Aviation Science
Program Description
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A degree in Aviation Science from Mt San Jacinto College is guaranteed to take you places. MSJC’s program prepares students to become professional pilots or flight operations specialists. The program can be tailored to meet the needs of individual students and is designed for students without any flying experience.
One of the ultimate goals of the program is to provide R-ATP (Restricted- Airline Transport Pilot) ratings. FAA approval of the R-ATP would allow graduates of the MSJC program to obtain their Airline Transport Pilot Certification at 1250 hours instead of the otherwise 1500 hours, an obvious advantage when looking at an airline job. For MSJC to apply for the R-ATP, the instrument and commercial courses must be taught under 14 CFR Appendix B and Appendix C to Part 141. Additionally, the courses that we provided MSJC were under CFR Part 141 and Part 61. The commercial FAR Part 141 is 50 hours less than the Part 61 course, so it is another advantage to add or include the courses under Part 141 as well as Part 61 in the Flight Training Cost section.
Professional Pilot courses will provide students with the opportunity to gain the licenses and ratings needed to be employed as an FAA Certified Flight Instructor. Typically the program takes approximately 20 months of instruction and flight training before students are able to get their first job as a flight instructor. Students can be working as a pilot before they complete their college degree. The courses will be created as hybrid offerings and will be available both online and face-to-face.
Mt. San Jacinto College’s Professional Pilot Program will be small and personal enough to allow students to truly know their professors and flight training staff by name. MSJC will offer a unique experience where genuine relationships can be built on students and faculty. MSJC will provide flight school students with a personalized learning environment that will lead to career opportunities as an aviator. Airplane and helicopter pilots are in high demand worldwide. Professional pilots with the right educational background are able to compete for the best aviation jobs anywhere in the world. This collaborative approach is extremely important when it comes to flight training and career placement. It means more hands-on flight training experience combined with the personal mentorship of the best trainers in the aviation industry. Due to the intimate nature of the program, our students will graduate ready for a career in aviation.
Transfer Preparation
MSJC offers a wide range of course work that prepares students for the workforce or for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. All four-year institutions prescribe their own standards for course evaluation and admissions. Courses that fulfill major requirements for an associate degree in a program at MSJC might not be the same as those required for transfer into a similar major at a four-year university. Please meet with a Counselor to confirm transfer requirements.
Transfer students are advised to do research on prospective majors and careers. The MSJC Transfer Center and MSJC catalog can be helpful tools. Students interested in transferring to CSU’s or UC’s can access major preparation by visiting ASSIST. All students are advised to meet with a counselor at least once a semester to create or update their comprehensive education plan.
In order to attain certification as a pilot, students are required to satisfy aeronautical experience requirements as outlined in applicable subparts of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR). The majority of this experience must be accumulated in actual aircraft. Flight training is necessary for students to meet the specific requirements of FAR 61.109 (Private Pilot), FAR 61.65 (Instrument), and FAR 61.129 (Commercial) certification.
Flight time and Instructor fees are billed separately from ground school courses. Most students require training beyond the minimum hours required in FAR 61.109, FAR 61.65, and FAR 61.129 to become proficient in the aircraft. The total program cost may range between $45,000 to $80,000. Please note that aircraft and instructor fees may be subject to change.
All students are required to obtain a second-class medical certificate in order to qualify for all ATP Flight Lab participation.
Additional costs include but are not limited to, second-class medical certificate, pilot supplies, program materials, airport security badge, no show fees, and FAA examinations. These fees are not included in the total program cost and must be paid separately by the student.
- Follow applicable Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)
- Verify aeronautical knowledge by selecting the appropriate response to questions and scenarios.
- Operate aircraft safely and efficiently.
Discover in-demand careers and education options based on your interests! See the list of careers below or explore further by searching for Careers or Programs.
Note: There are no guaranteed positions for students completing these programs. Education and work experience required will vary by employer. The salary and benefits for specific occupations will be dependent on work experience, education, background, and employer. Labor market statistics are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Census Bureau, O-NET, EMSI.
| Career/Industries | CA Annual Median Salary or Range | Employment Demand or Opening CA |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Pilot (SM, C, B) | $130,027 | 872 |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers (C, B, M) | $233,772 | 1,606 |
(degree required: SM some college, C: Certificate, A: Associate degree, B: Bachelor’s degree, M: Master’s degree, D: Doctorate)