Academic Catalogs

Private Pilot, Certificate of Specialization

Banner Code: 1_CE_AVPP

Not Financial Aid Eligible


Private pilot training is the entry point to the exciting world of aviation. Private pilots are licensed to fly for personal pleasure and enjoyment. This course of study meets the aeronautical knowledge requirements of Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 61.105.

Program Outcome

Students will develop the analytical and critical thinking skills necessary for completion of federally administered knowledge tests for private pilot certification.

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 A130Private Pilot Aviation Ground School5
APT A133Aviation-Meteorology3
Total Units8

Private Pilot Suggested Electives:

APT A120 Private Pilot Flight Lab

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 A130 Private Pilot Aviation Ground School 5
APT A133 Aviation-Meteorology 3
 Units8
 Total Units8