Aviation Pilot Training
36 courses · Orange Coast College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
APT A110 Introduction to Airport Operations
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with an introduction to airport operations and operations management. Students will learn about the daily responsibilities of airport operations managers to include airfield inspections, aircraft ramp handling, passenger terminal operations, airport security and cargo handling. In addition the student will be introduced to airport licensing requirements, airport operational administration and performance and environmental planning factors to include noise abatement.
APT A115 Introduction to Flight Operations
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides an introduction to airline and corporate flight operations and operations management to include the economic structure of the airlines, airline organization and management, forecasting, scheduling, marketing and fleet selection. In addition, corporate flight operations and the impact of general aviation on the nation's air transportation system are explored. The course also introduces the student to the world of flight operations management to include dispatch, crew scheduling, airframe scheduling and flight following.
APT A120 Private Pilot Flight Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
During this course the student obtains the foundation for all future aviation training. The student will receive training in the maneuvers and procedures necessary for him/her to meet the standards contained in the FAA Private Pilot Practical Test Standards. Additionally, the student will receive training in safety awareness, crew resource management, and aeronautical decision-making. At the successful completion of this course the student will have gained the aeronautical experience necessary to attain a Private Pilot Certificate with an Airplane Single Engine Land Rating. NOTE: Instructor permission is required for enrollment in this class.
APT A121 Instrument Pilot Flight Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
The student will receive training in the maneuvers and procedures necessary to meet the standards contained in the FAA Instrument Rating Practical Test Standards. Additionally, the student will receive training in safety awareness, crew resource management, and aeronautical decision-making. At the successful completion of this course the student will have gained the aeronautical experience necessary to attain the addition of an Instrument Rating for the Private Pilot Certificate.
APT A122 Commercial Pilot Flight Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- Private Pilot Certificate (will be verified by Instructor on first class meeting).
- Transfers to
- CSU
The student will receive training in the maneuvers and procedures necessary to meet the standards contained in the FAA Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards. Additionally, the student will receive training in safety awareness, crew resource management, and aeronautical decision-making. At the successful completion of this course, the student will have gained the aeronautical experience necessary to attain the Commercial Pilot Certificate.
APT A123 Private Pilot Advanced Flight Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Flight training in selected areas for the purpose of gaining proficiency in required pilot operations for various certificates and ratings. All training is conducted in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 61 and Part 141. All flight training labs are conducted in accordance with an approved FAR Part 141 syllabus. In addition, flight lab courses allow the student to accrue the necessary flight hours for certification and licensing as a commercial, instrument pilot.
APT A124 Advanced Commercial Pilot Flight Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- Private Pilot Certificate (will be verified by Instructor on first class meeting).
- Transfers to
- CSU
The student will receive training in the maneuvers and procedures necessary to meet the standards contained in the FAA Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards. Additionally, the student will receive training in safety awareness, crew resource management, and aeronautical decision-making. At the successful completion of this course, the student will have gained the aeronautical experience necessary to attain the addition of an Commercial Rating for the Private Pilot Certificate. All training is conducted in accordance with CFR 14, Federal Aviation Regulation Part 61 and under a syllabus of instruction approved under CFR 14, Federal Aviation Regulation Part 141.
APT A126 Multi-Engine Aircraft Operations Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
The student will receive training in the maneuvers and procedures necessary to meet the standards contained in the Commercial Practical Test Standards Airplane Multi-Engine Land. Additionally, the student will receive training in safety awareness, crew resource management, and aeronautical decision making. At the successful completion of this course, the student will have gained the aeronautical experience necessary to attain the additional rating of Commercial Pilot, Airplane Multi-Engine Land.
APT A127 Advanced Instrument Pilot Flight Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
The student will receive training in the maneuvers and procedures necessary to meet the standards contained in the FAA Instrument Rating Practical Test Standards. Additionally, the student will receive training in safety awareness, crew resource management, and aeronautical decision-making. At the successful completion of this course, the student will have gained the aeronautical experience necessary to attain the addition of an Instrument Rating for the Private Pilot Certificate.
APT A128 Flight Instructor Flight Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
The student will receive training in the maneuvers and procedures necessary to meet the standards contained in the FAA Certified Flight Instructor Practical Test Standards. Additionally, the student will receive training in fundamentals of instructions, safety awareness, crew resource management, and aeronautical decision-making. At the successful completion of this course, the student will have gained the aeronautical experience necessary to attain the Flight Instructor - Airplane Rating. All training is conducted in accordance with CFR 14, Federal Aviation Regulation Part 61 and under a syllabus of instruction approved under CFR 14, Federal Aviation Regulation Part 141.
APT A129 Advanced Flight Instructor Flight Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
The student will receive training in the maneuvers and procedures necessary to meet the standards contained in the FAA Certified Flight Instructor Practical Test Standards. Additionally, the student will receive training in fundamentals of instructions, safety awareness, crew resource management, and aeronautical decision-making. At the successful completion of this course, the student will have gained the aeronautical experience necessary to attain the Flight Instructor - Airplane Rating. All training is conducted in accordance with CFR 14, Federal Aviation Regulation Part 61 and under a syllabus of instruction approved under CFR 14, Federal Aviation Regulation Part 141.
APT A130 Private Pilot Aviation Ground School
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 90 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Entry level course for commercial pilot training program. Covers basic aerodynamics, aircraft performance, Federal Aviation Regulations, aviation weather factors and cross country navigation procedures. Provide introductory material on radio navigation, radio communications procedures, human factors and aviation safety. Meets the preparation requirements for the FAA Private Pilot computerized knowledge examination. All training is conducted in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 61.
APT A131 Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides an overview of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Topics include the development and history of UAS, current and upcoming operational regulations, airspace classifications, sources of weather, loading and performance, radio communications, airport operations, maintenance and inspection procedures, industry and societal implications, career outlooks, ethical considerations, and basic components required to operate a UAS. The course will also introduce hands-on UAS flight and operation principles through PC-based simulation. All training is conducted in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 107.
APT A132 Aviation Navigation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- APT A130; current Private Pilot Certificate (verified by the instructor at the first class meeting).
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides academic background for pilots preparing for the FAA Commercial Pilot license and FAA Instrument rating. The course will cover basic visual navigation, instrument navigation, use of Global Positioning Systems and an introduction to Flight Management Computers. Current Private Pilot Certificate will be verified by the Instructor at the first class meeting. Three hours.
APT A133 Aviation-Meteorology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Entry level course for commercial pilot training program. This course will cover the forces which generate and affect weather, weather systems, aviation weather services and cross country weather planning procedures. The course will also provide detailed material on aviation weather hazards and aviation meteorological reports.
APT A134 Instrument Pilot Aviation Ground School
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- APT A130 or current Private Pilot Certificate (verified by the instructor at the first class meeting).
- Transfers to
- CSU
Provides academic background for Private Pilots preparing for the FAA Instrument Rating. Covers principles of instrument flight, aircraft performance, Federal Aviation Regulations, aviation weather factors and IFR cross country navigation procedures. Provides material on Instrument Approach Procedures, IFR operational procedures, human factors and aviation safety. All training is conducted in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 61. All flight training labs are conducted in accordance with an approved FAR Part 141 syllabus. Meets the preparation requirements for the FAA Instrument rating computerized knowledge examination. Current Private Pilot Certificate will be verified by the instructor at the first class meeting. Three hours.
APT A138 Aerodynamics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Course covers the basic principles of flight theory in both low and high speed regimes. Airflow theory, airfoil design, high lift devices, induced and parasitic drag, stall patterns, climb and sink performance, thrust and power, control & stability in the subsonic, transonic, and supersonic conditions. Extensive discussion of stall/spin aerodynamics and recovery techniques.
APT A139 Commercial Pilot Aviation Ground School
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- APT A130 or current Private Pilot Certificate with Instrument rating; Students satisfying the Pilot Certificate prerequisite must present proof to the instructor at the first week of the course.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Provides academic background for Private Pilots preparing for the FAA Commercial Pilot license. Covers transport category aircraft performance considerations, advanced weight and balance, multi-engine aerodynamics, and Federal Aviation Regulations applicable to Commercial pilots. Meets the preparation requirements for the FAA Commercial Pilot computerized knowledge examination.
APT A140 Flight Instructor Ground School
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Advisory
- APT A139.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Academic preparation for written and practical examinations for Certificated Flight Instructor, Airplane. Covers basic aerodynamics, aircraft performance, Federal Aviation Regulations, aviation weather factors and cross country navigation procedures. Provides in depth instruction in the fundamentals of teaching and learning and ground and in-flight instructional techniques. Meets the preparation requirements for the FAA Flight Instructor computerized knowledge examination and Fundamentals of Learning computerized knowledge examination. All training is conducted in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 61 and Part 141. Students satisfying the pilot certificate prerequisite must present proof to the instructor during the first week of the course.
APT A141 Instrument Flight Simulator Lab
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 18 lecture hours; 54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Course provides simulator instruction to be given concurrent with instrument flight lessons contained in APT A134. Course provides preparation for the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) practical examination for the Instrument Rating.
APT A143 Introduction to Air Traffic Control
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
An introduction to the United States (US) Air Traffic Control (ATC) system, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) organization, and National Airspace System (NAS). Students explore career pathways, facility types (tower, Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON), Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC)), and basic communication, navigation, and aircraft identification skills.
APT A144 Aviation Flight Coordinator
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides an overview of the corporate aviation industry and levels of customer service. Students will be introduced to basic principles of flight and aviation operations which include: the coordination of aircraft schedules, mechanical requirements, weather, customs requests, and government regulations associated with chartered aviation operations. Subjects presented provides a comprehensive course of training for students who wish to enter the corporate aviation workplace as an entry-level flight coordinator.
APT A145 Airline Transport Pilot Ground
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- APT A130.
- Advisory
- APT A139.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Advanced course which prepares pilots or aircraft dispatchers for the Airline Transport Pilot FAA knowledge test. Course covers those areas of aeronautical knowledge defined under Federal Aviation Regulation Part 61.155 with an emphasis on aircraft loading, weight and balance, use of charts, graphs, tables, formulas and computations, and their effect on aircraft performance.
APT A146 Advanced Aircraft & Engines
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Advisory
- APT A130.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides advanced information on aircraft engines and aircraft subsystems, to include turbine gas generator theory as well as an introduction to environmental and pressurization control systems found in complex aircraft. The course will enhance the students’ understanding of basic aircraft systems to include constant speed propellers, primary flight controls, and provide detailed information on secondary flight controls, retractable landing gear, autopilots, flight directors, fuel systems and electrical systems.
APT A150 Aircraft Dispatcher
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 90 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- APT A133, APT A134, and APT A139.
- Corequisite
- APT A132 and APT A145.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers air transport topics assessed in the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Knowledge examinations. It includes a detailed review and practical applications of the skills and knowledge required for Aircraft Dispatcher certification. Topics covered in this course will be Federal Aviation Regulations on airline operations, airline communications and meteorology, analyzing and/or calculating various flight factors such as weather reports and NOTAMs, aircraft/runway performance, weight and balance, ATC preferred routes, and distance and fuel needs to create and/or update flight plans. Meets requirements of 14 CFR 65.53.
APT A151 Unmanned Aircraft Systems Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- APT A131 or concurrent enrollment.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Commercial UAS operators are becoming a new occupation within the aviation industry. The purpose of UAS is widespread and may decrease unnecessary risks to pilots in certain environments. The Unmanned Aircraft Systems industry is expected to generate an estimated 100,000 jobs and $82.1 billion in economic impact in the next decade according to the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) predicts 10,000 unmanned aircraft systems could be airborne in the U.S. skies by 2020.
APT A152 Unmanned Aircraft Systems Advanced Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Corequisite
- APT A131.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Hands-on flight activities, both simulation and actual, to develop, practice, and demonstrate advanced flying techniques of various Unmanned Aircraft Systems. This course will introduce various mission profiles and equipment planning.
APT A160 Introduction to UAS Automation
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 63 lecture hours; 27 lab hours
- Advisory
- CIS A090, CIS A100, CIS A111, CS A122, or APT A131.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces students to the automation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including UAS flight control, camera and video capturing, telemetry data analysis and mission management. Throughout the semester, students will work in teams to plan, design and automate Unmanned Aircraft System missions by learning and using Software Development Kits (SDKs) of industry leading UAS providers. UAS projects will include behaviors such as path-following, random roaming with obstacle avoidance and telemetry data collection and analysis. Enrollment Limitation: CIS A160; students who complete APT A160 may not enroll in or receive credit for CIS A160.
APT A173 Aircraft Recognition and Performance
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- APT A143 or concurrent enrollment.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides air traffic control students with the knowledge and skills to identify and classify aircraft by type, category, and performance. Topics include aircraft configurations, climb and descent characteristics, approach speeds, wake turbulence separation, and recognition of aircraft from visual and radar signatures.
APT A180 Basic Air Transportation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Provides an analysis of the airline industry by providing historical background information on the evolution of the United States air transportation system along with a current analysis of the airlines, air traffic control system, business aviation and general aviation. The goal is to prepare students for entry into the airline industry through an analysis of market factors that influence airline operations as well as fleet planning, route planning, strategic planning and labor issues.
APT A192 Human Factors and Crew Resource Management
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
Course encompasses a wide range of knowledge, skills and attitudes including communications, situational awareness, problem solving, decision making, and teamwork; together with the entire attendant sub-disciplines which each of these areas entails. CRM can be defined as a management system which makes optimum use of all available resources - equipment, procedures and people - to promote flight safety and enhance the efficiency of flight operations.
APT A199 Current Topics in Aviation and Aerospace
- Units
- 0.5-6
- Hours
- 9-90 lecture hours; 0-54 lab hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course explores emerging developments, innovations, and policy shifts within the aviation and aerospace industries. Topics vary by semester. Students will analyze case studies, review current research and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)/National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) updates, and evaluate how evolving technologies and social trends influence flight operations, maintenance, safety, and workforce development. Guest speakers and current publications are integral components of this course.
APT A204 Terminal Air Traffic Control
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- APT A173.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduces tower operations including ground control, local control, coordination, sequencing, and departure/arrival procedures. Students use tower simulation systems to apply phraseology and strip marking.
APT A205 Terminal Air Traffic Control Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- APT A204 or concurrent enrollment.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students apply Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) tower-operation procedures in a simulated control-tower environment. Lab work emphasizes ground and local control functions, phraseology, flight-data handling, runway-incursion prevention, and emergency coordination. Simulations replicate real-time operations using computer-based and instructor-directed scenarios.
APT A210 Enroute Air Traffic Control
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- APT A204.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces students to terminal-radar (Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON)) and en-route (Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC)) air traffic control operations. Emphasis is placed on radar identification, vectoring techniques, altitude assignment, conflict resolution, hand-off coordination, and separation standards. Students practice radar procedures through simulation while integrating airspace structure, communication phraseology, and automation systems consistent with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Traffic Basics and operational orders.
APT A211 Enroute Air Traffic Control Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- APT A210 or concurrent enrollment.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students operate radar-simulation consoles representing both Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) and Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) sectors. Exercises emphasize radar identification, vectoring, altitude and speed management, separation, coordination, and emergency handling in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) procedures.