Aviation Management and Career Pilot Technology AAS

Female aviation student practices in flight simulator

Aviation Management and Career Pilot Technology AAS

Program Code: A60180B

Launch a new career as a commercial pilot and reach new heights with our Aviation Management and Career Pilot (AMCP) program, offered at the Institute of Aeronautical Technology on our Havelock campus. The AMCP program uses a combination of classroom, simulator, and real-life flight experience to prepare you for a variety of aviation careers with commercial airlines, general aviation, the aerospace industry, or state and federal aviation organizations. This is the only opportunity of its kind in the Carolinas.

Skills You’ll Learn

The Aviation Management and Career Pilot program is focused on job-related skills in the following areas:

  • Piloting an aircraft (for some positions, certain specific certifications are required, such as CFI, MEI, and CFII)
  • Communicating effectively
  • Employing electronic resources to research and analyze data
  • Operating within the ethical, legal, and regulatory standards of the industry
  • Using critical thinking skills to solve aviation problems
  • Relating effectively to aviation customers
  • Employing scientific and aerodynamic principles to safely and efficiently operate an aircraft

Career Opportunities

There are many employment opportunities for Aviation Management and Career Pilot graduates, including:

  • Air carriers
  • Aircraft manufacturers
  • Fixed base operators
  • Flight schools
  • Government aviation operations
  • Repair stations
  • View more career opportunities

Degree requirements

70 Credit Hours

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

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

Course Course Code Credit Hours Link to course details

This course covers the atmosphere, interpretation, and measurement of meteorological elements, and the effects of such on aircraft operations and performance. Topics include heat exchanges in the atmosphere; temperature, pressure, stability, clouds, air masses, fronts, and thunderstorms; and the use and interpretation of weather data. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze weather data for flight planning and safe flying.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: 0  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 3 
  • Prerequisites:
    None
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course introduces the college's physical, academic, and social environment and promotes the personal development essential for success. Topics include campus facilities and resources; policies, procedures, and programs; study skills; and life management issues such as health, self-esteem, motivation, goal-setting, diversity, and communication. Upon completion, students should be able to function effectively within the college environment to meet their educational objectives.

Lecture Hours: 1  Lab Hours: 0  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 1 
  • Prerequisites:
    None
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course covers the basic procedures and practices of aircraft accident prevention, accident investigation, and reporting. Topics include a comprehensive review of federal regulations pertinent to aviation safety and analyses of actual aviation accident cases and their causes. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding and respect for specific personal factors such as attitude, motivation, and skill related to flight safety.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: 0  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 3 
  • Prerequisites:
    None
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course covers instruction and training in instrument flight planning including IFR, navigation, VOR, ILS, ADF, and compliance with ATC procedures. Emphasis is placed on approach and navigation procedures, including holding and missed approaches, and development of skill in executing en route and approach procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to plan and execute an IFR flight and demonstrate competencies required for the FAA instrument pilot flight exam.

Lecture Hours: 0  Lab Hours: 6  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 2 
  • Prerequisites:
    Take AER-151
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course provides a historical survey of the efforts of manned-flight. Topics include the development of aircraft, milestones in aviation, noted pioneers, and the socioeconomic impact of flight upon modern civilization. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the advancements that aviation has accrued for society and contemporary changes in aviation.

Lecture Hours: 2  Lab Hours: 0  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 2 
  • Prerequisites:
    None
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course analyzes interpersonal relationships in the cockpit and related psychological factors that affect pilot performance and efficiency during flight operations. Topics include cockpit management, judgment, aircraft and flight crew, coordination and control, physiological factors, responsibility, and decision-making capabilities. Upon completion, students should be able to apply work-proven routines to stress management, crew responsibility, and the team concept in the cockpit.

Lecture Hours: 2  Lab Hours: 0  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 2 
  • Prerequisites:
    None
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course covers the required aeronautical knowledge of the Federal Aviation Administration Regulation Instrument Ground School. Topics include a study of instruments, systems, instrument flight charts, instrument flight planning, approach procedures, and the IFR regulations. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the competencies required to complete the FAA written examination for an instrument rating.

Lecture Hours: 2  Lab Hours: 2  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 3 
  • Prerequisites:
    None
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: 0  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 3 
  • Prerequisites:
    Take One Set:,Set 1: DRE-097,Set 2: ENG-002,Set 3: BSP-4002
  • Corequisites:
    Take ENG-011

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.

Course Course Code Credit Hours Link to course details

This course covers the development and present status of the air transportation system. Topics include federal legislation characteristics and classification of air carriers, development of the air traffic control system, and the organization and function of the FAA. Upon completion, students should be able to relate the knowledge acquired to career development.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: 0  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 3 
  • Prerequisites:
    None
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course provides an in-depth study of the state, federal, and international regulations forming the structure of aviation law. Emphasis is placed on Federal Aviation Regulations Parts 61, 91, and 135 with additional emphasis on legal issues in aviation law. Upon completion, students should be able to apply legal principles and interpret federal air regulations.

Lecture Hours: 2  Lab Hours: 0  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 2 
  • Prerequisites:
    None
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course covers advanced aircraft control, cross-country operations, and other topics required for the FAA commercial pilot written exam. Emphasis is placed on the principles of aircraft performance and operation, take-off, performance, cruise performance, descent and landing performance, and weight and balance computations. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate commercial pilot skills and competence in the materials required for the FAA written commercial pilot examination.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: 0  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 3 
  • Prerequisites:
    None
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course provides a conceptually-based exposure to the fundamental principles and processes of the physical world. Topics include basic concepts of motion, forces, energy, heat, electricity, magnetism, and the structure of matter and the universe. Upon completion, students should be able to describe examples and applications of the principles studied.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: 0  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 3 
  • Prerequisites:
    Take One:, DRE-097, ENG-002, BSP-4002, ENG-111, Complete MAT-003 with P2 grade level
  • Corequisites:
    Take PHY-110A

This course is a laboratory for PHY 110. Emphasis is placed on laboratory experiences that enhance materials presented in PHY 110. Upon completion, students should be able to apply the laboratory experiences to the concepts presented in PHY 110.

Lecture Hours: 0  Lab Hours: 2  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 1 
  • Prerequisites:
    Take PHY-110, Take One:, DRE-097, ENG-002, BSP-4002, ENG-111, Complete MAT-003 with P2 grade level
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course introduces piston and turbine aircraft engines and associated systems. Topics include aircraft hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, air conditioning, and pressurization systems along with the theory of engine operations, including power and thrust computations. Upon completion, students should be able to apply principles of engine and systems operation.

Lecture Hours: 2  Lab Hours: 2  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 3 
  • Prerequisites:
    None
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course covers basic and advanced principles of aerodynamic phenomena and fluid flow. Topics include airflow phenomena; lift/weight/thrust/drag; aircraft configuration, characteristics, stability, and control; subsonic, transonic, and supersonic flight; critical Mach numbers; and the V-g Diagram. Upon completion, students should be able to explain the elements of applied aerodynamics and aeronautical engineering which relate directly to the problems of flight operations.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: 0  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 3 
  • Prerequisites:
    None
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course provides the hands-on training needed to qualify for a Federal Aviation Administration commercial pilot certificate. Topics include flight instruction in advanced precision, maneuvers, maximum performance take-off and landings, emergency procedures, operation of complex aircraft, aircraft performance and range, and fuel planning. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in the areas of the flight test practical exam for the commercial pilot certificate.

Lecture Hours: 0  Lab Hours: 6  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 3 
  • Prerequisites:
    Take AER-151
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course, the second in a series of two, introduces research techniques, documentation, styles, and writing strategies. Emphasis is placed on analyzing information and ideas and incorporating research findings into documented writing and research projects. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate and synthesize information from primary and secondary sources using documentation appropriate to various disciplines.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: 0  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 3 
  • Prerequisites:
    Take ENG-111
  • Corequisites:
    None

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

Course Course Code Credit Hours Link to course details

This course covers the basic elements of air navigation, fundamentals of pilotage and dead, reckoning, and the use of a plotter, computer, and aerial charts. Topics include pilotage, dead, reckoning, radio navigation, LORAN, Global, Positioning Systems, and the use of FAA publications. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret aeronautical charts and apply navigational principles.

Lecture Hours: 2  Lab Hours: 2  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 3 
  • Prerequisites:
    None
  • Corequisites:
    None

ELE-002 is a category of electives and not a specific course. Students must select from the approved Social/Behavioral Electives for General Education courses for AAS Programs listed below as indicated under degree requirements. Lecture, Lab, Clinical, and Credit Hours are determined by the course selected.

Lecture Hours: –  Lab Hours: –  Clinical Hours: –  Credit Hours: – 
  • Prerequisites:
    View specific course for prerequisite information
  • Corequisites:
    View specific course for corequisite information

This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: 0  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 3 
  • Prerequisites:
    Take One Set:,Set 1: DRE-097,Set 2: ENG-002,Set 3: BSP-4002
  • Corequisites:
    Take ENG-011

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.

Course Course Code Credit Hours Link to course details

This course covers the atmosphere, interpretation, and measurement of meteorological elements, and the effects of such on aircraft operations and performance. Topics include heat exchanges in the atmosphere; temperature, pressure, stability, clouds, air masses, fronts, and thunderstorms; and the use and interpretation of weather data. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze weather data for flight planning and safe flying.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: 0  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 3 
  • Prerequisites:
    None
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course provides experience in preparation for the flight instructor practical test. Emphasis is placed on the ability to transition to right seat flight while teaching performance maneuvers, including operation of a complex aircraft. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in right seat operation and CFI maneuvers as specified in the FAA Practical Test Standards.

Lecture Hours: 0  Lab Hours: 3  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 1 
  • Prerequisites:
    Take AER-171
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course provides a historical survey of the efforts of manned-flight. Topics include the development of aircraft, milestones in aviation, noted pioneers, and the socioeconomic impact of flight upon modern civilization. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the advancements that aviation has accrued for society and contemporary changes in aviation.

Lecture Hours: 2  Lab Hours: 0  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 2 
  • Prerequisites:
    None
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course analyzes interpersonal relationships in the cockpit and related psychological factors that affect pilot performance and efficiency during flight operations. Topics include cockpit management, judgment, aircraft and flight crew, coordination and control, physiological factors, responsibility, and decision-making capabilities. Upon completion, students should be able to apply work-proven routines to stress management, crew responsibility, and the team concept in the cockpit.

Lecture Hours: 2  Lab Hours: 0  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 2 
  • Prerequisites:
    None
  • Corequisites:
    None

ELE-001 is a category of electives and not a specific course. Students must select from the approved Humanities/Fine Arts Electives for General Education courses for AAS Programs listed below as indicated under degree requirements. Lecture, Lab, Clinical, and Credit Hours are determined by the course selected. ART-111, ART-114, ART-115, ENG-231, ENG-232, ENG-241, ENG-242, HUM-110, HUM-115, HUM-211, HUM-212, MUS-110, MUS-112, MUS-113, PHI-215, PHI-240, REL-110

Lecture Hours: –  Lab Hours: –  Clinical Hours: –  Credit Hours: – 
  • Prerequisites:
    View specific course for prerequisite information
  • Corequisites:
    View specific course for corequisite information

This course covers flight instruction and the skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively as a flight instructor. Topics include fundamentals of instruction, lesson planning, instructor regulations and endorsements, and related aeronautical knowledge. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence necessary for the Federal Aviation Administration Fundamentals of Instructing Test and the appropriate instructor written examination.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: 0  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 3 
  • Prerequisites:
    Take AER-170
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course provides an activity-based approach that develops measurement skills and mathematical literacy using technology to solve problems for non-math intensive programs. Topics include unit conversions and estimation within a variety of measurement systems; ratio and proportion; basic geometric concepts; financial literacy; and statistics including measures of central tendency, dispersion, and charting of data. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the use of mathematics and technology to solve practical problems, and to analyze and communicate results.

Lecture Hours: 2  Lab Hours: 2  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 3 
  • Prerequisites:
    Take One Set:,Set 1: DMA-010, DMA-020, and DMA-030,Set 2: DMA-025,Set 3: MAT-003,Set 4: BSP-4003
  • Corequisites:
    Take MAT-010

ELE-002 is a category of electives and not a specific course. Students must select from the approved Social/Behavioral Electives for General Education courses for AAS Programs listed below as indicated under degree requirements. Lecture, Lab, Clinical, and Credit Hours are determined by the course selected.

Lecture Hours: –  Lab Hours: –  Clinical Hours: –  Credit Hours: – 
  • Prerequisites:
    View specific course for prerequisite information
  • Corequisites:
    View specific course for corequisite information

This course, the second in a series of two, introduces research techniques, documentation, styles, and writing strategies. Emphasis is placed on analyzing information and ideas and incorporating research findings into documented writing and research projects. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate and synthesize information from primary and secondary sources using documentation appropriate to various disciplines.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: 0  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 3 
  • Prerequisites:
    Take ENG-111
  • Corequisites:
    None

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.

Course Course Code Credit Hours Link to course details

This course provides a detailed analysis of all aspects of air traffic control. Emphasis is placed on an in-depth analysis of air traffic control, including utilization of the air traffic environment based on the pilot's and controller's perspective. Upon completion, students should be able to operate an aircraft within the national airspace system under FAA air traffic control.

Lecture Hours: 2  Lab Hours: 0  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 2 
  • Prerequisites:
    None
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course covers the development and present status of the air transportation system. Topics include federal legislation characteristics and classification of air carriers, development of the air traffic control system, and the organization and function of the FAA. Upon completion, students should be able to relate the knowledge acquired to career development.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: 0  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 3 
  • Prerequisites:
    None
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course provides an in-depth study of the state, federal, and international regulations forming the structure of aviation law. Emphasis is placed on Federal Aviation Regulations Parts 61, 91, and 135 with additional emphasis on legal issues in aviation law. Upon completion, students should be able to apply legal principles and interpret federal air regulations.

Lecture Hours: 2  Lab Hours: 0  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 2 
  • Prerequisites:
    None
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course covers operation of a flight department on a cost-effective basis and analysis of profit and loss statements. Topics include flight operations costs, aircraft acquisition, analysis and cost comparisons, costs versus revenue, and break-even points. Upon completion, students should be able to calculate cost of flight operations and apply monthly and annual budget analysis.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: 0  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 3 
  • Prerequisites:
    None
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course provides a conceptually-based exposure to the fundamental principles and processes of the physical world. Topics include basic concepts of motion, forces, energy, heat, electricity, magnetism, and the structure of matter and the universe. Upon completion, students should be able to describe examples and applications of the principles studied.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: 0  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 3 
  • Prerequisites:
    Take One:, DRE-097, ENG-002, BSP-4002, ENG-111, Complete MAT-003 with P2 grade level
  • Corequisites:
    Take PHY-110A

This course is a laboratory for PHY 110. Emphasis is placed on laboratory experiences that enhance materials presented in PHY 110. Upon completion, students should be able to apply the laboratory experiences to the concepts presented in PHY 110.

Lecture Hours: 0  Lab Hours: 2  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 1 
  • Prerequisites:
    Take PHY-110, Take One:, DRE-097, ENG-002, BSP-4002, ENG-111, Complete MAT-003 with P2 grade level
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course introduces piston and turbine aircraft engines and associated systems. Topics include aircraft hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, air conditioning, and pressurization systems along with the theory of engine operations, including power and thrust computations. Upon completion, students should be able to apply principles of engine and systems operation.

Lecture Hours: 2  Lab Hours: 2  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 3 
  • Prerequisites:
    None
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course covers basic and advanced principles of aerodynamic phenomena and fluid flow. Topics include airflow phenomena; lift/weight/thrust/drag; aircraft configuration, characteristics, stability, and control; subsonic, transonic, and supersonic flight; critical Mach numbers; and the V-g Diagram. Upon completion, students should be able to explain the elements of applied aerodynamics and aeronautical engineering which relate directly to the problems of flight operations.

Lecture Hours: 3  Lab Hours: 0  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 3 
  • Prerequisites:
    None
  • Corequisites:
    None

This course provides the flight training required to obtain a multi-engine rating. Topics include multi-engine safety procedures, single-engine operations and performance, Vmc instrument, approaches (single- and multi-engine), and emergency procedures. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the competencies required for the flight test practical examination for a multi-engine rating.

Lecture Hours: 0  Lab Hours: 3  Clinical Hours: 0  Credit Hours: 1 
  • Prerequisites:
    Take AER-171
  • Corequisites:
    None

ELE-001 is a category of electives and not a specific course. Students must select from the approved Humanities/Fine Arts Electives for General Education courses for AAS Programs listed below as indicated under degree requirements. Lecture, Lab, Clinical, and Credit Hours are determined by the course selected. ART-111, ART-114, ART-115, ENG-231, ENG-232, ENG-241, ENG-242, HUM-110, HUM-115, HUM-211, HUM-212, MUS-110, MUS-112, MUS-113, PHI-215, PHI-240, REL-110

Lecture Hours: –  Lab Hours: –  Clinical Hours: –  Credit Hours: – 
  • Prerequisites:
    View specific course for prerequisite information
  • Corequisites:
    View specific course for corequisite information

Questions others are asking.

Air Navigation (AER 110) - 15 hours
Private Pilot License (AER 151) - 55 hours
Flight - Instrument Pilot (AER 161) - 70 hours
Flight - Commercial Pilot (AER 171) - 120 hours
Flight - Multi-Engine (AER 285) - 25 hours
Flight - CFI (AER 281) - 40 hours

We offer several credentials that provide the flexibility you need. Most degree programs last two years and provide the most in-depth study of a particular subject. Diplomas and certificates take less time and are often taken in conjunction with other degree programs. Specialized training is also available for workforce development programs that are completed in less than a year.

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.

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 a letter grade of “A” 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.

Contact Information

Aviation Management and Career Pilot Technology Program Director
Institute of Aeronautical Technology
Havelock Campus
252-444-1377

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