See Aviation Operations main page (and contact info) here.
For Aviation Maintenance click here.
Does San Diego Miramar College offer any Flight Training?
We do not offer flight training in actual aircraft. We are an FAA-Approved Pilot Ground School only. Students can find flight training at any number of flight schools, flight clubs, and flight instructors in the San Diego area. We have "flight simulators" to help prepare you for your first flight lesson, but you will still have to receive flight training outside of our school to become a certificated pilot.
I'd like to learn to fly, can San Diego Miramar College help me?
Yes, Miramar College is an FAA-Approved Pilot School authorized to provide instruction for people interested in learning to fly. Whether you'd like to pursue an Associates degree, aviation career, your next certificate or rating, refresher class or are just "checking it out," Miramar is a great place to train. Faculty are experienced industry pilots many with military and commercial airline backgrounds. Classes are small, schedules are flexible and, as a California community college, prices are affordable. As stated above, we do NOT offer actual flight training. We have "flight simulators" to help prepare you for your first flight lesson, but you will still have to receive flight training outside of our school to become a certificated pilot.
I'd like to learn to fix aircraft, can Miramar College help me?
Yes! Miramar College is also an FAA-Approved Part-147 Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Technician School authorized to provide instruction for people interested in learning how to repair aircraft. Aviation maintenance technicians maintain private and commercial aircraft in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthy condition. They perform routine maintenance, minor and major engine overhauls, inspection and repair of aircraft systems, 100-hour and/or annual FAA inspections to assure airworthiness. With the A&P Technician Certificate, students will be qualified to conduct service, repair, and some inspection related duties upon airframes, sub-assemblies or powerplants. This certificate is the keystone to any position in the aviation maintenance industry, from general assembly work to top level maintenance management. You will have a solid foundation to launch into any aspect aviation maintenance or to pursue other related aviation careers.
Do you fly airplanes at Miramar College?
At the present time, Miramar College does not own any airplanes, although this may change in the future. We provide classroom instruction only. Students interested in flight training will need to coordinate with one of the many flight schools at numerous airports in the San Diego area.
Do you use flight simulators in class?
Yes! Miramar College uses Redbird Basic Aviation Training Devices (BATDs) for training throughout the various stages of the aviation program to further explain the material.
Can I learn how to fly Drones here?
Yes! Look for AVIA 161 Remote Pilot Ground School and AVIA 161L Remote Pilot Flight Lab. Upon completion of our courses you will be prepared to take the FAA Airmen Knowledge Test (AKT) to be a licensed Commercial Remote Pilot in Command. You'll gain valuable flight training on our sUAS (Drones) on our campus and be ready for that first drone job.
What are classes like?
Aviation classes meet during the day, in the evening, and on Saturdays usually once or twice per week, for sixteen weeks. Faculty are experienced industry pilots and Flight Instructors who love to teach and bring in real-world examples from their careers, and many hale from military and commercial airline backgrounds. Classes are small, usually less than 30 students, so students can get the personal attention they need to succeed.
Who are my fellow students?
Miramar College attracts a highly diverse group of students with a wide spectrum of experience levels. Many students are recent high school graduates interested in obtaining their Associates degree so they can transfer to a 4-year institution and earn their bachelors degree. Other students commute from a variety of local military installations and are either transitioning out of the armed forces onto a new career in aviation or improving their education to move up within it. Others are returning adult students, many with master and doctoral degrees, interested in rekindling a passion for flying which may have been postponed earlier in life due to family or professional commitments taking precedent. We often have fathers and sons or daughters, husbands and wives, domestic partners, and siblings taking classes so they can fly together. As a result, students will find all levels of aviation experience and all ages, genders, sexual orientation, ethnic and religious preferences in our classes.
Who are the faculty?
Faculty are experienced industry pilots and flight instructors who love to teach and bring in real-world examples from their careers. Many hale from both military and commercial airline backgrounds. Classes are small, usually less than 30 students, so students can get access to the professors for the personal attention they need to succeed.
I'm interested in a career as a commercial airline or military pilot—how can I get started?
Nearly all commercial airline and military pilots have four-year college degrees. Although they don't all major in aviation, if you are interested in a career in aviation an aeronautical program is a good place to start. Earning an Associates Degree here is an exciting and affordable way to build the the solid foundation students need to succeed in the field of aviation.
What if I already possess an FAA Pilot Certificate?
Pending Aviation Operations Program Director review and approval, students who already possess the associated FAA pilot certificate or rating may challenge up to two of the following courses: (AVIA 101) Private Pilot Ground School, (AVIA 195) Instrument Ground School, (AVIA 201) Commercial Pilot Ground School, and (AVIA 211) Flight Instructor Ground School. If approved, the graduation requirement for that course will be waived but they will not receive college credit.
Do you offer college degrees in aviation maintenance (fixing aircraft)?
Miramar College's Aviation Operations Program is part of the larger Aeronautical and Aviation Technology Department, housed within the School of Technical Careers and Workforce Initiatives. The aviation department trains both mechanics and pilots to standards established by the FAA. The School also offers various programs and degrees in automotive repair, diesel repair and child development.
Do you offer classes that will prepare me for my FAA written examinations?
Yes, many of our classes directly prepare students for the associated FAA written examination (Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial, and Flight Instructor) by reviewing both the requisite technical information as well as practicing test taking skills. Once a student has successfully passed AVIA 133 Human Factors in Aviation along with the associated course (Private Pilot, Instrument, and Commercial with a "C" or better, they will receive a Certificate of Completion which authorizes administration of the FAA written test at any testing center.
I already hold an FAA Private Pilot Certificate. Can I take classes to earn my instrument rating?
Yes, Miramar College offers three courses to help prepare students for instrument rating:
- AVIA 195 Instrument Ground School- This course provides an introduction to basic instrument flight rules (IFR) procedures, regulations and techniques. Designed for the beginning pilot, this course provides an introduction to airplane instruments and instrument flying techniques, IFR airspace and air traffic control procedures, pertinent Federal Aviation Regulations, IFR weather and weather services, aeromedical factors and decision making in instrument conditions, and IFR flight planning. It is recommended that students enroll concurrently in AVIA 195L, Basic Instrument Flight Lab.
- AVIA 195L Basic Instrument Flight Lab - This lab provides an introduction to basic instrument flight rules (IFR) procedures, regulations and techniques through the use of an airplane flight simulator. Designed for the beginning pilot, this course provides an introduction to airplane instruments and instrument flying techniques, flight into IFR airspace and air traffic control procedures, pertinent Federal Aviation Regulations, IFR weather and weather services, aeromedical factors and decision making in instrument conditions, and IFR flight planning. It is a requirement for students to complete AVIA 195 Instrument Ground School.
- AVIA 196L Advanced Instrument Flight Lab - This laboratory course provides advanced study and practice in basic Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) procedures, regulations, and techniques through the use of an airplane flight simulator. Designed for students seeking instrument flight certification, this course provides advanced practice in airplane instruments and instrument flying techniques, flight into IFR airspace, instrument navigation, and instrument approach procedures.
Can I take classes to prepare me for my Commercial Certificate?
Yes, Miramar College offers AVIA 201 Commercial Pilot Ground School. This course provides an overview of the aeronautical knowledge and job requirements for a commercial airline pilot. Instruction includes advanced study of aerodynamics, large and multi-engine aircraft systems, performance and weight and balance, air traffic control and airspace, Federal Aviation Regulations, aeromedical factors and decision making, weather and weather services, and international flight planning, navigation, and procedures. This course, combined with AVIA 133, Human Factors in Aviation, fulfills all requirements for the FAA Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test.
Can I take classes to prepare me for my Flight Instructor Certificate?
Yes, Miramar College offers AVIA 211 Flight Instructor Ground School. This course provides an introduction to methods of flight instruction by integrating learning theory with an in depth study of aeronautical science and includes a flight simulator lab in which students practice flight instruction techniques. Course topics include creating an optimum adult learning environment, and teaching the principles of flight, airplane systems and performance, Federal Aviation Regulations, aeromedical factors, weather and navigation. This course, combined with AVIA 133 (Human Factors in Aviation), fulfills all requirements for the FAA Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI), Flight Instructor (CFI) and/or Ground Instructor (AGI) Pilot Knowledge Tests.
What is a Certificate of Achievement?
For those students who may already possess advanced degrees but are interested in adding an aviation specialty to their resume, the "Certificate of Achievement" focuses exclusively on aviation courses and can usually be completed in one year.
Two options are available: Aviation Business Administration and Professional Piloting.
What is a Certificate of Completion?
To receive a Certificate, students must pass AVIA 133 Human Factors in Aviation and either AVIA 101 Private Pilot Ground School, AVIA 195 Instrument Ground School, AVIA 201 Commercial Pilot Ground School, or AVIA 211 Flight Instructor Ground School.
Can I receive college credit for flight training?
Pending Aviation Operations Program Director review and approval, a student awarded a Miramar College Certificate of Completion [see above] for an academic phase of ground instruction (AVIA 101, 195, 201, 211) who subsequently earns the associated FAA certificate or rating can request that 3 units of credit be awarded for that flight training. As a result, it is possible for a student to earn up to 12 units at Miramar College for flight training.
Can I also learn about helicopters in the program?
AVIA 151 Helicopter Ground School provides an introduction to helicopter operations and careers. Topics include the aerodynamic principles of helicopter flight; helicopter instruments, engines, and systems; helicopter performance and operating characteristics; airports, airspace, weather, weather services, and navigation as they pertain to helicopter operations; and increased aeronautical knowledge. This course, combined with AVIA 101 (Private Pilot Ground School) and AVIA 133 (Human Factors in Aviation), fulfills all requirements for the FAA Helicopter Private Pilot Knowledge Test. It is intended for students majoring in Aviation Operations or those seeking helicopter pilot qualification.
If I graduate from Miramar College, where can I transfer to complete my bachelors degree?
Articulation agreements are in effect between Miramar College and San Jose State University, California State University Los Angeles, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Institute and Northrup Rice Institute of Aviation and Technology. Check with counseling department or the transfer center for more details.
I'm a military veteran. Can I use my VA benefits in the program?
Yes, many of our students [and faculty] are former military members. There are specialty trained administrators on campus to help you make the most of your VA benefits.