Flight Operations - Professional Pilot Certificate of Achievement

Program Description

The Flight Operations - Professional Pilot certificate program at San Bernardino Valley College prepares students for a dynamic career in aviation, providing comprehensive flight training, and ground school instruction in aerodynamics, navigation and aviation regulations. This certificate program is designed for students aspiring to become professional pilots, offering a strong foundation in both the technical and practical aspects of flight operations. Through state-of-the-art simulators and real-world flight training, students will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue FAA certification as commercial pilots. Graduates will be equipped to enter the aviation industry with the qualifications needed to succeed in various flight operations roles, including positions with airlines, corporate flight departments, and other aviation enterprises.

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program.  Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway.  It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Division

Applied Technology, Transportation & Culinary Arts

Department

Aeronautics

Career and Academic Pathway (CAP)

Manufacturing, Industry, Transportation

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Conduct safe and efficient flight operations, adhering to FAA regulations and industry standards. This includes proficiency in pre-flight planning, in-flight decision-making, and post-flight procedures.

  2. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of aerodynamics, aircraft systems, navigation, weather patterns, and air traffic control procedures. They will be able to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios to ensure safe and effective flight operations.

  3. Articulate and effectively communicate with air traffic control, crew members, and passengers, maintaining professionalism in all interactions using a strong understanding of ethical and legal responsibilities as a professional pilot, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Program Map

GE General Education
O Available Online
Program Requirement
P Program Prerequisites

Term 1

12 units
AERO 022 - Private Pilot Ground School
This course offers complete preparation for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) private pilot written examination including aerodynamics, weight and balance, airports and airspace, meteorology, using aviation services, flight information publications, federal air regulations, navigation, radio navigation aids, cross-country flight planning, physiology of flight, and airborne emergencies.

Course Details:

AERO 022L - Private Pilot Flight Lab

This course provides students with the opportunity to accumulate flight hours essential for obtaining certification and licensing as a commercial instrument pilot. It focuses on training in specific areas to develop proficiency in essential pilot operations required for various certificates and ratings. All instruction follows the guidelines set forth by the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 61 and Part 141. Flight training labs adhere to an approved FAR Part 141 curriculum.

Course Details:

  1. Prerequisite/Corequisite: AERO 022
AERO 070 - Introduction to Air Traffic Control (ATC)

This course is an introductory course in air traffic control and is a requirement for all students in the Flight Operations - ATC Pathway (degree) sequence. The course material covers a broad range of topics specific to the air traffic control system and its application to the aviation profession. Topics included are the history of air traffic control (ATC), National Airspace System (NAS), navigation systems, ATC systems and airspace, ATC communications, ATC procedures and organization, tower, TRACON and en route operations, NextGen and the future of the national airspace system.

Course Details:

Term 2

10 units
AERO 040 - Instrument Ground School
This course examines the fundamentals of instrument flight in the Air Traffic Control (ATC) system and factors that can affect the operation including aerodynamics, navigation, flight planning, and communication. The subject matter is reinforced by flying various procedures in flight simulators. This course can be used as a method to meet the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for the ground instruction portion of a Biennial Flight Review (BFR) as specified in Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) 61.56.

Course Details:

AERO 041L - Instrument Pilot Flight Lab

Students taking this course will receive training in the maneuvers and procedures necessary to meet the standards contained in the FAA Instrument Rating Practical Test Standards. Additionally, students will receive training in safety awareness, crew resource management, and aeronautical decision-making. At the successful completion of this course, students will have gained the aeronautical experience necessary to attain the addition of an Instrument Rating for the Private Pilot Certificate. This course is offered as pass/no-pass basis only.

Course Details:

  1. Prerequisite/Corequisite: AERO 040
AERO 046 - Aviation Weather
This course covers the aspects of weather as they relate to aircraft operation and safety. Includes: Basic and hazardous weather, atmospheric winds, pressure systems as associated with weather, cloud formation, air masses and fronts, thunder storms, turbulence and icing, fog, haze and smoke, high altitude, arctic and tropical weather, interpretation of weather reports, forecast, charts and maps.

Course Details:

Term 3

6 units
AERO 047 - Commercial Pilot Ground School

This course examines the fundamentals of commercial flight in the Air Traffic Control (ATC) system and factors that can affect the operation, including aerodynamics, navigation, flight planning, and communication. The content is reinforced by concurrent enrollment in AERO 047L. This course will meet the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for the ground instruction portion for a commercial pilot certificate as specified in Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) 61.56. The student will receive necessary aeronautical knowledge and ground training to meet the prerequisites specified in Appendix D to 14 CFR Part 141 and CFR Part 61.124 to successfully pass the commercial pilot airman knowledge test.

Course Details:

  1. Prerequisite: AERO 022
  2. Prerequisite: AERO 022L
  3. Prerequisite: AERO 040
  4. Prerequisite: AERO 041L
  5. Prerequisite/Corequisite: AERO 047L
AERO 047L - Commercial Pilot Flight Lab
The student will receive training in the maneuvers and procedures necessary to meet the standards contained in the FAA Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards. Additionally, the student will receive training in safety awareness, crew resource management, and aeronautical decision-making. At the successful completion of this course, the student will have gained the aeronautical experience necessary to attain the Commercial Pilot Certificate.

Course Details:

  1. Prerequisite: AERO 041L