Apr 04, 2025  
2025-2026 College Catalog 
  
2025-2026 College Catalog

Flight Technology, A.A.S. - Professional Pilot Track


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Program Code: V.FLT.AAS.PFP

Graduation requirement: 62 credit hours

Students planning to pursue an aviation career can earn certifications to enter the commercial aviation industry through the Associate in Applied Science degree.

This program is for the student who is planning on a professional pilot career.  It is designed to allow students to attain certifications in private pilot, private pilot with instrument rating, commercial pilot, and commercial mulitengine offered in a sequential manner. Graduates, upon the completion of an A.A.S. degree and with the appropriate FAA flight time requirements, may enter the workforce as commercial pilots.

Flight training is offered at the University of Illinois Willard Airport in Savoy, Illinois.

Students planning to transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree should consult with a Parkland academic success advisor and the catalog of the college or university they plan to attend to determine the transferability of the A.A.S. course credits.

Program Notes


This is a selective admissions program–students must be admitted into the program before taking AVI courses. See the Aviation selective admissions page  for more information regarding admission, progression, and graduation.

Procedure for selective admissions scoring


The following criteria must be met prior to applying.

  • Students must have a cumulative college GPA of 2.75 or higher. Cumulative high school GPA is evaluated instead if the student has not yet taken any college coursework.
  • Attain college-level reading, English, and mathematics placement. To be admitted into the Aviation program, students must score a minimum of 30 on the ALEKS math placement exam (see the Assessment Center for information about placement testing).
  • For students who are non-native speakers of English, establish English proficiency prior to applying. English proficiency is demonstrated through the Internet-based (iBt) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum TOEFL score of 85 (with listening score: min. 22; speaking score: min. 26) is required.
  • Possess a Class 3 or higher medical examination by an FAA-approved physician. For assistance in locating an approved physician, faa.gov/pilots/amelocator.

Additional points will be awarded to the following applicants:

  • Students that are degree-seeking in aviation.
  • Students who have a private pilot certificate.

Applicants who meet minimum criteria are assigned a selective admissions score. Students who meet the minimum admissions score or higher are conditionally admitted pending program space availability. Conditionally admitted students who are not permitted to enroll in aviation classes due to limited space may choose to enroll in general education or other Parkland courses while awaiting a seat in aviation. Students who choose not to enroll at Parkland and return in a subsequent semester for aviation are required to start the selective admissions process over.

Other Important Notes


  • Students must purchase their own aviation headset.
  • Students must provide their own transportation to Willard Airport.
  • Parkland College tuition waivers and/or some scholarship awards that cover tuition and fees do not include additional course fees (flight instruction fees) charged for aviation (AVI) courses.
  • FAA certificate knowledge tests are required for Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot certification, and Certified Flight Instructor (as applicable); an additional fee is paid at the time of examination. UAS certification knowledge test fee is included in the course fee for AVI 111 .
  • Credit is given for AVI 111  after completion of AVI 101 , AVI 120 , and sUAS certificate completion.
  • Students who enter the program with a FAA private pilot certificate will need to enroll in ALV 120  and ALV 121 . Upon successful completion of these courses, the student will receive credit for AVI 101  and AVI 120  and may proceed to the next flight course.
  • Completion of the A.A.S. (Aviation) degree and 30 or more qualifying aviation course credit hours are required for the R-ATP certificate. This includes completing ESC 101  at Parkland College. Courses not taken from another part 141 FAA approved program will not be accepted. Any other courses that are taken at a part 141 FAA approved program will be reviewed for acceptance toward Parkland’s R-ATP requirements. All students interested in the R-ATP certificate should meet with the director prior to graduation to verify that certificate requirements have been met.
  • Students entering the A.A.S. (Aviation) degree program with pilot certificates already completed should meet with the director to determine eligibility for the R-ATP certificate.

Graduation Requirements


General Education Courses (16 credit hours)


Communications electives - 6 credit hours


Complete one course from each group:

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