Academic Catalogs

Flight Operations, Certificate of Specialization

This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://catalog.cccd.edu.

Banner Code: 1_CE_AVFO

Not Financial Aid Eligible


The Flight Operations Certificate of Specialization covers basic flight theory, advanced meteorology, airport and airline economics and management, advanced aircraft systems and aircraft navigation. Courses are intended to provide knowledge in topics which will allow the student to enter the work force in the field of flight operations. Careers include aircraft dispatch, aircraft and aircrew scheduling, airport operations and Fixed Base Operations.

Program Outcome

Students will develop a baseline understanding of industry and 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 Specialization Requirements

The Certificate of Specialization is a locally approved career program that requires sixteen units or fewer 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 Specialization are not automatically awarded, not printed on official academic transcripts, and there is no acknowledgment of completion given at graduation.  Please contact the division for details regarding the submission of petitions as procedures for each division vary.  Most division offices prefer that students complete all of the required courses and then provide a copy of the transcript while some divisions allow petitions for Certificates of Specialization before finishing.  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 Title Units
Required Courses
APT A110Introduction to Airport Operations3
APT A115Introduction to Flight Operations3
APT A130Private Pilot Aviation Ground School5
APT A145Airline Transport Pilot Ground3
BUS A100Introduction to Business3
Total Units17

Flight Operations Suggested Electives

ACCT A101 Financial Accounting
ACCT A102 Managerial Accounting
ECON A170 Microeconomics
ECON A175 Macroeconomics

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.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
APT A110 Introduction to Airport Operations 3
APT A115 Introduction to Flight Operations 1 3
APT A130 Private Pilot Aviation Ground School 5
 Units11
Semester 2
APT A145 Airline Transport Pilot Ground 3
BUS A100 Introduction to Business 3
 Units6
 Total Units17