Hill College Partners with Lively Aviation to Offer Private Pilot Ground School

  Ashlee Ferguson
  Thursday, October 29, 2026 3:48 PM
  Enrollment Management, Academics

Cleburne, TX

Hill College is partnering with Lively Aviation to offer private pilot ground school, providing students with an opportunity to begin building the knowledge and skills needed to pursue their aviation goals. Ground school will prepare students for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) private pilot knowledge exam.  

“We’re very excited to partner with Hill College and see something we’ve been working toward for quite some time come to life,” said Jeff Lively, owner of Lively Aviation. “This partnership brings new aviation opportunities to students in our local community and gives them a place to begin pursuing their goals. We look forward to helping grow this program over the coming semesters and introducing students to the possibilities that aviation has to offer.”  

The course will begin Jan. 26, 2027, and meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-7:40 p.m. in Room 211A of the Instruction Building at Hill College Johnson County Campus. The partnership expands opportunities for individuals interested in aviation and reflects the College’s commitment to providing educational experiences that support students’ personal and professional goals. 

Lively Aviation and Hill College signing agreements“At Hill College, we're always looking for new ways to help students discover opportunities and achieve their goals,” said Dr. Shelley Pearson, Vice President of Student Learning and Success. “Aviation opens the door to exciting possibilities, and this partnership allows us to offer an innovative pathway that aligns with both student interests and regional opportunities. We see this program as the first step in building a broader aviation pathway at Hill College and expanding opportunities for future students.” 

Being near Fort Worth, the Aviation and Defense Capital of Texas after the House Concurrent Resolution 142 was signed by Governor Greg Abbott in June of 2025, gives Hill College students a unique advantage as they explore careers in one of the state's most dynamic industries. 

Registration for the course closes Jan. 20, 2027. Individuals interested in enrolling should complete registration before the deadline. 

For more information about private pilot ground school or enrollment, contact Dean of Business & Industry Brian Bennett at bbennett@hillcollege.edu or 817.760.5903.