Associate Of Science Aviation Studies - Fixed Wing
Turn Your Passion For Aviation Into A Career
In our Aviation degree program you’ll learn flight fundamentals from experienced instructors and valuable communication and career building skills that enhance your employment potential. We know you’re ready to fly, and with up to 4 days a week of actual flying, you’ll gain enough aviation training in both ground and flight instruction to earn six different aviation licenses/ratings upon graduation.
CAU's Associate of Science in Aviation Studies prepares students for a career in aviation. Students in this program will become proficient in the areas of understanding the federal regulations, weather, aerodynamics, and various aviation topics including modern aircraft technology. Flight training is also integrated into the program to prepare students to earn four FAA certificates and ratings.
The variety of FAA certificates and ratings earned in the associate's level aviation degree program (private pilot, instrument rated pilot, certified flight instructor, certified flight instructor instrument and commercial pilot) can give you a wider range of employment opportunities at graduation. Eligible graduates also receive a 250-hour reduction in their FAA-mandated Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) flight hour requirement (normally 1500 hours) by qualifying for a restricted ATP (R-ATP). Learn more about ATP requirements and how eligible CAU graduates qualify for a R-ATP.
Aviation Studies Program Highlights
Fly In The First Term
Aviation program students receive flight instruction during their first term of school.
FAA Part 141 Approval
CAU is FAA Part 141 approved. Eligible graduates of the associate’s degree program benefit by a 250 flight-hour reduction when seeking their ATP certificate.
Direct Pathway To Airline Cadet Programs
CAU has partnered with several regional airlines to create opportunities for their professional pilot students, many of which include a direct pathway to the airline’s cadet program.
Build On Your Foundation
This program is ideal for students who have their Bachelor's degree but want to further pursue a professional career in aviation.
Associate Of Science: Aviation Degree Course List
- Aviation Concepts
- Private Pilot
- Aircraft Systems
- Commercial Pilot Flight
- Certified Flight Instructor
- Aviation Weather
- High Performance Aerodynamics
- Crew Management
- And much more. See catalog for full course list here.
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Aviation Studies
Additional Program Highlights
Your journey into the world of aviation begins with learning some fundamentals of the craft. During this part of your aviation degree training, you will learn about the importance of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) and the Airman’s Information Manual (AIM).
You will be exposed to the concept of aeronautical decision-making (ADM), and understand the utilization of Air Traffic Control (ATC) services. Your ability to safely navigate will be further developed through learning about Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) and Threat Awareness Warning Systems (TAWS). On top of learning the acronyms necessary to speak the pilot lingo, you will participate in exciting flight simulations!
This is where the rubber leaves the road. During this portion of your aviation degree training, you will obtain the knowledge necessary to pass the Private Pilot examination. You will learn how to interpret airport signs, lighting, radio communications, and traffic sequencing.
More ADM will be applied as you perform weather analysis and balance calculations, explore landings, takeoffs and performance maneuvers, and apply Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) knowledge. You will gain proficiency in the use of basic instruments, as well as learn how to apply procedures in the case of emergency situations, such as stalling and spin-entry.
For this unit of your aviation degree, you will be prepared to add an Instrument Rating to your flight certificate. You will learn about the effects of flight on human physiology, along with learning more about ATC procedures, Navigational Aids (NAVAIDs), and instrument flight rules (IFRs) that are applied during emergencies.
Additionally, you will obtain knowledge of Special Emphasis Area information, such as holding patterns, precision and non-precision instruments, automation, and planning for cross-country flights. You will also learn more about the Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) and the Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA) as you prepare for your career in the aviation industry.
A commercial pilot wouldn’t get far without his or her crew. In this section of your courses, you will study the information necessary to manage a crew and become certified as a flight instructor.
You will gain an increased understanding of Crew Resource Management (CRM) procedures, while learning how to use the Chain of Events approach toward understanding how aircraft accidents occur. You will also learn how to instruct others in the art of piloting, using your own abilities as a pilot to guide you in conducting assessments.
These course sections provide you with the knowledge necessary to earn your FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Airplane, Single-Engine, Land rating.
You will explore complex aircraft and advanced avionics systems, while gaining specific knowledge of how to approach malfunctions and how to navigate during high-altitude flights. Information in high-speed aeronautics, advanced-technology aircraft, and Global Positioning System (GPS) relation to national airspace will be obtained, while you study for your Commercial Pilot Practical Test. You will learn how to handle hazardous materials, how to navigate adverse weather conditions, and how to approach unfamiliar airports in the context of multi-engine aircraft piloting.
Career Outlook
Successful completion of this aviation degree prepares the student for a career as a Commercial Pilot or Airline Pilot. As a commercial pilot, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to fly passengers professionally. Organizations that may hire professional pilots include airlines, government agencies, tour and charter operations, private companies, flight schools, cargo carriers and a variety of other agencies.
Program Offered
*hybrid program including online courses