The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Professional Piloting prepares students with knowledge of aerodynamics, aircraft engine and system operation, aircraft operating limitations and performance, weather and atmospheric processes, as well as navigation and communication methods. This degree program prepares graduates for careers in professional flying. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has authorized UAA to certify its professional piloting graduates as eligible for an Airline Transport Pilot certificate with Reduced Aeronautical Experience (R-ATP).
Licensure and/or Certification
Students that complete the AAS in Professional Piloting will obtain their commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating in both single and multi-engine aircraft.
Please go to UAA's Authorization by State website for information about licensure or certification in a state other than Alaska.
Admission Requirements
- Complete the Admission Requirements for Associate Degrees.
- It is recommended that students planning to enroll in the AAS in Professional Piloting obtain an FAA second-class airman medical certificate (Federal Aviation Regulation Part 67, Subpart C) to assure they meet the medical qualifications to complete the program.
Special Considerations
- Flight training costs are not included in university tuition. Students must meet with the Flight Operations Scheduling Officer to obtain department approval to register for all flight courses. Flight training costs are based on hourly rates established for each aircraft type flown. Students will be provided with current hourly flight costs and program cost estimates when they meet with the department’s academic advisor.
- Students must possess an FAA Part 67 second-class airman medical certificate before beginning any flight training.
- U.S. citizens must present verification of U.S. citizenship before beginning any flight or airplane simulator training. The following three methods are acceptable: an unexpired U.S. passport, an original or raised seal official copy of birth certificate, or an original or raised seal official copy of Certificate of Naturalization. Non-U.S. citizens must register and receive approval from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) before beginning any flight or simulator training. Please contact the Aviation Technology Division (ATD) for information.
- Students must complete all ground and flight portions of UAA's instrument and commercial training course outlines to be eligible for graduation with the professional piloting concentration. Students are responsible to work with their advisor to also ensure their degree plan includes the minimum 30 FAA-approved credits required for the R-ATP.
- Military pilots may petition to have appropriate curriculum requirements awarded based on FAA pilot certificates held on a case-by-case basis.
- Students in this associate degree are encouraged to have an additional focus of study outside of aviation.
- Once enrolled in any flight training course (courses where the student is receiving flight training) at UAA, students are required to complete the course requirements within 12 months from the date of registration. Failure to do so will be considered unsatisfactory progress and will result in a failing (F) grade in that registered flight course. If a student receives a failing grade in a flight training course, the course may be repeated.
Graduation Requirements
- Complete the General University Requirements for Associate of Applied Science Degrees.
- Complete the General Education Requirements for Associate of Applied Science Degrees.
- For the Quantitative Skills requirement choose MATH A151 or higher.
- Complete the following major requirements:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ATA A102 | Introduction to Aviation Technology | 3 |
| ATA A133 | Aviation Law and Regulations | 3 |
| ATA A233 | Aviation Safety | 3 |
| ATA A331 | Human Factors in Aviation | 3 |
| ATP A100 | Private Pilot Ground School | 3 |
| ATP A101 | Pre-Professional Flying | 2 |
| ATP A116 | Instrument Ground School | 3 |
| ATP A126 | Instrument Flying | 2 |
| ATP A200 | Commercial Ground School | 3 |
| ATP A218 | Commercial Flying I | 1.5 |
| ATP A219 | Commercial Flying II | 1.5 |
| ATP A220 | Commercial Flying III | 2 |
| ATP A235 | Elements of Weather | 3 |
| ATP A305 | Airplane Multiengine Land Rating | 2 |
| PHYS A123 | College Physics I | 3 |
| PHYS A123L | College Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
| Total | 39 | |
A minimum of 60 credits is required for the degree.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with an Associate of Applied Science in Professional Piloting will be able to:
- Demonstrate proficiency in instrument pilot and commercial pilot knowledge and flight skills
- Demonstrate knowledge of aviation law and regulations, and of the legal issues affecting the aviation industry
- Demonstrate knowledge of the issues affecting aviation safety and safety management
- Demonstrate knowledge of aviation weather and of aviation weather services.