This program of study academically prepares men and women of all ages for entry into the world of commercial aviation. In addition to airline flying many positions are available worldwide for trained commercial pilots. Businesses large and small hire corporate pilots for executive transport. Government agencies, both federal and state, hire commercial pilots for law enforcement, land management, wildlife management and staff logistics. Pilots are also in demand for fire suppression, emergency medical transportation and charter.

The curriculum is designed for students with no flying experience. Courses will systematically prepare individuals academically for the certificates and ratings required to operate aircraft as a commercial pilot. In addition, flight lab courses are offered as suggested electives enabling the student to complete all aspects of their training under the auspices of the college and to accrue the flight hours necessary for licensing as a commercial pilot.

The course of study can be tailored to individual requirements. The small business owner who only needs to use an aircraft for personal transportation can end their training with the 2 and preparation for the Instrument rating. A student seeking a career as a professional pilot would progress through the curriculum to earn a Commercial Pilot Certificate of Specialization along with a Turbine Transition Skill Certificate. All training is conducted in accordance labs are conducted in accordance with an approved FAR Part 141 syllabus.

Program Outcomes

1. Students will develop the analytical and critical thinking skills necessary for completion of aviation flight training and successful completion of federally administered knowledge and practical tests.
2. Students will develop a baseline understanding of industry terminology along with the analytical and critical thinking skills necessary to enter the air transportation industry as professionals in non-flying capacities such as: ground operations, customer services, gate attendants, aviation sales, flight crew attendants, and charter flight coordinators.

Certificate of Achievement Requirements

The Certificate of Achievement is a state-approved career program that requires a minimum of eight units and is designed to prepare the graduate to enter a particular field of employment.  In order to be awarded a certificate, students are required to obtain a grade of “C” or better in all program-required courses. Grades of “CR” or “P” will be accepted whereas “CR” or “P” meets the equivalency of a “C” or better.  At least 3 units in an advanced course from the certificate must be completed at OCC at the department’s discretion.  Certificates of Achievement are not automatically awarded.  A petition must be filed in Enrollment Services or online at the beginning of the semester in which the student will be completing their final requirements.  The petitioning periods are listed in the Graduation Requirements section of this catalog.  Check with a counselor to determine the requirements for completion.

A list of certificate programs can be found in the Programs A-Z section of this catalog.  

Course List Units

Course	Title	Units
Required Courses
APT A130	Private Pilot Aviation Ground School	5
APT A132	Aviation Navigation	3
APT A133	Aviation-Meteorology	3
APT A146	Advanced Aircraft & Engines	3
APT A180	Basic Air Transportation	3
Select a Track:		9
Track 1:
APT A134	Instrument Pilot Aviation Ground School
APT A138	Aerodynamics
APT A139	Commercial Pilot Aviation Ground School
Track 2:
APT A110	Introduction to Airport Operations
APT A115	Introduction to Flight Operations
APT A145	Airline Transport Pilot Ground
Restricted Electives		6
Select 6 units (courses used above may not fulfill elective units):
APT A110	Introduction to Airport Operations
APT A115	Introduction to Flight Operations
APT A120	Private Pilot Flight Lab
APT A121	Instrument Pilot Flight Lab
APT A122	Commercial Pilot Flight Lab
APT A123	Private Pilot Advanced Flight Lab
APT A124	Advanced Commercial Pilot Flight Lab
APT A126	Multi-Engine Aircraft Operations Lab
APT A140	Flight Instructor Ground School
APT A145	Airline Transport Pilot Ground
APT A146	Advanced Aircraft & Engines
APT A192	Human Factors and Crew Resource Management
ACCT A101	Financial Accounting
ACCT A102	Managerial Accounting
ECON A170	Microeconomics
ECON A175	Macroeconomics
Total Units		32

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are curriculum maps for students to finish all requirements for the certificate. There may be advisories, prerequisites, or time requirements that students need to consider before following these maps. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor for alternate sequencing.

Select one of the following tracks:

Track 1

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Semester 1		Units
APT A130	Private Pilot Aviation Ground School	5
APT A133	Aviation-Meteorology	3
	Units	8
Semester 2
APT A134	Instrument Pilot Aviation Ground School	3
APT A180	Basic Air Transportation	3
	Units	6
Year 2
Semester 1
APT A139	Commercial Pilot Aviation Ground School	3
APT A146	Advanced Aircraft & Engines	3
CERT RESTRICTED ELECTIVES (See Requirements)		3
	Units	9
Semester 2
APT A132	Aviation Navigation	3
APT A138	Aerodynamics	3
CERT RESTRICTED ELECTIVES (See Requirements)		3
	Units	9
	Total Units	32

Track 2

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Semester 1		Units
APT A130	Private Pilot Aviation Ground School	5
APT A133	Aviation-Meteorology	3
	Units	8
Semester 2
APT A145	Airline Transport Pilot Ground	3
APT A180	Basic Air Transportation	3
CERT RESTRICTED ELECTIVES (See Requirements)		3
	Units	9
Year 2
Semester 1
APT A110	Introduction to Airport Operations	3
APT A146	Advanced Aircraft & Engines	3
APT A115	Introduction to Flight Operations	3
	Units	9
Semester 2
APT A132	Aviation Navigation	3
CERT RESTRICTED ELECTIVES (See Requirements)		3
	Units	6
	Total Units	32