Aviation Professional Pilot, A.A.S.

Offered at North Campus

Students with or without pilot certification can efficiently prepare for a career as a professional pilot by completing one or more of the concentrations in this 21-month (seven-term) program.

Flight training includes advanced full-motion experience and visual flight simulation of traditional and Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA), visual and instrument flying and multi-engine flying in addition to actual flight in training aircraft. Program non-flight courses include online ground school courses taken concurrently with the associated flight training course, online program courses that support and add a greater depth of knowledge of aeronautical knowledge, and general education electives and other electives offered face-to-face or online. 

To be accepted into the Indian Hills Community College Aviation Professional Pilot program, you will need to complete the below tasks:

• Complete Pre-Admission Interview with program Chief Flight Instructor or Assistant Chief Flight Instructor. To schedule your interview, please contact Chief Flight Instructor Brian Hammack at [email protected] or (641) 683-4270. 
• Obtain an FAA Medical Certificate or maintain BasicMed compliance. Please contact us if you need assistance with this.
• Provide proof of U.S. Citizenship (U.S. Passport (if applicable), original birth certificate, and government issued photo ID such as a driver’s license). In a case of non-citizenship, you must meet the validation requirements of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Please let us know if this will be necessary. 

After completion of the interview process, and once the required documents have been received, you will be accepted into the Indian Hills Community College Aviation Professional Pilot program located at our North Campus.  Once accepted, you will receive communication on how to complete the mandatory New Student Online Orientation.

Students presenting documentation of a current private pilot certificate prior to enrollment will receive credit for Private Basic Ground I (AVI 135 ), Private Basic Ground II (AVI 136 ), Primary Pilot Training I (AVI 133  , Primary Pilot Training II (AVI 137  ), and VFR Communications (AVI 190  ).

Students should be prepared to fly five days per week in order to complete this program on schedule. Additional time or terms may be needed to complete the flight portion due to factors such as adverse weather conditions, aircraft availability, and student aptitude. 

Students meeting all program and graduation requirements receive an Associate of Applied Science degree. This program may transfer for further study towards a four-year baccalaureate degree.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Apply general aeronautical science concepts.
2. Apply human factors concepts to improve aviation safety.
3. Exhibit aviation industry professionalism.
4. Describe private and for-hire aviation industry activities.
5. Demonstrate Private Pilot Airplane Certification Competencies.
6. Explain instrument flying concepts, regulations, and procedures.
7. Demonstrate Instrument Rating Airplane Pilot Certification Competencies.
8. Demonstrate Commercial Pilot Airplane Certification Competencies.
9. Analyze advanced aircraft systems and technologies.
10. Demonstrate Airplane Flight Instructor Certification Competencies.