of coral reefs.

The company called reefs "some of the most diverse and valuable ecosystems on earth," and said the instrument is "a call to action on climate change."

Preferred by Nature is a nonprofit supporting better land management and business practices with a focus on land use, primarily through forest, agriculture and climate impact commodities, and related sectors like tourism and ecosystem restoration.

The nonprofit’s Sustainability Framework aims to guide organizations toward sustainable practices, and includes four main elements: management and business, people, nature, and climate.

"By adhering to the Sustainability Framework, companies demonstrate their commitment to responsible resource management, human rights, and nature conservation, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future," the release said.

“Preferred by Nature and Martin share the same vision: ‘To pass on the Earth to coming generations in a good shape, we must urgently invent and adopt more sustainable ways of living, sourcing and trading.’” Cindy McAllister, Martin Director of Intellectual Property, Community, and Government Relations, said in a statement.

The OM Biosphere is 100% FSC-certified, a label given by the Forest Stewardship Council which indicates that the product's materials came from sustainable and responsibly-managed forests.

It is the second plastic-free guitar in production, following the now-discontinued 00L Earth guitar, introduced in 2021 and also made by Martin.

Provided

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C.F. Martin & Company

The company said at the time that it chose to go plastic-free with the 00L Earth because of the harm single-use plastics are causing to ecosystems, and its contributions to global warming.

The OM Biosphere costs $2,299, and its design features a sea turtle and colorful ocean reef scene created by artist Robert Goetzl, who also designed the Earth-and-stars design used on the 00L Earth.

It also includes a sustainable gig bag made of hemp, which Martin said is another company first.

Having received the Preferred by Nature certification, the OM Biosphere will carry the nonprofit's Hummingbird Seal, which the release says, “combines both sustainability aspects and climate requirements” and “signifies adherence to stringent sustainability criteria.”

These include compliance with the framework's principles, as well as required carbon compensation and offsetting measures to mitigate environmental impacts.

Read more from our partners, WDIY.