Programs of Study

Aviation Management and Career Pilot Technology AAS

Program Description

The Aviation Management and Career Pilot Technology curriculum prepares individuals for a variety of aviation and aviation-related careers including commercial airlines, general aviation, the aerospace industry, the military, and state and federal aviation organizations.

Course work includes fundamentals of flight, aerodynamics, aircraft performance, meteorology, navigation, federal regulations, aviation management, and instrument and commercial ground training. Course options include flight and simulator training and management training.

Graduates will hold a Commercial Pilot certificate with an Instrument Rating, Multiengine Rating, Certified Flight Instructor Rating and specialize in aviation management. Graduates may find employment as commercial, corporate, and military pilots, fixed-base operators, airport managers, flight instructors, and flight dispatchers.

Pre-Admissions Requirement for A60180B: AER 151 (Personal Private Pilot License)

Students seeking the Career Pilot option must complete their private Pilot flight training, and possess a current and valid FAA Private Pilot certificate prior to being admitted into this pathway. Students aspiring to enter the Career Pilot pathway can still enter the Aviation program as Aviation Management or General Educational Study students initially. Once the Private Pilot certificate (license) is obtained, the student may switch into the Career Pilot pathway. Students in this scenario can, and should, still perform regular flight lessons to progress through flight training for the Private Pilot certificate.

Students passing their Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) practical exam(s) will be awarded credit for all flight courses (AER 151, AER 161, AER 171, 281, and 285).  Students will present their temporary or permanent flight certificate and/or rating to the Director of Aviation Programs.

Admission Criteria

Admission to this program requires that students be high school graduates or have a recognized equivalency.

Students will be required to purchase and wear uniforms while attending class for both day and evening courses. Students will wear blue shirts (captain shirt) and navy blue or black pants. Career Pilot uniforms also include a black leather belt and black leather shoes. Students must purchase at least one (1) complete uniform. Students are encouraged to purchase more than one uniform. Uniforms vary in price approximately $225 (Career Pilot uniform). Additional uniforms may be purchased at a discounted cost.

Career Pilot students must obtain a Student Pilot Certificate/Medical Certificate. A list of local aviation medical examiners (AMEs) can be found at on the FAA website. The Student Pilot Certificate/Medical Certificate is not required prior to starting academic courses, but is required prior to starting flight training. The cost is approximately $100. Veterans utilizing their benefits for flight/academic training must obtain a 2nd Class Medical Certificate prior to starting flight lessons.

The fees associated with flight training is estimated to be $3,722 for the Air Navigation in the first semester, $13,100 for the Instrument Rating, $14,580 for the Commercial Pilot license, $12,875 for multiengine, and $6,501 for CFI. These fees are in addition to the college’s tuition. Payment for flight training is billed by the college and paid as part of the tuition and fees. Please note, if the student is currently working on their PPL (during their first semester) the contracted costs is $7,050. These costs are directly paid to the vendor. Please contact the Director of Aviation Programs for more information. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Career Pilot Option, the graduate should be able to:

  • Pilot an aircraft (for some positions, certain specific certifications are required e.g., C.F.I, M.E.I, and C.F.I.I.).
  • Employ electronic resources to research and analyze data.
  • Operate within the ethical, legal, and regulatory standards of the industry.
  • Use critical thinking skills to solve aviation problems.

Career Opportunities

Upon graduation, students may enter the workforce as pilots with:

  • air carriers
  • aircraft manufacturers
  • repair stations
  • fixed base operators
  • flight schools 
  • government aviation operations

Transfer Opportunities

While the AAS is a degree leading to possible job placement upon graduation, Craven Community College has a special relationship for transfer to a BS Degree in Aviation Management with Southern Illinois University.

Contact Information

Director of Aviation Programs 
252-444-1377

Admissions Office
252-638-7430 – New Bern
252-444-6012 – Havelock

Degree Requirements

The following suggested schedule is based on full-time enrollment. For information about prerequisites and corequisites, please refer to the catalog. All students must have a Personal Private Pilot License or "PPL" prior to enrolling in the Aviation Management and Career Pilot Technology Program (AMCP). However, prospective students may enroll under General Education Study during the first fall semester until a PPL is obtained and credit for AER 151 is awarded.

Courses in this program

First Semester

Semester Credit Hours: 17; 2 hours per week flight time. Take AER-113 or AER-218

Second Semester

Semester Credit Hours: 18; 6 hours per week flight time. Take AER-210 or ENG-112. Take AER-216 or AER-112. Take PHY-110 AND PHY-110A or AER-217.

Third Semester

Semester Credit Hours: 11; 12 hours per week flight time

Fourth Semester

Semester Credit Hours: 12; 3 hours per week flight time. Take ENG-112 or AER-111. Take AER-113 or AER-218. Take ELE-002 or ELE-001.

Fifth Semester

Semester Credit Hours: 12; 3 hours per week flight time. Take AER-112 or AER-210. Take ELE-001 or AER-216. Take PHY-110 AND PHY-110A or AER-217.