Program: Commercial Pilot (6258) (T.C.) - Florida State College at Jacksonville

Technical Certificate

Mission/Purpose

The mission of the Commercial Pilot program is to educate, train, and prepare students for a career as a commercial pilot. By aligning with the latest industry trends and staying current with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, this program produces knowledgeable, proficient, safe, and responsible pilots for the National Air Transportation System.

The Program

This program provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to earn the FAA pilot certificates required to begin their flying careers. The program is designed for students who may already have a college degree and/or are only interested in pursuing flight training. Graduates are prepared for entry-level jobs as commercial pilots.

Although this program does not have any entrance requirements, due to the costs and complexities of flight training, interested students are strongly encouraged to contact the Program Manager for additional information, or attend one of our regular information sessions held at 5 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at Cecil Center South.

Application Procedure (FAA and TSA Requirements)

Flight training has minimum medical requirements and requires a substantial financial investment. Students are encouraged to visit the Professional Pilot website at fscj.edu/2258 for more information about program costs, course sequences, and FAA requirements.

Students may begin taking aviation courses at any time, but prior to taking additional flight training classes:

Students must earn (or already hold) a Private Pilot Certificate*. Incoming students can do this with FSCJ by taking non-credit courses. Contact the Program Manager for information on how to begin initial pilot training.

Students must have a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Class FAA Medical from an FAA-authorized Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). More information can be found on the FAA website at faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/. (Veterans using their GI Bill must hold a current 1st or 2nd class Medical to enroll in each flight course.)

Students must present Proof of Citizenship documents: a current passport or original birth certificate and driver’s license. Non-US citizens must have Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approval to begin flight training. Getting approval may take several months for processing. Foreign Flight Students should visit the TSA website at flightschoolcandidates.gov for more information.

Note: Since students cannot re-earn a pilot certificate for a second time, the flight courses in this program are not eligible for “Grade Forgiveness” once a course is completed with a D or higher.

Need More Information? Contact:

More Information Online

Federal Aviation Administration Website: faa.gov

Curriculum

Professional Coursework

Credit Hours: 24

Total Credit Hours: 24 / Program Length: 10 Months

Graduation Requirements

In order to be awarded a technical certificate, students must have met the following requirements.

Fulfill all academic requirements for the chosen program of study as outlined in the Florida State College at Jacksonville catalog and curriculum.
Earn minimum prescribed semester hours for the chosen program of study with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (C) on a 4.0 scale on all courses that apply to the chosen program of study.
Complete a minimum of 25 percent of the total hours required for the program in residence at Florida State College at Jacksonville. Credit by examination and credit for prior learning do not count toward this residency requirement.
Fulfill all obligations, financial or otherwise, to the College before graduating.

Note: Students are cautioned to pay particular attention to the following statements.

A student’s graduation date will be the date of the end of the College term in which the student has fulfilled all academic requirements (The removal of an incomplete grade does not affect students’ graduation dates since the grade change is effective at the end of the term in which the incomplete grade was assigned rather than the term in which the incomplete work was made up).
Students who enter under the (2020/2021) catalog will be assigned to the degree or certificate requirements in effect during the 2020/2021 academic year. The student’s assigned catalog year will remain in effect as long as the student maintains continuous enrollment. Changes to requirements as mandated by law or by rule of the District Board of Trustees may supersede this provision.
Many courses in this catalog have prerequisite requirements and/or corequisite courses listed in the course descriptions. Students are advised to be guided by these requirements.
Students who place into developmental education courses are required to complete designated developmental education courses with a grade of C or better regardless of program of study.

Articulation

Upon successful completion of the program students may receive articulated College credit toward the Professional Pilot Technology (2258) (A.S.) degree. See the program description and official articulation agreement for credit award requirements. Students may pursue one or more certificates to develop or upgrade their skills in a particular field, or pursue the A.S. degree and earn technical certificates while completing the requirements for the degree. Contact an advisor to determine the career education path that is best for you.