Aviation Technology

Professional Pilot

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Program Description:

The Professional Pilot Program at Utah State University is designed to prepare pilots for careers in the aviation industry. Upon graduating from the program, students will have earned a Bachelors degree in Aviation Technology - Professional Pilot as well as the following flight ratings:

Private Pilot Certificate
Instrument Rating
Commercial Certificate
Multi Engine Rating
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Certified Flight Instrument Instructor Rating (CFII)

Students complete the program with a minimum of 230 total flight hours upon completion of the six ratings. Students also have the choice to obtain a Multi-engine Instructor rating (MEI) although it is not required for graduation. The area of industry you choose to pursue, such as commercial airlines, fire fighting, cargo, determines the number of hours you need to obtain to qualify for employment. Upon graduation, many students build time by flight instructing, flying small cargo lines and scenic tours, or transporting fire fighters and equipment.

The Professional Pilot Program is set in Utah's beautiful Cache Valley, offering diverse terrain with all types of weather. Students will encounter mountain and high altitude flying, experience controlled and uncontrolled airspace, and enjoy beautiful scenery as they learn the techniques they need to succeed. All flight training is completed from Utah State University's aviation campus located at the Logan/Cache airport.
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For academic advising information, contact the Engineering Advising Office-435-797-2705.

For questions regarding flight training, contact Flight Operations (pilot@usu.edu or 435-787-1346).

Approximate costs for flight training based on minimum hour requirements are as follows:
AV 2350	Private Pilot Certification	$7,738.75	(approx. 51 hours)
AV 2510	Intermediate Flight	$8,026.25	(approx. 57 hours cross-country)
AV 2540	Instrument I Certification	$4,706.25	(approx. 35 hours)
AV 2550	Instrument II Certification	$5,135.00	(approx. 35 hours)
AV 2660	Commercial Certification	$9,366.25	(approx 65 hours)
AV 2740	CFI Certification	$5,733.75	(approx. 45 hours -- mostly lesson plans)
AV 2860	CFII Certification	$1,836.25	(approx. 17 hours)
AV 2880	Multi-Engine Certification	$3,839.00	(16 hours)
Approximate total cost: $46,381.50 (minimum) as of April 15th 2009. (Subject to change)
New Class--Certified Flight Instructor, Multi--Engine (MEI)
ETE 5910, ST: MEI Certification (1 credit) Elective class. Cost $5,000

Student Resources:

Below is a list of PDF files that will help students through the Aviation Technology - Professional Pilot Program at Utah State:

Transfer Credit:

See below for flight training completed in one of the following ways:

Students who have completed flight ratings received at accredited college or universities (and student has credit on a transcript) may transfer those credits. They will apply toward the Professional Pilot degree at USU. Contact the advising office for transfer information.
Students who have completed licenses but do not have college credit should do the following:

Completed Rating	Procedure to Receive Credit
Private Pilot	Credit by Examination; see advisor for "challenge" forms and pay fee ($40 per course). Take written exam similiar to FAA written and also USU Flight Operations checkride. Student should not register for this course for regular University credit.
Instrument	Take AV 2520, Instrument Ground School, as a regular class for regular USU credit. The grade earned in the course will be the same grade the student will receive AV 2540, Instrument Certification (stages I, II, and III).
Commercial	Take AV 2520, Instrument Ground School, as a regular class for regular USU credit. The student should register for the following courses through regular USU registration; the grade earned in AV 2520 will be the same grade the student will receive for AV 2510, Intermediate Flight (state IV), and AV 2540, Instrument Certification (stages I, II, and III), and AV 2660, Commercial Certification.
CFI	Not available/transferrable. Must be completed at Utah State University for credit.
CFII	Not available/transferrable. Must be completed at Utah State University for credit.
Multi-Engine	Not available/transferrable. Must be completed at Utah State University for credit.

Download the Click to download. Private Pilot Challenge Procedures.

Students who are considering transferring from one flight school to another part way through a rating need to be aware of the following:

The Code of Federal Regulations, Title 14, Part 144.77 governs the transfer of previous flight experience (for instance, to the USU flight program). A student participating in a part 141-approved flight training course may be given 50 percent of the flight hours previously completed. A student who is enrolled in a part 61-approved training course may transfer up to 25 percent of the flight hours previously completed.

It is recommended that students complete their current rating prior to transferring to Utah State University's Professional Pilot program.

For questions about this regulation, please contact Sean Heiner at the Flight Operations Office, 435-753-4287.

Medical Certificates:

In accordance with the Code of Federal Regulation Title 14, Part 61.3, All Professional Pilot students are required to obtain an FAA Medical Certificate. There are three classes of medicals which can be obtained:

First Class,
Second Class,
and Third Class.

Although only a Third Class medical is required for student pilot operations at Utah State University, it is highly recommended that a student obtain a First Class certificate to ensure no medical conditions exist which would disqualify him/her from obtaining one at a later date.

Many pilot employers require a current First Class Medical.

A medical certificate may be obtained from a certified Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). The cost varies according to the examiner and the type of physical sought (First, Second, or Third); the cost is approximately $70-$100. Details of each medical class requirements and durations are explained in CFR Title 14, Part 67. Please contact Flight Operations at 435-787-1346 with additional questions.

To locate an AME, go to Opens new window.

http://www.flightphysical.com.

For more information on medicals, go to
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http://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/

Financial Aid:

One of the most challenging aspects of learning to fly is finding the means to finance your flight training. It's easy to understand why new students get discouraged when considering the cost of the flight training portion of the Professional Pilot program. The flight training costs approximately $35,000 in addition to tuition. This causes many to give up their dream of flying even before they start, but this does not have to be the case. Federal Financial Aid can make your dreams of flight become a reality.

For more information on how to apply, and to contact your financial aid counselor, please go to:

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Utah State University's Financial Aid Office.

Summer Program 2009:
Start Date: June 8, 2009
End Date: August 7, 2009

Do you want to get a jumpstart on a career in aviation? If so, "take off" with Utah State University's Flying Aggies! Flying Aggies is a fun way to spend your summer earning your Private Pilot License. The program is designed for upcoming and graduating high school seniors interested in learning to fly; however, anyone who is interested in aviation is welcome.

In addition to earning a Private Pilot license, students will also complete six college credits applicable to Utah State University’s Professional Pilot Program. Students will participate in ground school and flight training daily. As part of the curriculum students will also participate in weekly group study sessions supervised by Utah State University’s own team of Certified Flight Instructors.

This program includes everything students will need for the program’s 9-week duration including: tuition, flight fees, pilot supplies, headset, and housing, all for one reasonable price. Federal Financial Aid is available to those students who qualify. Call (435) 753-4289 after March 2, 2009 for accurate pricing.

The sky's the limit with Utah State University's Flying Aggies Summer Flight Program. Come and let us show you new horizons in the exciting world of aviation.

For more information, please click on the following links, or contact:

Pam Allen
Summer Program Director
Office: 435-787-1346
Email: pilot@cc.usu.edu
Information Packet
Flying Aggies Application

Internships:

The Professional Pilot program provides real-world experience for students through airline internships. Interns are selected by the airlines and spend a semester flying jump seat, training simulators and gaining first hand experience in behind-the-scenes airline operations. Utah State currently has internship opportunities with the following airlines:

SkyWest Airlines
American Airlines
American Eagle

Please note that opportunities vary between airlines and that students ARE NOT compensated while on internships.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a junior or senior in the Professional Pilot Program.
Must have at least a 3.0 minimum GPA.
Must be in good standing in the professional program.
Must have completed at least commercial pilot certification.
No speeding tickets! (Airlines will accept a maximum of one ticket on driving record.)

For individual airline requirements, please see the following links:

For more information about internships, contact Flight Operations 435-787-1346 or email pilot@cc.usu.edu.

Students can receive credit for completing an internship. Students will complete AV 4250, Advanced Internship, for 6 credits the semester they are off campus. They may also take MHR 4250, Advanced Internship, for 3 credits to fill upper-division requirements. Completing credits while on internship not only helps fulfill requirements for graduation, but also qualifies students for financial aid benefits.

Employment Opportunities:

Commercial Airlines:

Depending upon the national economy, the airline industry experiences surges and lulls in the demand for properly trained personnel. Job opportunities are presently limited with major airlines, however, regional airlines have been hiring on a regular basis. Industry analysts continue to project a shortage of pilots over the next ten years. This is an excellent time to begin aviation training in anticipation of the increased demand for pilots as the economy improves.

Other Industry Positions:

The need for pilots among other areas of the industry is also economy-dependent and usually follows the trends of the commercial industry.

Other Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I have to go into the military in order to have a chance at getting a job?
No. Today, more than half of all pilots receive civilian training and are very successful in the job market.
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What is the average salary for a pilot?
A number of factors determine a commercial pilot's salary, such as:

The type of job (the greater the income for the area of operation, the greater salary potential) major airlines salaries are higher than regional and regional higher than corporate, and so forth. Please see the table below:

Pilot Careers
Pilot Type	Salary Range	Education
Agricultural Pilot	$20,000 - $70,000	High School w/ Special Traning and License.
Air Traffic Reporting	$18,000 - $40,000	College Preferred.
Major Airline Pilot	$23,000 - $140,000	Most require 4-year degree.
Regional Airline Pilot	$16,500 - $43,000	Most require 4-year degree.
Corporate Pilot	$19,500 - $115,000	Most require 4-year degree.
Flight Instructor	$12,500 - $40,000	At least H.S. Diploma, College Preferred.
Military Pilot	$18,000 - $99,000	College Degree and Special Training.

*Taken from http://www.faa.gov/education/documents/salary.htm

Maintenance Management

Program Description:

During the freshman and sophomore years, students in the Aviation Technology-Maintenance Management major will complete most of the courses required for the FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) licenses. Students will also take advanced turbine engines, aviation law, and composites structures. Computer literacy, management, and communications courses are incorporated into the program to provide essential business skills. Industry internships are available and encouraged in the junior and senior years.

This major prepares students for entry-level positions in management and maintenance programs within the airline industry, corporate aviation, and general aviation. The FAA-approved airframe and powerplant (A&P) curricula form the basis for this degree, and most positions will require the A&P licenses. Employment opportunities include positions with major airlines as maintenance personnel, maintenance supervisors, fixed-base operators, maintenance directors, repair station managers, FAA inspectors, aircraft/powerplant, and component manufacturers, as well as aerospace manufacturers. These industries are expanding at a rapid rate with excellent employment opportunities. This is forecasted to continue well into the twenty-first century.

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Student Resources:

Below is a list of PDF files that will help students through the Aviation Technology - Maintenance Management Program at Utah State.

Special Fees:

Students are required to furnish their own basic set of tools and toolbox. With special discounts available through Utah State, prices range from $900 to $1,400. Contact Randy Chesley for a list of required tools. Additional federal aid may be available for this purchase. See advisor for details. Special tools will be furnished by the department.