Aircraft Operations (AAS)
Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree

The content of the aircraft operations major combines the theory and the practical application that is needed to begin a career as a commercial pilot. The primary objective is to prepare the graduate for an entry-level flight operations career in the aviation industry and aviation-related government agencies. This program is intended for students with minimal or no flight time. As a result of completing this program, students will have obtained the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot Certificate. Commercial pilots may be admitted only at the discretion of the department chair. All students must obtain the FAA Class II Medical Certificate and receive financial requirements counseling by the College's admissions office prior to being accepted into the program. Entry into this program is competitive, with a limited number of seats available. Private pilots with the Instrument Rating interested in enrolling in the program with advanced standing must successfully complete an evaluation administered by the department chair before entering into the program. This evaluation will include a review of the pilot's records, oral and written examinations, and a flight review. Those pilots admitted into the program must complete their Commercial Pilot Certificate training requirements with the College's approved contractor(s). Students enrolled in the program must participate in flight training with College of Aeronautics' approved contractor(s), who will provide aircraft and flight instruction services required for the FAA Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot Certificate.

Flight simulation training, pilot ground school, and flight laboratories, for which college credit is granted, will be carried out by fully qualified faculty of the College of Aeronautics. It should be noted that college credit will not be granted for flight training completed with contractors-only for the laboratory portion of that course that is taught at the College by College faculty.

The Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology also offers courses in the aircraft operations department to allow students to participate in the FAA's Air Traffic Control-Collegiate Training Initiative (ATC-CTI) program. Successful completion of the ATC-CTI program will allow candidates who wish to become air traffic control specialists to be recommended to the FAA. (See course descriptions for FO31, FO50, FO51 and FO55 for further information.) All flight students must hold a current Class II medical certificate.

Note: Flight training, offered in conjunction with the aircraft operations department's degree programs, is available only to students who are enrolled in those specific degree programs.