Associate of Applied Science | 64 credits minimum

Aviation & Related Technologies Division
Westpointe Center: Salt Lake City, UT
General Information: (801) 957-4073
Program Information: (801) 957-2140
www.slcc.edu/professionalpilot
Academic and Career Advising
Academic Advisor: Taylorsville Redwood Campus CT 249, (801) 957-4550

Program Faculty:
Associate Professors - Fiona Silcox
Assistant Professor - Erwin Zunde

Program Description: Salt Lake Community College has offered the Pilot program for 20 years and prepares students for a successful and exciting career in the aerospace industry. The program includes classroom academics, simulator training, and inflight instruction. All academic and flight training is certified under the Federal Aviation Administration PAR’s Part 141 standards. Graduates of SLCC’s Aerospace/Aviation Pilot program are well prepared for successful and exciting careers in the aerospace industry. SLCC also caters to future pilots who may not be seeking a degree.

There are a few degrees available within Aerospace/Aviation Technology Department. These degrees include an Associate of Science in Aerospace/Aviation Technology with four different tracks (Fixed-Wing, Rotor-Wing, Aviation Administration, or Dispatch Track), Associate of Applied Science degrees (Fixed-Wing and Rotor-Wing) and Certificates of Completion (Fixed-Wing and Rotor-Wing).

Career Opportunities: Career opportunities within the aerospace and aviation industry for pilots and dispatchers include, but are not limited to: U.S. Military, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Division of Wildlife, Commercial flight operations (flight instructing, scenic tours, cargo, charter, firefighting, parajumpers, trafficwatch), Major Commercial flight operations (regional and major airlines), and private corporate flight departments.

Transfer/Articulation Information: Students who earn an AAS degree in Aerospace/Aviation Technology-Pilot also have the option to transfer into the Technology Management Bachelor Degree at Utah Valley University. UVU will accept up to 45 technical credits towards this degree.

Program Entry Requirements: Minimum age is 17 for pilot applicants. English literacy in reading and speaking is required. Physical condition must be certified by an FAA Medical Examiner for pilot applicants. A minimum of a Class II physical exam is required at the approximate cost of $150. To find a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) for a Class II Medical Exam please visit the FAA website at http://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator. The physical exam must be completed prior to the first flight lesson. Financial Aid is available for eligible students and must be applied for at least 3 months prior to anticipated need.

Students should possess a strong desire to succeed in each and every endeavor, be willing to devote themselves 100% to a challenging academic and in-flight curriculum and be willing to pursue an active career in a dynamic and fast-paced industry.

Strong, consistent performance in basic high school studies and good overall physical health will adequately prepare students for success in the SLCC program and overall aviation industry.

Students may start this program during the Fall, Spring or Summer semester. For information on getting started, please visit www.slcc.edu/students-future/admissions

Total Program/Course Fees: In addition to tuition and fees, students will pay a special fee for pilot flight labs. This fee is based on the national average flight training required for the particular certificate. Flight lab fees may vary due to individual abilities and aircraft equipment selected. Contact program faculty for more information on flight lab fees. Federal Aviation Administration knowledge exams and practical test flights for pilot certifications are included in the flight lab fees.

Estimated Cost for Students: The cost of tuition per semester may be found at www.slcc.edu/students-future/tuition-fees. The average cost per semester for books and supplies is $250. Most textbooks can be obtained from the College’s bookstore, online, or are available at the pilot shop from the flight school on contract.

Estimated Time to Completion: If students follow the suggested semester schedule, time to completion is four semesters.

Specialized Accreditation: FAA-approved Part 141 flight program

Program Objectives: The FAA-approved Part 141 flight program prepares students to earn the following certificates: Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, Commercial Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor, and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument in Rotor Wing. (The FAA approved Part 65 Dispatch Program prepares students to earn a Dispatch Certification.) The student must demonstrate through knowledge tests, practical tests, and show through appropriate records that he/she meets the knowledge, skill, and experience requirement necessary for the associated pilot or dispatch certificate. The various stages are complete when the student has completed written exams with a minimum passing score of 70%. All program courses require a grade of a C or higher to be considered a passing grade. Students enrolled in the Dispatch option must have a cumulative GPA of a 3.0 to be recommended to take the FAA practical exam. The FAA practical exam, when required for issuance of an FAA pilot certificate, will be required for completion and issuance of a grade for the applicable flight lab.

An incomplete is a conditional grade given only in extraordinary cases where a student has completed a major portion of the class, but is unable to complete course work due to circumstances beyond their control such as major illness/injury, death in the family, and military activation. Other conditions for Incompletes may be issued for flight training labs related to weather delays, aircraft maintenance, and unavailable instructors. All missed flights must be documented and approved by the faculty member overseeing the flight labs.