A pilot degree program offered through Kansas State University Salina will expand to the Kansas City area.

The university announced Monday that the expanded program will start next year.

Students will be able to take flight training from Air Associates in Olathe, general-education classes from Johnson County Community College, and other classes online from Kansas State Salina. The students will graduate with a bachelor of science degree in aeronautical technology-professional pilot.

New federal regulations require co-pilots to have at least 1,500 hours of flight experience, an increase from the previous 250-hour requirement. But co-pilots with a four-year degree need only 1,000 hours.

An informational meeting will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Air Associates in Olathe.