Academic Catalogs

Aviation Science, Certificate of Achievement

Banner Code: 1_CT_AVSC

Control Number: 22436

Financial Aid Eligible


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.

Review Graduation Requirements.

Course Title Units
Required Courses
APT A130Private Pilot Aviation Ground School5
APT A132Aviation Navigation3
APT A133Aviation-Meteorology3
APT A146Advanced Aircraft & Engines3
APT A180Basic Air Transportation3
Select a Track:9
Track 1:
Instrument Pilot Aviation Ground School
Aerodynamics
Commercial Pilot Aviation Ground School
Track 2:
Introduction to Airport Operations
Introduction to Flight Operations
Airline Transport Pilot Ground
Restricted Electives6
Select 6 units (courses used above may not fulfill elective units):
Introduction to Airport Operations
Introduction to Flight Operations
Private Pilot Flight Lab
Instrument Pilot Flight Lab
Commercial Pilot Flight Lab
Private Pilot Advanced Flight Lab
Advanced Commercial Pilot Flight Lab
Multi-Engine Aircraft Operations Lab
Flight Instructor Ground School
Airline Transport Pilot Ground
Human Factors and Crew Resource Management
Financial Accounting
Financial Accounting Honors
Managerial Accounting
Managerial Accounting Honors
Microeconomics
Microeconomics Honors
Macroeconomics
Macroeconomics Honors
Total Units32

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 1Units
APT A130 Private Pilot Aviation Ground School 5
APT A133 Aviation-Meteorology 3
 Units8
Semester 2
APT A134 Instrument Pilot Aviation Ground School 3
APT A180 Basic Air Transportation 3
 Units6
Year 2
Semester 1
APT A139 Commercial Pilot Aviation Ground School 3
APT A146 Advanced Aircraft & Engines 3
CERT RESTRICTED ELECTIVES (See Requirements) 3
 Units9
Semester 2
APT A132 Aviation Navigation 3
APT A138 Aerodynamics 3
CERT RESTRICTED ELECTIVES (See Requirements) 3
 Units9
 Total Units32

Track 2

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
APT A130 Private Pilot Aviation Ground School 5
APT A133 Aviation-Meteorology 3
 Units8
Semester 2
APT A145 Airline Transport Pilot Ground 3
APT A180 Basic Air Transportation 3
CERT RESTRICTED ELECTIVES (See Requirements) 3
 Units9
Year 2
Semester 1
APT A110 Introduction to Airport Operations 3
APT A146 Advanced Aircraft & Engines 3
APT A115 Introduction to Flight Operations 3
 Units9
Semester 2
APT A132 Aviation Navigation 3
CERT RESTRICTED ELECTIVES (See Requirements) 3
 Units6
 Total Units32