Below are some common questions we are asked along with some answers. If you have questions not listed below, please contact us.
What is your Curriculum?
Click to see a list of the curriculum for obtaining the AAS degree in Aviation – Airplane.
Click to see a list of curriculum for obtaining the AAS degree in Aviation - Helicopter.
What certificates and ratings do you offer?
We offer all the certificates and ratings you need to become a professional pilot: Private Pilot certificate, Instrument rating, Commercial Pilot certificate, Multi-engine rating, and the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate. The Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) certificate and Multi-engine Instructor (MEI) rating are optional.
We offer the following helicopter ratings/certificates: Private Pilot certificate, Instrument rating, Commercial Pilot certificate, and the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate.
Estimated Costs for this program
This is an expensive program compared to other community college programs. Click for the estimated costs of this program over the coming school year.
Can I Get Financial Aid?
Yes, our program qualifies for financial aid. Contact the COCC Financial Aid office. You will first apply for federal financial aid using the FAFSA form.
Can I Use My Veteran’s Benefits in the Program?
Yes, our degree program is fully qualified for use of your veteran’s benefits.
Other than Financial Aid, are there any other sources of financing?
For Alternative educational loans: You will find links to private lending institutions that offer loans to students who are enrolled in the aviation program and need more money than is available through normal financial aid. Contact the COCC Financial Aid Office at 541-383-7260 for financial aid counseling and if you have questions about alternative educational loans. http://www.ecmc.org/link/00318800/private.html
Is a Flight Career for Me?
That is the most important question and only you can answer it. Is a flight career your dream? Aviation is a demanding, exciting field that will require your complete commitment. You must be in good physical health and able to pass a Second Class FAA flight physical. You must be able to communicate and work well with others in a team environment. You’ll be required to demonstrate good judgment as pilot-in-command of your aircraft on every flight you take. In order to enter professional aviation, you must have the determination and work ethic required to complete a bachelor’s degree.
What Does the Program Offer?
Our program is a demanding college degree program designed to prepare you to enter the aviation industry or to continue your education to complete a bachelor’s degree at a college or university. Our courses and flight training offer an education that is above and beyond the minimum FAA requirements for pilot certification. Our instructors bring years of military, airline and commercial aviation experience to their flight and classroom instruction. You’ll receive your flight certificates and ratings from Private Pilot through Certified Flight Instructor with either Airplane or Helicopter ratings (or both), plus your Associate of Applied Science transfer degree.
Will My Credits Transfer into a Bachelor's Degree Program?
Yes. Your degree will allow you to transfer directly to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University or another college of your choice. We are currently working with other colleges and universities to accept all of your credits into their bachelor's degree program. There are four schools that have verbally indicated that they will welcome our students and we expect to have formal agreements completed within the next few months.
Can I Learn to Fly or Get a Rating Without Entering the Program?
Yes, any member of the community may take any course we offer without entering our degree program. You can learn to fly, earn a new certificate or rating, or take our Aviation classes without being a program student.
What is the Future of Commercial Aviation?
Commercial Aviation is a growth industry, and is predicted to continue growing strongly through this century. Industry analysts predict that there could be a shortage of pilots trained and ready to meet the demands of aviation industry. In particular, corporate and business aviation have increased dramatically in the last several years since the terrorist attacks of 9/11. It’s become increasingly common for businesses to lease a portion of a corporate jet and employ their own pilots. General aviation business is also predicted to remain strong into the future.
Do I have to be an Aviation program student to take aviation classes?
No. Most of these classes are open to the public or to students from other departments. If you just want to learn to fly, then you can take just the Private Pilot course. If you already have your Private Pilot certificate and want to add an Instrument rating, you can take the Instrument course. If you have some of your ratings and would like to enter the program with advance standing, talk to us about challenging the courses in which you have already demonstrated your knowledge.
If you have another major and would like to know more about one of our subjects (Meteorology, for instance) you may enroll in that course. Consult your advisor to see if you can apply the course to your program.