Aerospace & Drone Technology
School of Aerospace & Drone Technology
Flight Operations Pathway (Primary Pathway)
Those employed in flight operations include aircraft pilots, flight engineers, flight attendants, and air traffic controllers. Career opportunities in this field vary, but many offer excellent growth and high earning potential.
Career Profiles
- Commercial Pilots: Pilot earnings are among the highest in the nation, and commercial pilots are experiencing a faster-than-average growth pattern. Many pilots begin with smaller commuter and regional airlines to gain the experience necessary to qualify for higher-paying roles with major national airlines. All pilots transporting passengers or cargo must hold a commercial pilot’s license with an instrument rating issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Most airlines require at least two years of college, though college graduates are preferred.
- Pilot Work Environment: Due to FAA regulations, airline pilots flying large aircraft cannot exceed 100 hours of flight time a month or 1,000 hours a year. Pilots typically work variable schedules—several days on followed by several days off—and spend considerable time away from home due to overnight layovers. While pilots are employed nationwide, most airline pilots are based near major metropolitan areas.
- Air Traffic Controllers: Nearly all air traffic controllers are employed by the FAA. To enter this field, individuals must enroll in an FAA-approved education program and pass a pre-employment test. Job prospects are strong due to a large number of expected retirements over the next decade; however, competition for FAA training programs remains highly competitive. Air traffic controllers enjoy high pay and excellent benefits.
- Flight Attendants: Flight attendants provide personal services to ensure the safety, security, and comfort of airline passengers. Their duties include greeting passengers, verifying tickets, explaining the use of safety equipment, and serving food and beverages. Strong customer service skills are critical for success in this role.
Flight Operations Course Sequence
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pathway
This pathway provides a foundation to prepare students to earn a commercial license to pilot an unmanned aircraft system (drone). Topics discussed in these courses include weather and its effects on unmanned aircraft, the types and uses of unmanned aircraft, pre-flight planning and safety checks, FAA requirements, technology and remote instrumentation, and radio communications.
Students will have the opportunity to earn their remote pilot license by taking and successfully passing the FAA Part 107 Exam.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Course Sequence
