Program Code: APPAO.S.AAS • Credit Hours: 66-68
Description
This program leads to an Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Technology/Professional Pilot and is designed for students who want to pursue a career as a professional pilot. The student, having completed this course work, will have the background, skills and pilot credentials to enter the aviation industry as a professional pilot or continue towards obtaining an aviation bachelor’s degree. Students may choose either FAA fixed wing or helicopter pilot certifications. The program has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorization to certify graduates of the fixed wing track to apply for a restricted privileges airline transport pilot (RATP) certificate with reduced hours. Enrollment in this program is limited and students must complete a competitive application process and obtain an FAA 2nd class medical certificate prior to being admitted. The curriculum in the Professional Pilot program is rigorous and students must maintain full time status and take the required courses in the degree template each semester. Part time students will be admitted on a space available basis. Students must meet with an academic advisor prior to each semester to verify their course selection. Students must maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA.
In addition to standard tuition fees there are additional course and lab fees for each of the flight labs in the program. The flight lab fees are structured to cover the costs associated with the minimum flying hours required for each FAA certificate. Any additional flying time costs beyond the FAA minimums covered by the flight lab fee must be borne by the student. See the Department for the latest course and flight lab fee costs.
Career Opportunities
Excellent career opportunities are available in airline, corporate and business aviation. The 2018 Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook, a respected industry forecast of personnel demand, projects that 790,000 new civil aviation pilots will be needed to fly and maintain the world fleet over the next 20 years. The forecast is inclusive of the commercial aviation, business aviation, and civil helicopter industries. The demand will stem from a mix of fleet growth, retirements, and attrition. PSA Airlines, a local regional airline, has a continuous need for new pilots and had excellent hiring incentive programs.
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