Aviation Science - Getting Started
Rock Creek Bldg. 2, Rm. 230 | Program Director: Larry Altree | 971-722-7256 | Admin. Asst.: Erin Fivecoat
Southeast Center Mt. Tabor Hall (MTH), Rm. 128 | 971-722-6176
Enrollment Steps
- Get admitted to PCC.
- Take the COMPASS placement
test.
- Applicants who wish to seek the degree must take the COMPASS basic skills placement test. See the catalog for minimum test scores.
- Attend a new student orientation in person or online (this is separate from the Aviation Science Orientation).
- Get an FAA medical certificate and make sure you meet all physical requirements.
- Fill out the Aviation Science department application. Please note:
- Applications for summer term 2013 are due by April 29, 2013; and for fall term 2013 are due by July 29, 2013.
- You may register for AVS-127: Intro to Aviation without being accepted into the program.
- Prerequisites for admission include successful completion ("C" or better) of Math 60 and Writing 115, or placement into higher classes, no later than the application deadline for your desired term of admission.
- Contact aviation.science@pcc.edu with any questions.
Requirements
Transportation Security Administration
(TSA) Requirements
Since September 11th, 2001 the TSA has added a number of security requirements for people who wish to receive flight instruction. These requirements are, for most people, fairly straightforward to comply with. These requirements must be met prior to taking your first flight lesson. You may begin this process prior to the start of your first term in order to get started with your flight training quickly. PCC contracts with Hillsboro Aviation, an FAA accredited flight school, who employs a School Administration Manager to help you with this process: Daniel Jones at djones@hillsboroaviation.com. The process is different for U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens.
U.S. Citizens
If you are a U.S. citizen, you must prove citizenship by providing the following to Jennifer Jacques at Hillsboro Aviation:
- An un-expired U.S. passport
- Or, an original birth certificate (with the raised stamp) and a valid photo I.D.
Non-U.S. citizens (including resident aliens)
- Call Jennifer Jacques
- Go to the TSA website to begin the registration process
Note: There will be a fee (currently $130). This process must be repeated for each FAA certificate. Jennifer can provide a helpful checklist that will guide you through this process.
FAA Medical Certificate
The FAA requires a Medical Certificate prior to beginning flight training. You will want a Class II Medical and Student Pilot Certificate, which will also permit you to work as a commercial pilot. This is a routine physical exam, but must be accomplished by an FAA designated flight surgeon.
If you have any medical condition or history that you think may be of concern, we recommend that you seek advice before getting the exam. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has an excellent online medical information section, and we recommend that you join and take advantage of their services prior to the exam if you have a concern. There is a free six-month trial membership available. Of particular interest will be their "Turbo-Medical," which is an interactive online program that will identify any potential problems.
Physical Requirements
Due to the limitations of the helicopter that is used for training, there is weight limit of 220 pounds for the Helicopter program. There is not a weight limit for the airplane program, but additional fees may apply if the student weighs over 207 pounds.
Prior Flight Experience
Please see the non-traditional credit policy to see how you can get credit for FAA certificates that you may already hold. In addition, since PCC's records will not show completion of these courses at first, you will need prerequisite overrides in order to enroll for advanced flight courses. Contact aviation.science@pcc.edu for more information.