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Aviation Technology

 

Sinclair College offers one of the most comprehensive aviation technology programs in the nation which includes Bachelor of Applied Science degrees in Aviation Technology/Professional Pilot and Unmanned Aerial Systems. Sinclair's bachelor and associate degrees and technical certificate programs prepare graduates for careers as commercial fixed wing and helicopter pilots, aircraft mechanics, flight attendants, aircraft dispatchers, aviation managers and unmanned aerial systems operators and technicians. View all available Aviation Programs below. Graduates of our programs can also choose to continue their education in aviation by transferring to another college or university. Sinclair students can transfer their associate’s degree credits to complete a bachelor's degree through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Worldwide Campus.

Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration has granted authority to Sinclair to certify graduates of its Aviation Technology/Professional Pilot degree programs to be eligible for an Airline Transport Pilot certificate with reduced aeronautical experience (R-ATP). The required total flight time for graduates of this program to obtain R-ATP certification has been reduced from 1,500 to 1,250 hours (Associate) or 1,000 hours (Bachelor).

Please see the MORE INFO box to the right or scroll down for Airplane and Helicopter program price lists and other useful information.

The Aviation Technology department has partnerships with MacAir Aviation and Higher Ground Helicopters, two of the region's most respected flight schools. These partnerships provide flight training for Sinclair’s professional pilot fixed wing and helicopter students. MacAir Aviation is located at the Greene County-Lewis A. Jackson Regional Airport and Higher Ground Helicopters is located at the Dayton-Wright Brothers Airport; both are a 15 minutes drive from Sinclair’s downtown Dayton campus.

Sinclair has partnered with Dayton-based PSA Airlines, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Airlines, to train pilots as part of the PSA Cadet Program. This program offers qualified students a number of benefits including career mentoring, tuition reimbursement, and guaranteed employment upon successful completion.

Sinclair trains pilot students under FAA Part 141 (with the exception of Private Pilot certificates, which are under Part 61) and includes training in advanced flight simulators. Our Redbird FMX Full Motion Flight Simulator incorporates state-of-the-art glass cockpit training.

A student and instructor train on one of Sinclair's PCATD flight training devices.

 

Cost Sheets

Fixed-Wing

Helicopter

Quoted flight training rates are for the minimum number of hours for each rating as dictated by the FAA. Flight training and/or tuition costs are subject to change.

Why major in Aviation Technology?

A number of potentially lucrative career opportunities exist in the aviation industry. The demand for major airline pilots is steadily increasing and the demand for general aviation positions is at an all-time high. The use of interstate commerce has increased the demand for cargo pilots, and a shift in business travel from the major airlines to executive-sized aircraft has created a new increase in the number of pilot jobs available. These changes in airline passenger and cargo traffic, along with an expected wave of retirements, will provide many job opportunities for new pilots, flight instructors, and support staff at all levels of the aviation industry.

This area of study might be for you if:
  • You would like to become a pilot or work in another aviation field.
  • You are interested in learning more about how airplanes or unmanned aerial vehicles work.
  • You are looking to gain hands-on experience in a challenging, high paying career path.
  • You desire to work in an industry that thrives in a variety of cities, states, and even countries, and offers a variety of opportunities for paid and personal travel.

What are the objectives of the Aviation Technology program?

The Aviation Technology program builds essential practical knowledge in the professional pilot, aviation maintenance, unmanned aerial systems, flight attendant, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and aircraft dispatcher career fields.

What are the prospects for those interested in aviation?

The demand for major airline pilots and general aviation careers is at an all time high. The combination of retirements in the industry and difficulty in sourcing pilots to keep pace with the attrition has resulted in a pilot shortage in the United States, especially with regional airlines. Many of these carriers have recently increased compensation, incentives, and benefits for new pilots who are hired by and complete training with these companies. Flight attendants, maintenance technicians, and flight operations staff, such as aircraft dispatchers, are also in demand.

The Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) industry is a rapidly developing field with seemingly endless possibilities for new concepts for both careers and entrepreneurship opportunities. Geospatial Information Systems, First Responding, Agriculture, Data Analysis, and Real Estate applications have been identified as specific areas for growth.

Book Icon Available Programs

Associate of Applied Science
Aviation Maintenance Technology Go to Program Details Display Program Description
This program leads to an Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology and provides the knowledge and skills required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for certification as an Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT). To become an AMT, two ratings are required, the Airframe (A) and the Powerplant (P); this is commonly referred to as an "A&P Certificate". Students will complete the requirements for Sinclair's General, Airframe and Powerplant Aviation Maintenance certificates and will refine the knowledge and skills they have learned with extensive hands-on training in the aviation maintenance lab. Students, having completed this course work, will be eligible to test for the FAA A&P Certificate. The graduate can either continue towards a bachelor's degree in aviation (or related field) or can begin a career as an AMT. Sinclair is an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) under Part 147. View Full Program Details

This program leads to an Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Technology. The student, having completed this course work, would have the background and skills to enter the aviation industry or continue towards a bachelor's degree in aviation science (or related field).

View Full Program Details
Aviation Technology/Professional Pilot Go to Program Details Display Program Description
This program leads to an Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Technology/Professional Pilot and is designed for students who want to pursue a career as a professional pilot. The student, having completed this course work, will have the background, skills and FAA credentials to enter the aviation industry as a professional pilot or continue towards obtaining an aviation bachelor's degree. Students may choose fixed wing or helicopter pilot pathways. The curriculum in the Professional Pilot program is rigorous and is designed for full time students to complete in 4 semesters. Students must maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA. Enrollment in the flight lab courses is limited and priority will be given to fulltime, degree seeking students. Part time students will be admitted on a space available basis. The student must obtain a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 2nd class medical certificate prior to enrolling in any of the flight labs. In addition to standard tuition fees there are additional course and lab fees for each of the flight labs in the program. The flight lab fees are structured to cover the costs associated with the minimum flying hours required for each FAA certificate. Any additional flying time costs beyond the FAA minimums covered by the flight lab fee must be borne by the student. See the Department for the latest course and flight lab fee costs. View Full Program Details
The Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) degree program prepares students for entry level positions in the UAS industry by providing foundational knowledge and skills in UAS mission planning, applications, maintenance, laws and regulations, and data analytics, and project management using UAS platforms. Program content includes an introduction to UAS flight, history, avionics, sensors, communications systems and selectable paths including Data Analysis and applications such as First Responders, Geographic Information Systems, Precision Agriculture, and Entrepreneurship. Students will prepare for and conduct unmanned flights similar to those commonly performed in the industry observing Federal Aviation Administrations (FAA) regulations that govern UAS operations. View Full Program Details
Bachelor of Applied Science
Aviation Technology/Professional Pilot Go to Program Details Display Program Description
The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree in Aviation Technology/Professional Pilot is designed to enhance the technical skills of students who have earned an associate degree in Aviation Technology/Professional Pilot at Sinclair Community College, or who wish to pursue a complete bachelors degree. Students may choose fixed wing (single engine and multi-engine) or helicopter pilot certifications. The curriculum in the Professional Pilot program is rigorous and is designed for full time students to complete in 8 semesters. Students must maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA. Enrollment in the flight lab courses is limited and priority will be given to full time, degree seeking students. Part time students will be admitted on a space available basis. The student must obtain a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 2nd class medical certificate prior to enrolling in any of the flight labs. In addition to standard tuition fees there are additional course and lab fees for each of the flight labs in the program. The flight lab fees are structured to cover the costs associated with the minimum flying hours required for each FAA certificate. Any additional flying time costs beyond the FAA minimums covered by the flight lab fee must be borne by the student. See the Department for the latest course and flight lab fee costs. This degree program contains one or more embedded certificates which will be automatically awarded when the certificate requirements are completed. If you do not want to receive the embedded certificate(s), please notify Registration and Student Records at studentrecords@sinclair.edu. View Full Program Details
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Go to Program Details Display Program Description
This Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) is designed to fill a growing workforce need by developing the technical skills of students and prepare them for jobs in this high demand industry. The degree provides a foundational understanding of UAS mission planning, advanced flight operations, hands-on maintenance, laws and regulations, data analytics, sensor operations and technology integration and testing in support of diverse industries. These include precision agriculture, infrastructure inspection, aerial mapping and surveying, first response, logistics, security, and other emerging applications that will continue to develop as the industry grows. Students will prepare for and conduct unmanned flights similar to those commonly performed in the industry observing Federal Aviation Administrations (FAA) regulations that govern UAS operations. View Full Program Details
One-year Technical Certificate
Airframe Aviation Maintenance Go to Program Details Display Program Description
This program is one of two Sinclair certificate programs (GAM.S.STC & AAM.S.CRT) needed to qualify the student for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe (A) certificate. To become an Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT), two ratings are required, the Airframe (A) and the Powerplant (P); this is commonly referred to as an "A&P Certificate". Subjects include assembling and rigging, metallic and non-metallic structures, fuel systems, electrical power production and distribution, instruments, communication/navigation systems, cabin atmospheric control systems, landing gear, hydraulics and pneumatics, fire protection systems, aircraft finishing, ice protection systems and welding inspections. Students will learn to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned with extensive hands-on training in the aviation maintenance lab. Sinclair is an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) under Part 147. View Full Program Details
This certificate integrates technical Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) curriculum with business and entrepreneurship courses. There is a need in the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) industry for entrepreneurial technicians who have the knowledge and skills to apply advanced technology and intellectual property (IP) in a variety of high-tech applications. Related to UAS, this includes aircraft, sensors, avionics, software, data analytics, and other advanced technologies. View Full Program Details
The Unmanned Aerial Systems One Year Technical Certificate prepares students with the foundational knowledge and skills related to Unmanned Aerial System technology, tools, and applications needed to support industry as a pilot/operator, visual observer, ancillary ground crew member, or data analyst while following applicable laws, regulations, and standards governing operations in the National Airspace System. Students may choose one of the four specialization options including Precision Agriculture, First Responders, Geographic Information Systems, or Aerial Sensing Data Analysis. View Full Program Details
Short-term Technical Certificate
Aerial Sensing Data Analytics Go to Program Details Display Program Description
The Aerial Sensing Data Analytics Short-Term Technical Certificate provides an introduction to unmanned aerial systems (UAS) technologies, applications, and regulatory and legal considerations. The program prepares students for entry level positions as analysts of aerially collected electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR), multi- and hyperspectral (MSI/HSI), synthetic aperture radar (SAR), light detection and ranging (LiDAR), acoustic, and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) data. View Full Program Details
The Aircraft Dispatcher certificate provides students with the theory and operating knowledge necessary to understand the policies, procedures and means of compliance with the applicable Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) leading to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aircraft Dispatcher Certification. The program develops the knowledge and skills required to enter a career in the aviation industry as an aircraft dispatcher. To that end, students explore aircraft performance, meteorology, crew resource management, air traffic control, advanced navigation, airline operations and FAA knowledge, oral, and practical exams. View Full Program Details

The Airline Flight Attendant certificate provides students with the basic theory of airline travel with an understanding of the policies, procedures and means of compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations. Students explore the business of air commerce and develop the skills of a travel professional. Includes exploration of communications, safety and security, air travel, customer service, airline operations and crew resource management. This program develops the knowledge and skills required to serve as a flight attendant and to enter a career in the aviation industry.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Autonomous Systems Go to Program Details Display Program Description
This short-term certificate in Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Autonomous Systems, which is fully embedded within the Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Unmanned Aerial Systems, gives the student the in-depth knowledge they need to transform large amounts of data into actionable decisions. The program and its curriculum focus on how complex inputs - such as vision, sensor data, robotics, and huge databases - can be used to make decisions or enhance human capabilities. The curriculum includes coursework in aviation technology, computer science, math and statistics, robotics, computational modeling, machine learning and symbolic computation. The program includes courses from the Aviation Technology, Computer Information Systems (CIS), and Mathematics Departments. View Full Program Details
General Aviation Maintenance Go to Program Details Display Program Description
The General Aviation Maintenance certificate provides foundational knowledge and skills required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) student. To become an AMT, two ratings are required, the Airframe (A) and the Powerplant (P); this is commonly referred to as an "A&P Certificate". The GAM.S.STC, the Airframe Maintenance (AAM.S.CRT) and Powerplant Maintenance (PPAM.S.STC) certificates are needed to qualify the student to become an AMT. Students will learn to apply mathematics and physics, read and interpret aircraft drawings, conduct ground operations and servicing of aircraft, interpret maintenance publications, interpret FAA regulations, make correct and legal aircraft record entries, perform weight and balance calculations, understand basic electricity, understand makeup of materials used in aircraft manufacture, understand aircraft fasteners, inspect welds, inspect for aircraft deterioration (corrosion) and understand and perform aircraft repair methods. Students will learn to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned with extensive hands-on training in the aviation maintenance lab. Sinclair is an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) under Part 147. View Full Program Details
Powerplant Aviation Maintenance Go to Program Details Display Program Description
This program is one of two Sinclair certificate programs (GAM.S.STC & PPAM.S.STC) needed to qualify the student for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Powerplant (P) certificate. To become an Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT), two ratings are required, the Airframe (A) and the Powerplant (P); this is commonly referred to as an "A&P Certificate". Students will learn to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned with extensive hands-on training in the aviation maintenance lab. Sinclair is an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) under Part 147. View Full Program Details
This program is designed to allow the student to earn FAA certificates and ratings to become a professional pilot. The student, having completed this course work, will have the background and skills to enter the aviation industry as a professional pilot or continue towards a Bachelor's degree in aviation science (or a related field). Students may choose fixed-wing (airplane single engine and multi-engine) or helicopter certifications. The student must obtain a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Third (3rd) Class medical certificate prior to enrolling in ANY flight lab. In addition to standard tuition fees, there are additional lab fees for each flight lab in the program. These lab fees are structured to cover the costs associated with the minimum flying hours required for each FAA certificate. Any additional flying time costs beyond the FAA minimums covered by the lab fee must be borne by the student. See the Department for the latest lab fee costs. View Full Program Details
The UAS First Responders Short-Term Technical certificate prepares students for entry level positions in the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) industry by providing foundational knowledge, skills and proficiency in UAS theory, capabilities and scenario based objectives related to the first responder industry. View Full Program Details
UAS for Geographic Information Systems Go to Program Details Display Program Description

The UAS for GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Short-Term Technical certificate prepares students for entry level positions as GIS analysts in the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) industry by providing foundational knowledge and skills involving GIS technologies and UAS technology.

View Full Program Details
The UAS Precision Agriculture Short-Term Technical Certificate prepares students for entry level positions in the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) industry by providing foundational knowledge and skills involving Precision Agriculture and UAS Technology. View Full Program Details
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United States Air Force ROTC

Sinclair and Wright State University (WSU) hold a crosstown agreement to allow Sinclair Aviation students to join WSU's ROTC Detachment and take required ROTC courses at WSU.

Housing at Wright State

Aviation students can stay at our partner Wright State University while they attend Sinclair classes for each term. Learn more about resident living at Wright State.

Interested students can apply for Wright State Housing by completing the following:

Step 1:

Complete The Wright Path Application to secure your Wright State student identification number. Once Completed and Approved and can then apply for housing.

Step 2:

Complete The Wright Path Housing Application through their housing website. You can also find their housing rates by location, per semester and month. $250.00 deposit will need to be paid prior to receiving your keys.

Note: When completing The Wright Path Housing Application, please choose Sinclair Aviation for the program.

For questions about housing, please contact Wright State Housing by email at housing_wrightpath@wright.edu or at 937-775-4172. Please let the housing office know that you are a Sinclair Aviation student seeking housing.

 

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