Aviation Operations

The Aviation Operations Program integrates simulator flight training with rigorous academic study, providing a strong foundation for leadership positions within the aviation industry. The program emphasizes a combination of the technical fundamentals of flight, airport operations, human factors, group dynamics, and safety in order to enhance students’ development of situational awareness, critical thinking, and problem solving skills. Miramar College’s Aviation Operations Program meets all requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Part 141 Pilot Ground School. Upon completion of the program, students are able to complete the FAA Airmen Knowledge Tests for multiple pilot certificates. Flexible course selection and multiple degree and certificate options are available to prepare the student for a variety of career paths in the aviation industry, including commercial pilot, airport management, unmanned systems, human factors, and many more.

Credit For FAA-Issued Pilot Certificates and Ratings

Pending Aviation Department review and approval, students who hold a valid FAA Private, Instrument, Commercial, or Remote Pilot certificate may apply to the Aviation Department for a maximum of 19 units. The units granted with a grade of CR will be posted to the student’s transcript upon completion of the remaining Associate of Science Degree requirements.

Credit for Work Experience

Students who have valid work experience in the aviation industry may challenge a maximum of 15 units. (See Challenge Procedure on page 35). Pending Aviation Operations Program Department review and approval, students who already possess the associated FAA pilot certificate or rating may challenge up to two of the following courses:

Private Pilot Ground School (AVIA 101)
Instrument Ground School (AVIA 195)
Commercial Pilot Ground School (AVIA 201)
Flight Instructor Ground School (AVIA 211)

Flight Training

Pending Aviation Operations Program Department review and approval, a student awarded a Miramar College Certificate of Performance 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.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the Aviation Operations program will be able to:

Demonstrate preparedness to complete, or continued preparation for, the respective Federal Aviation Administration written examination.
Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience for employment in an aviation-related career field.

This program’s Academic & Career Pathways:

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Advanced Transportation & Applied Technology

Careers in this Field

The following is an abbreviated list of the myriad of career training options the Aviation Operations Program prepares its graduates to embark upon:

Airline Management
Airport Management
Airport Security
Air Traffic Control
Border Patrol
Commercial Airline Pilot
Corporate Pilot
Ag Pilot, Dispatcher
Banner Towing
Certificated Flight Instructor
Airline Flight Operations
Federal Aviation Administration
Gate Agent
Fixed Base Operator Management
Flying Club Management
Flight Attendant
Flight Operations Supervisor
Unmanned Aircraft Operations
Transportation Security Administration

Some aviation-related career fields require study beyond the associate degree level. Students intending to transfer to a university in an aviation related major should consider completing an associate degree in the Professional Aeronautics program.