The Aviation program prepares students with the required Federal Aviation Administration certificate for initial employment as aircraft pilots in a wide variety of entry-level, flight-related occupations. Such occupations may include flight instructor, banner tow pilot, jump plane pilot, corporate transportation, public service, etc. In some instances, additional specialized training will be required. Students aspiring to employment with airlines can elect to use their flight instructor certificate to help build flight time in an economical manner. While the aviation industry is cyclic, indicators point to an increase in pilot hiring through 2030. Job mobility within the aviation industry increases as flight experience increases. The experienced pilot who demonstrates quality flight techniques, willingness to learn, organizational skills, reliability and good communication skills will find opportunities to advance into larger aircraft operations or other positions within the industry such as management, business owner, sales, corporate jet operator or systems trainer.
NOTE Federal Financial Aid is not available for the Professional Pilot program, but scholarship assistance may be available.
Aviation students ►
In addition to complying with the College’s general admission procedures, Aviation students must
►have the ability to read, speak, write and understand English proficiently;
►be able to prove United States citizenship;
►possess a current 3rd class medical certificate; and
meet the following age requirements
►be 15 years or older to take AVN 101S or AVN 102S;
►be 16 years or older to complete the solo flight requirements of AVN 102S;
►be 17 years or older to obtain the private pilot license after successfully completing AVN 101S and AVN 102S; or
►be 17 years or older to take any AVN courses beyond AVN 102S.
Program Outcomes ►
The student will
- demonstrate the skills required to pass the FAA knowledge test appropriate to the certificate or rating sought;
- demonstrate the skills required to pass the FAA flight test appropriate to the certificate or rating sought;
- demonstrate a working knowledge of the aircraft flight manual, performance charts and operating characteristics of the aircraft;
- explain aircraft systems as applied to normal and emergency situations;
- recognize and identify potentially hazardous weather scenarios as they pertain to safety of flight;
- demonstrate the ability to conduct safe flight operations through proper preflight planning and risk mitigation analysis;
- demonstrate an understanding of Federal Aviation Regulations (AR) and proficiency in cross-county flight planning;
- explain pilot psychology, physiology, human factors, aircraft technology, navigation systems and cockpit resource management (CRM) in relation to aviation safety;
- demonstrate the ability to instruct aviation subjects; and
- display conduct and communicate in the professional manner necessary in the aviation industry.
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