General Aviation Pilot

Flying is a feeling like no other. Pilots often discuss how freeing it is to leave the ground and explore the sky. If you have ever dreamed of seeing the world from the cockpit of an airplane, an aviation associate degree from Aims Community College can help you achieve that goal. In fact, you can experience a solo flight in your first semester of classes. 

Develop the skills you need to pilot small aircraft, fly cargo, tow gliders or become a flight instructor with this general pilot degree. If you are interested in flying commercial airliners, Aims also offers a professional pilot degree.

In this degree program, you will earn certificates for private and commercial flight and instrument rating with the option to also earn a multi-engine rating certificate -- all in two years.

The Aims aviation associate degree program gives you access to:

• A fleet of state-of-the-art aircraft to learn on, all built in or after 2017
• Simulators that perfectly match the training aircraft, allowing for seamless transition
• Educational standards that meet FAA Part 141 guidelines
• One-on-one instruction from experienced pilots
• Earn approximately 250 hours of flight time

Most dedicated students can build the skills and confidence to earn a private pilot’s license. As you learn in modern, highly realistic simulators, you’ll develop a wide range of skills that you can immediately apply to flying a real plane. These include hands-on control, muscle memory, familiarity with instruments and thinking clearly under pressure during flight. 

As you progress through the Aims aviation program you will also learn these skills required by the FAA:

• Private flying by sight
• Reading and reacting to flight instruments
• Flying by instrument in adverse weather conditions
• Operating small commercial aircraft

The FAA requires an 80% pass rate on written and practical exams for students of this program, which means that Aims is invested in your success. This associate of applied science degree also covers communication and professionalism courses that are valuable to any career.