2258 - Professional Pilot Technology (A.S.)

The mission of the Professional Pilot Technology program is to educate, train, and prepare students for a career as an aviation professional, whether that means flying for the airlines, giving aerial tours, flying corporate or private jets, or flying bush planes in Alaska. By aligning with the latest industry trends and staying current with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, our program produces knowledgeable, proficient, safe, and responsible pilots and flight instructors for the National Air Transportation System.

This program provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to earn the FAA pilot certificates required to begin their flying careers. Students completing the degree will earn Commercial Single- and Multi-engine certificates, with Instrument Ratings. Certified Flight Instructor is available as an elective. This training allows our graduates to start entry-level jobs as pilots and begin building the required flight-hour experience necessary for more advanced flying jobs.

Incoming students who already hold pilot certificates and/or ratings may be able to receive college credit for those certificates; however, award of such credit will be based solely on Florida State College at Jacksonville’s evaluation of a student’s certificate(s), training, and competency via a flight proficiency check.

Students wishing to receive the 250-hour credit towards the Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate must complete the Professional Pilot Degree, all required aviation coursework, and earn (at least) their Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot certificate through FSCJ’s program. Although flight training for the Private Pilot certificate may be done elsewhere, students are required to take ATT1100 in order to be eligible to receive credit towards the restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate.

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.

Credit for Prior Certificates and/or Ratings

Incoming students who already hold pilot certificates and/or ratings, may be able to receive college credit for those certificates; however, award of such credit will be based solely on Florida State College at Jacksonville's evaluation of a student's certificate(s) and training, and may require a demonstration of competency via a Flight Review in accordance with FAA regulations.

Credit for Prior Training

Students who are changing flight schools during training must comply with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) 141.77, governing credit for prior training.

1. For students transferring flight hours from a Part 61 flight school, no more than 25% of the required flight hours may be transferred into a Part 141 curriculum. Students must still meet the individual Stage Requirements and the total training requirements for the course.

2. For students transferring flight hours from another Part 141 flight school, up to 50% of the required flight hours may be transferred into a Part 141 curriculum. Students must still meet the individual Stage Requirements and the total training requirements for the course.

(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 for more information about program costs, course sequencing, and FAA requirements.

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

1. 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.

2. 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. (Veterans using their GI Bill® must hold a current 1st or 2nd class Medical to enroll in each flight course.)

3. 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 for more information.

(904) 317-3844 or sam.fischer@fscj.edu, or aviation@fscj.edu.

• Federal Aviation Administration Website

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site.