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?

This program leads to an Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Technology and provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the aviation industry or continuation toward a bachelor's degree in aviation or a related field. The curriculum includes a common core of foundational aviation coursework, after which students select a track aligned with their career goals. Available tracks include Aviation Management, Aircraft Dispatch, Airline Flight Attendant, Professional Pilot - Fixed Wing, and Professional Pilot - Helicopter. The Aircraft Dispatch track prepares students to obtain the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX) certificate. The Airline Flight Attendant track leads to completion of the Sinclair Airline Flight Attendant short-term certificate. The Professional Pilot tracks combine academic coursework with flight training and are designed for students seeking employment as pilots. The fixed wing track is authorized by the FAA to allow eligible graduates to apply for a Restricted Privileges Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate with reduced flight hours. Admission to the Professional Pilot tracks is competitive and requires completion of an application process and possession of an FAA Second Class Medical Certificate prior to entry. Students are expected to maintain full-time enrollment, follow the prescribed curriculum sequence, meet with an academic advisor each semester, and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Part-time enrollment is permitted on a space-available basis. In addition to standard tuition, students in the Professional Pilot tracks are assessed flight lab fees that cover the minimum flight hours required for each FAA certification. Any additional flight time beyond FAA minimums is the responsibility of the student.

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 available in airline, corporate, business, and general aviation. Continued growth among major, regional, and low-cost airlines, along with expansion in business and helicopter operations, is expected to increase demand for aviation professionals across the industry. A significant portion of this demand will result from a combination of fleet growth, retirements, and workforce attrition, creating ongoing hiring needs.

Industry forecasts, including the Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook, project substantial long-term demand for pilots and technicians worldwide. Employers such as PSA Airlines continue to hire actively and offer competitive pathways into the industry.

Aviation professionals who obtain higher levels of experience, certifications, and education will have access to the strongest and most diverse career 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.