Flight Operations APPAO.S.AAS

Associate of Applied Science - 62 - 68 Credit Hours

Division: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Department: Aviation Technology
Effective as of Fall 2026

What is the program about?

The program leads to an Associate of Applied Science in Flight Operations and is designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers across the aviation industry or for continued study toward a bachelor's degree in aviation or a related field. The program provides a common foundational curriculum followed by specialization in one of five tracks: Fixed Wing Professional Pilot, Helicopter Professional Pilot, Aircraft Dispatch, Aviation Management, or Airline Flight Attendant. Students begin by choosing a track, with shared academic, non-flight coursework that establishes core aviation knowledge. The Professional Pilot tracks are designed for students pursuing careers as pilots in fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters and provide the training, knowledge, and FAA certifications necessary for employment as professional pilots or continued advancement into bachelor's degree programs. The Fixed Wing track is authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to allow eligible graduates to apply for a Restricted Privileges Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate with reduced flight hour requirements. Due to FAA regulatory requirements and resource constraints, enrollment in the Professional Pilot tracks is limited, and students must complete a competitive application process and obtain an FAA Second Class Medical Certificate prior to admission. Flight training is delivered through structured laboratory courses, with flight lab fees covering the minimum FAA-required flight hours for each certification; any additional flight time required beyond these minimums is the responsibility of the student. Students selecting non-flying tracks complete specialized coursework aligned with their career goals, including preparation for the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX) certification in the Aircraft Dispatch track, aviation business and leadership roles in the Aviation Management track, and completion of the Sinclair Airline Flight Attendant short-term certificate in the Airline Flight Attendant track. Due to the structured and sequential nature of aviation training, students are expected to maintain full-time enrollment, particularly in the Professional Pilot tracks, follow the prescribed course sequence, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, and meet with an academic advisor prior to each semester. Graduates of the program will be able to apply aeronautical knowledge to real-world aviation scenarios, utilize analytical and scientific reasoning to evaluate operational conditions, assess aviation systems and determine appropriate solutions, and demonstrate industry-relevant technical and professional competencies. This program serves as a comprehensive pathway into the aviation industry, preparing graduates for careers in airline and regional pilot operations, helicopter operations, aircraft dispatch, aviation management, and airline cabin services, while also supporting continued education and advancement within the aviation field.

Program Outcomes

• Apply aviation, business, and leadership principles to effectively perform in professional aviation roles across operational, safety, and organizational contexts.
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of aviation theory, industry standards, and Federal Aviation Regulations, and apply them appropriately within aviation operations.
• Exemplify a high standard of ethical, professional, and safety-oriented behavior consistent with aviation industry expectations.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities are strong across airline, corporate, business, and general aviation sectors, with continued growth in major, regional, and low-cost carriers driving sustained demand for aviation professionals. According to the Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook, the global aviation industry is projected to require approximately 649,000 new pilots over the next 20 years to support commercial airlines, business aviation, and civil helicopter operations. This demand is driven by a combination of fleet growth, increased air travel demand, and a significant wave of retirements among the current workforce, along with normal industry attrition. As a result, a substantial portion of new job openings will come from the need to replace retiring professionals, creating consistent entry points into the industry. Aviation professionals who attain higher levels of training, certifications, and education will be positioned for the strongest career advancement opportunities.

Transferability

Formal articulation agreements with other colleges and universities indicate how Sinclair programs and courses will transfer to other institutions.

Prerequisites

• DEV 0035 and MAT 0300
• Approval of Department

Credentials

Students earn specific Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications to prepare them with the skills necessary to become a professional pilot in fixed wing aircraft and/or helicopters. Students that choose the Aircraft Dispatcher track may earn the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX) certificate.