Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

Frequently asked questions

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 attain a “Second Class” FAA medical certificate to ensure you will be qualified to act as a commercial pilot when you are finished with our program.

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.

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 is required before registering for these classes.

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.

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 receive the maximum aid. Learn more on the PCC financial aid website.

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

At this time, the program does not have any CPT options for international students.