Aviation Science
Certificate of Achievement Aviation and Aerospace Sciences · Orange Coast College · 2026-2027 Catalog
This program of study academically prepares men and women of all ages for entry into the world of commercial aviation. In addition to airline flying many positions are available worldwide for trained commercial pilots. Businesses large and small hire corporate pilots for executive transport. Government agencies, both federal and state, hire commercial pilots for law enforcement, land management, wildlife management and staff logistics. Pilots are also in demand for fire suppression, emergency medical transportation and charter.
The curriculum is designed for students with no flying experience. Courses will systematically prepare individuals academically for the certificates and ratings required to operate aircraft as a commercial pilot. In addition, flight lab courses are offered as suggested electives enabling the student to complete all aspects of their training under the auspices of the college and to accrue the flight hours necessary for licensing as a commercial pilot.
The course of study can be tailored to individual requirements. The small business owner who only needs to use an aircraft for personal transportation can end their training with the 2 and preparation for the Instrument rating. A student seeking a career as a professional pilot would progress through the curriculum to earn a Commercial Pilot Certificate of Specialization along with a Turbine Transition Skill Certificate. All training is conducted in accordance labs are conducted in accordance with an approved FAR Part 141 syllabus.
Program Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will develop the analytical and critical thinking skills necessary for completion of aviation flight training and successful completion of federally administered knowledge and practical tests.
- Students will develop a baseline understanding of industry terminology along with the analytical and critical thinking skills necessary to enter the air transportation industry as professionals in non-flying capacities such as: ground operations, customer services, gate attendants, aviation sales, flight crew attendants, and charter flight coordinators.
Requirements
Review Certificate Requirements.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| APT A130 | Private Pilot Aviation Ground School | 5 |
| APT A132 | Aviation Navigation | 3 |
| APT A133 | Aviation-Meteorology | 3 |
| APT A146 | Advanced Aircraft & Engines | 3 |
| APT A180 | Basic Air Transportation | 3 |
| Select a Track: | 9 | |
| Track 1: | ||
| APT A134 | Instrument Pilot Aviation Ground School | |
| APT A138 | Aerodynamics | |
| APT A139 | Commercial Pilot Aviation Ground School | |
| Track 2: | ||
| APT A110 | Introduction to Airport Operations | |
| APT A115 | Introduction to Flight Operations | |
| APT A145 | Airline Transport Pilot Ground | |
| Restricted Electives | 6 | |
| Select 6 units (courses used above may not fulfill elective units): | ||
| APT A110 | Introduction to Airport Operations | |
| APT A115 | Introduction to Flight Operations | |
| APT A120 | Private Pilot Flight Lab | |
| APT A121 | Instrument Pilot Flight Lab | |
| APT A122 | Commercial Pilot Flight Lab | |
| APT A123 | Private Pilot Advanced Flight Lab | |
| APT A124 | Advanced Commercial Pilot Flight Lab | |
| APT A126 | Multi-Engine Aircraft Operations Lab | |
| APT A140 | Flight Instructor Ground School | |
| APT A145 | Airline Transport Pilot Ground | |
| APT A192 | Human Factors and Crew Resource Management | |
| ACCT A101 | Financial Accounting | |
| orACCT A101H | Financial Accounting Honors | |
| ACCT A102 | Managerial Accounting | |
| orACCT A102H | Managerial Accounting Honors | |
| ECON A170 | Principles of Microeconomics | |
| orECON A170H | Principles of Microeconomics - Honors | |
| ECON A175 | Principles of Macroeconomics | |
| orECON A175H | Principles of Macroeconomics- Honors | |
| Total Units | 32 | |
Program Sequence
Program Sequence
These sequences at Orange Coast College are curriculum maps for students to finish all requirements for the certificate. There may be advisories, prerequisites, or time requirements that students need to consider before following these maps. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor for alternate sequencing.
Select one of the following tracks:
Track 1
Year 1
| Semester 1 | Units |
|---|---|
| APT A130 | Private Pilot Aviation Ground School |
| APT A133 | Aviation-Meteorology |
| Units |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| APT A134 |
| APT A180 |
Year 2
| Semester 1 |
|---|
| APT A139 |
| APT A146 |
| CERT RESTRICTED ELECTIVES (See Requirements) |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| APT A132 |
| APT A138 |
| CERT RESTRICTED ELECTIVES (See Requirements) |
Track 2
Year 1
| Semester 1 | Units |
|---|---|
| APT A130 | Private Pilot Aviation Ground School |
| APT A133 | Aviation-Meteorology |
| Units |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| APT A145 |
| APT A180 |
| CERT RESTRICTED ELECTIVES (See Requirements) |
Year 2
| Semester 1 |
|---|
| APT A110 |
| APT A146 |
| APT A115 |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| APT A132 |
| CERT RESTRICTED ELECTIVES (See Requirements) |