Aviation Sciences

Aviation Operations and Management

Aircraft Commercial Pilot

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4-Year (Bachelor) Degree at
Palomar College

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Aviation Sciences

Although the past few years have seen difficult times for some of the legacy air carriers, many of the regional airlines and “low cost” carriers have been continuing to grow and have been actively hiring new pilots and ground personnel. Many industry experts are predicting that the industry as a whole will again be in better financial condition by the middle of this decade . Most industry experts also feel that there will be a shortage of qualified pilots as we approach the middle of this decade. Considering that it takes several years to become a “qualified pilot”, now is a good time to start becoming qualified for a career in aviation.

Students interested in the field of air transportation have three options. First, they may take any combination of individual classes that meet their specific interests and/or needs. Second, they may complete the classes listed in one of our two programs and earn a Certificate of Achievement. Third, they may complete the classes listed in a program as well as the General Education Requirements (consult the current Palomar College catalog) and earn an Associate in Arts Degree.

Course Offerings
Credit for Flight Training
Flight Training Courses
Classes which should be taken first
When to get started with Flight Training

Course Offerings

Credit for Flight Training

Flight training is to be completed off campus with an FAA certified flight instructor of the student's choice and at the student's own expense. The Palomar Community College District accepts no responsibility or liability for the flight training obtained from private instructors. The student should register for the appropriate course during the semester that he/she anticipates completion of the flight training. Upon presentation of the appropriate certificate/rating, the instructor listed in the current class schedule will issue the credit. No grade will be given - pass/no pass only.

Flight Training Courses

Classes which should be taken first

For someone interested in becoming a pilot, AVIA 105 (Basic Pilot Ground School) is a must. If it is your desire to learn more about the aviation industry or to eventually get a 2-year degree from Palomar College, it is recommended that you also take AVIA 100 (Introduction to Aeronautical Sciences).

If you are intending to pursue a 2-year degree AVIA 120 (Aviation Weather) is another course that may be taken during your first or second semester. 

AVIA 106 and  AVIA 107 should not be taken until you either have your Private Pilot Certificate or are in the cross-country training stage for your Private Pilot Certificate.

When to get started with Flight Training

We recommend that you start your Private Pilot flight training about a month after starting AVIA 105 (Basic Pilot Ground School). It is also acceptable to start your flight training after you complete AVIA 105.

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