Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

What are the different licenses and ratings available through this program?

We recognize that all the terminology surrounding aviation can be confusing. We have tried to simplify some of it in the following chart. Please direct additional questions to the Faculty Department Chair (FDC).

What is the difference between the “without Flight Instructor” and “with Flight Instructor” degrees?

The difference between the two degrees is the last 6 to 7 classes you will take in your degree. Students pursuing the without Flight Instructor degree will not have to take AVS 230, AVS 243, AVS 207A, AVS 240, AVS 244, or AVS 207B. The difference in timeline for completion is usually 2-3 additional academic terms for students who wish to get the “with Flight Instructor” degree. AVS 236 is an optional elective for those who wish to take the Flight Instructor degree course.

For many in the industry, flight instructing is their first and easiest job to hire into with the lowest required flight hours. Typically, other flying jobs require 500-750 hours or more total flight time in order to meet insurance minimums. Many pilots use flight instructing to cover the roughly 500-hour gap between when they become commercial pilots and when they will be hireable by other employers in the industry. While the flight instructor license may not be required for your future career, many pilots and employers recognize this rating as a crucial step in building experience and proficiency before moving on to your next career phase.

Does PCC directly offer flight instruction?

No. Students receive their flight training from either our partner flight school, Hillsboro Aero Academy (HAA), or a flight school of your choice. Please follow up with the Faculty Department Chair (FDC) about the implications of this choice.

Do I need to complete an application?

Yes! Aviation Science is a “competitive entry” program. This means that there are additional steps to take, and an additional separate application is required once you have been accepted to PCC. You can find our application on the PCC AVS application page.

How do I apply for the Aviation Science program?

Our application process is designed to make sure you are ready to succeed in the program and understand the requirements of both the program and the industry. It is an inclusive process that will help you get to where you need to be to succeed.

When can I apply to the AVS Program?

We invite students to apply at any point during the year. However, applications for students starting in pursuit of their Private Pilot’s License are reviewed for acceptance only for spring term. If you want to start in spring term, your application must be submitted before the first Wednesday in January. If you already have your Private Pilot’s License, you can be admitted to start in the program in either spring or fall terms.

What are the application deadlines?

• Students pursuing their Private Pilot’s License: before the first Wednesday in January
• Students pursuing their Instrument Rating or above: either before the first Wednesday in January or before the second Wednesday in June

What is required for the application?

You will need:

• FAA Flight Medical Certificate
• A full cover letter talking about why you want to join the program and your goals in aviation
• Prerequisites (these classes need to be completed before the program starts, not before applying):
  • Math and writing placement
  • AVS 117 and AVS 127
  • GS 109
• If utilizing private funding, we request that students have a minimum of $20,000 prepared if they are starting with their Private Pilot Certificate.
• We are looking for students who have a grade of “C” average or better. If you do not meet this requirement, you are still welcome to apply – just know this will be a discussion point during future meetings with the FDC.

What does the application process consist of?

• Pre-program application and admission
  • Attend an optional information session. This can help make sure you have important information and provide a place to ask questions to the AVS Advisor about the program.
  • Successful completion of AVS 117, AVS 127, and GS 109 before the program start date.
  • We recommend connecting with the AVS Advisor with any questions or concerns while preparing application information.
  • Gather all required documents and information.
• Application
  • Complete the application form, including submitting all the required documentation.
  • Your application will go through its first round of review at this time.
• Post-application submission
  • Meet with the AVS FDC to complete your program map and flight plan.
  • Meet with the AVS Advisor to complete a financial plan.
  • Financial aid will review your application more in depth at this point in time and may have additional questions or meetings for you.
• Admission decision and notification
  • The FDC will provide you with the final admission decision.

What makes a strong application?

Some of the traits we are looking for in our applicants include ensuring all application materials are complete and strong. If you are missing information or come across as unprofessional in your application, you may get placed in a lower priority tier for acceptance. Our application review tiers are as follows:

• High likelihood of acceptance: All application materials are complete and strong. All prerequisites have been completed and are already recognized and known by AVS staff for hard work and classroom participation.
• Moderate likelihood of acceptance: Student may have appeared to have some issue submitting application materials. They may need a credit limit appeal or additional support from faculty and/or school resources. More time may be needed with the FDC to determine action steps to help ensure program success.
• Low likelihood of acceptance: Application is missing key documents, cover letter is incomplete and/or shows AI usage, there may be additional financial concerns with aid eligibility leading to additional required meetings, or there may have been struggles with prerequisite classes or an average grade equal to a “C”.
• Non-admittance: Student elects to withdraw their application, or has taken and failed prerequisite classes. Instructors of prerequisite courses notified the FDC of behavioral issues during the student’s time in the class. There may be an inability to obtain a medical certificate.

Why is a cover letter required and what should it consist of?

The cover letter on the AVS application helps the faculty and AVS panel, who might not know you yet, get to know you. It is your first introduction to the department. We want to know who you are and why you are interested in pursuing the AVS program at PCC. Additionally, the cover letter is the first document that helps us evaluate your English language proficiency as required per FAR 61.103 and FAA AC 60-28B. Please take it seriously and do not use AI. It will be checked for signs of AI usage, and if AI use is found, we may disqualify your application. Beware that tools like some translation apps and Grammarly can falsely trigger AI alarms. If you use these tools, we recommend disclosing that usage as a footnote at the bottom of the cover letter.

What classes should I take while I wait for my acceptance letter?

We encourage our students to take any Writing or Math classes and electives or general education courses they desire while waiting on acceptance. AVS 117, AVS 127, and GS 109 also must be completed in order to start in the program, so if those were not completed before applying, please prioritize them. Once admitted into the AVS program, things happen fast, and students run the risk of getting overloaded and falling behind if these early classes are not done.

What is an FAA medical exam, and how do I get one?

This is a routine physical exam, but it must be done by a doctor who has been approved by the FAA. Other physicals, such as DOT or military, will not suffice. Please see the “pass a physical examination” section on the apply to Aviation Science page for more details and a link to a medical examiner search engine. A typical price for this exam is $80-$120. Please obtain a “First Class” or “Second Class” FAA medical certificate to ensure you will be qualified to act as a commercial pilot when you are finished with our program.

Are there any barriers to getting an FAA medical that might affect me?

There could be! Common barriers to obtaining an FAA medical include a diagnosis of ADHD, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and many other mental health conditions. Additionally, a history of taking medications for ADHD, depression, anxiety, or SSRIs may prevent you from obtaining a medical. If you have any questions about medicals, we recommend reaching out to a local Airman Medical Examiner (AME) for a consultation before attempting to get your actual medical.

I previously got a DUI – will this prevent me from obtaining my FAA medical?

It might. Usually, one DUI will not prevent you from obtaining your medical certificate, but it is something you will need to speak to your Airman Medical Examiner (AME) about. Consider booking a consultation before going in for an official medical exam.

Is the price of flight training included in the tuition?

The flight training fees are separate from the tuition but are payable directly to PCC according to PCC’s normal billing procedures. Fees are assessed only for the flight courses for which you register each term. Please see the flight fees on the program costs page. Individual advising by the Faculty Department Chair is required before registering for these classes.

How can I finance the flight training?

Federal financial aid can be used toward the cost of flight training, but it often amounts to a fraction of the total program cost. Plan to fill out your FAFSA and apply for financial aid at least six months in advance to determine financial aid eligibility. Learn more on the PCC financial aid website.

Private loans may be an option. They are based on the individual’s credit score and often require a cosigner to secure the loan.

Additionally, students are recommended to pursue any scholarships or grant opportunities they may qualify for. Some will be presented to you in your AVS classes; many can be found via Google; and we recommend directly working with some of the amazing local aviation-centered organizations like the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), 99s – Rose City chapter, Women in Aviation, and more. If you have questions about how to contact or get involved with these groups, please contact the Department Chair.

Will the Veterans Administration pay for my flight training?

PCC has restructured the Aviation Science program to return to a student-centered approach to flight training. These changes mean that PCC’s program is out of compliance with Veterans Administration (VA) regulations and not eligible for VA funding. As such, PCC will be unable to admit new, VA-funded students to the Aviation Science program. See the VA funding changes page for more details.

Does the PCC Aviation Science program have CPT (Curricular Practical Training) options for F-1 Visa students?

Please direct any questions about CPT and OPT to the Office of International Student Services.