Dual Enrollment Helps Aspiring Aviator Find Success Worth Sharing

An airline captain with a book recommendation helped start Killian Madeley's aviation journey.

Now, Dual Enrollment at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University is helping him accelerate it.

Killian, who lives in Hanna City, Illinois, just west of Peoria, will graduate high school with his Associate in Science in Aeronautics and a head start on the Bachelor of Science in Pilot Operations degree he plans to pursue at Embry‑Riddle’s Worldwide Campus.

With a solid plan for his academic and piloting progress in place, 17-year-old Killian earned his private pilot license in 2023 and is now on his way to his instrument ticket, bringing him one step closer to his ultimate dream of flying corporate jets.

“It has all been a very unique experience,” Killian said of his flight training and his foray into the world of college-level classes. “It has definitely been challenging, but I am thankful for all of it. It's a great way to secure your future.”

Why Dual Enrollment Students Should Start Early

For Killian, the only downside of dual enrollment was not finding out about it earlier than he did. With such obvious benefits for those willing to accept the challenge, Killian said he has tried to spread the word to friends and classmates.

“I didn't even really know dual enrollment was a thing, which I think is the case for a lot of people,” Killian said. “It’s sad that more people don’t know about these opportunities. I know a lot of people were probably seniors in high school when they first heard about it, and by then, it is too late for it to be helpful.”

Killian said he recently spoke about dual enrollment with a fellow member of Chapter 563 of the Experimental Aircraft Association.

“They were asking me about what my college plans were, and I told them what I was doing,” he said. “Now they’re doing dual enrollment at Embry‑Riddle, too, and that’s something I am really happy about.”

From Frequent Flyer to Pilot in Command

Aviation, which Killian has been surrounded by his whole life, is another thing that puts a smile on his face. His dad, Paul, now a manager at an electrical engineering contractor, was a Royal Air Force cadet in his native Ireland, and his mom, Holly, took a few flight lessons of her own some time ago.

Traveling became a regular thing for Killian, and he spent plenty of time aboard airliners, often as an unaccompanied minor. After one trip, Killian asked the captain how he could learn more about securing a seat on the flight deck.

The pilot recommended the book “Professional Pilot’s Career Guide” by Robert Mark, an aviator and industry expert.

“It basically outlines all of the different types of flying you can do,” Killian said. “So, I started talking to my dad about it, and he got me a discovery flight in February 2022.”

Although he had spent plenty of time in the air, getting his hands on the controls convinced him that a pilot’s license was worth working toward, and he began training earnestly.

Killian said his dad was a continuous source of support, and he also joined the EAA chapter at nearby Mt. Hawley Airport. The renowned aviation organization based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, supports many young pilots, and the Peoria Chapter is now building a Zenith Cruzer 750 Kit Aircraft, a project that also caught Killian’s attention.

“Getting to talk to those individuals and having access to those resources made a difference because they have real-world knowledge and experience,” Killian said. “Hearing about their journeys and accomplishments really helped me get into my flight training.” 

Putting Dual Enrollment on the Radar

It was right about this time that Killian discovered dual enrollment during a discussion with one of his teachers at Elmwood High School.

“I hadn’t thought a lot about college up to that point,” said Killian, who was a sophomore at the time.

Once he started researching the idea of earning college credits while still in high school, he found Embry‑Riddle’s program online, and it all clicked.

“Within a day or two, I was able to look through all the courses and plot it out in my mind; here's what I'd be doing,” Killian said. “Here are the aeronautical sciences, here's the maintenance courses, here’s the general education. It was all available.”

Working with his counselor and Embry‑Riddle’s experienced Dual Enrollment team, Killian started with one course to see if he could manage it. That progressed into two courses a semester, and his pace has been consistent since then, even though it took some getting used to.

“College professors have different expectations than high school teachers,” he said. “It's been stimulating because it gets me to think in different ways. It helped polish my skills, especially in essay writing, which has made it much easier for me to do analyses and lab reports. It's made it easier for me in the rest of my high school classes, and that wasn't something I was anticipating.”

Charting His Future Course

With his A.S. degree in sight, Killian is excited about the flexibility of pursuing his bachelor’s through the fully online programs offered by the Worldwide Campus. It will save him time and money as he continues to knock out his flight ratings.

Once he’s ready, Killian has a definite destination in mind for his pilot skills.

“As far as my dream company goes, it would be NetJets,” he said. “I spoke with one of their employees, and I've looked into what their philosophy is and how they treat their workers. I really like the way it's structured.”

Beyond flying the hottest, fastest business jets, another thing that appeals to Killian about corporate flying is the chance to build personal relationships with the passengers he carries.

“In my mind, airline flying is super impersonal,” he said. “Getting to know people and taking them to so many different places, you can build connections and rapport. And why would you not want to see more of the world versus flying the same route every day?”

As he prepares for the next leg of his journey, Killian has some additional advice for those who might want to follow his flight path.

“Take the time to investigate what resources are available,” said Killian, who plans to apply for a Chancellor’s Scholarship at Embry‑Riddle and has previously earned a Ray Aviation Scholarship through the EAA. “I didn’t know about the number of scholarships that were available, but the EAA, AOPA and NBAA all have programs that can help lighten the burden of paying for flight training.”

Inspiration + Hard Work = Success

While it is his dedication and determination that has enabled Killian to keep up with his flight training, attend high school and college at the same time and also hold down a job fulfilling online orders at a local grocery store, he gives plenty of props to his parents for their help in getting him so far so fast.

“I am very thankful to my dad,” said Killian, who lives with his father. “He has always supported me and held confidence in me. My mom, even though she lives far away, has always believed in me and been open about her own experiences.”

“With anything in life, you have to be inspired,” he continued. “And they were my inspiration.”

Get inspired about your future. Apply for Dual Enrollment at Embry‑Riddle today.