Aviation Technology

Program Description

The Aviation Technology program with a Fixed Wing emphasis will provide a technical certificate for college credit as identified in the Colorado Mesa University mission established by the Colorado Legislature. The goals of the program are: to prepare the students for FAA Certification as a Commercial Pilot with an Instrument Rating and as a Certified Flight Instructor.  In addition, the program offers opportunities to enhance knowledge and expertise in the field of aviation by improving technical skills.  Successful completion of the Aviation Technology program will also help prepare AAS students for BS programs in Aviation Technology.

Additional requirements for admission to this program:

1.    Must complete all Developmental Education requirements prior to starting the program. 

2.    Submit a copy of your government-issued ID and birth certificate OR a valid US passport, to establish U.S Citizenship.

3.    Complete a flight physical exam with an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner. Third class is required, first class is recommended.  To help locate a qualified doctor go to https://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator for a list by city and state.

4.    Contact the Director of Aviation at 970-255-2683.

For more information on what you can do with this major, visit WCCC's Programs of Study page.

All CMU/WCCC associate graduates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in a specialized knowledge/applied learning, quantitative fluency, communication fluency, critical thinking, personal and social responsibility, and information literacy. In addition to these campuswide student learning outcomes, graduates of this major will be able to:

1.    Acquire substantial aeronautical knowledge of Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, and Instrument Flight contained in an FAA Part 141 curriculum. (Specialized Knowledge)

2.    Demonstrate flight proficiency skills in Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, and Instrument Flight operations contained in an FAA Part 141 curriculum. (Specialized Knowledge)

3.    Demonstrate strong quantitative literacy skills and the ability to think critically in a demanding environment. (Quantitative Literacy, Critical Thinking)

4.    Evaluate and implement FAA standards for aviation safety, Aeronautical Decision Making, and accident reporting, including evaluating personal limitations. (Specialized Knowledge, Critical Thinking, Communication Fluency)

5.    Implementation of the FAA required physiological limitations and best practices in the performance of professional pilot duties. (Specialized Knowledge)

Contact Information

Office of Student Services
WCCC, Bishop B102
2508 Blichmann Avenue
970.255.2670

AVTN 101 Private Pilot Ground School4 Credits

Preparation for Private Pilot Airplane, Single Engine, Land-FAA Knowledge Exam.

Fees: Yes.

AVTN 102 Private Pilot Flight4 Credits

Preparation in flight training for the Private Pilot Airplane, Single-Engine, Land FAA Practical Test, and completing requirements for the Private Pilot Certificate.

Fees: Yes.

AVTN 105 Aviation Meteorology4 Credits

Recognition, interpretation, and evaluation of atmospheric weather as it relates to and affects aviation.

AVTN 111 Instrument Pilot Ground School4 Credits

Preparation for the FAA Instrument Rating Knowledge Exam.

Fees: Yes.

AVTN 112 Instrument Pilot Flight4 Credits

Preparation in flight training for the Instrument Rating, Single Engine Airplane FAA Practical Test, and completing requirements for the Instrument Rating.

Fees: Yes.

AVTN 140 Aircraft Systems4 Credits

Introduction to the basic mechanical systems and structural components of aircraft to supplement instruction received in flight training.

AVTN 196 Topics:1-3 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.

AVTN 201 Commercial Pilot Ground School2 Credits

Preparation for the Commercial Pilot Airplane, Single Engine, Land FAA Knowledge Exam.

Fees: Yes.

AVTN 202 Commercial Pilot Flight I4 Credits

The first of a two-part sequence of flight training in preparation for the Commercial Pilot Certificate, Airplane, Single Engine Land FAA Practical Test. Consists of the cross country aeronautical experience required for the Commercial Certificate.

Fees: Yes.

AVTN 203 Commercial Pilot Flight II3 Credits

Preparation in flight training for the Commercial Pilot, Airplane Single Engine, Land FAA Practical Test, completing requirements for the Commercial Pilot Certificate.

Fees: Yes.

AVTN 205 Mountain Flying Ground School1 Credit

Preparation of the unique aspects of flying in mountainous terrain and the additional knowledge and proficiency necessary for safe and efficient operation in mountain and high altitude terrain.

Fees: Yes.

AVTN 206 Crew Resource Management1 Credit

Comprehensive classroom instruction coupled with Line Oriented Flight Training (LOFT) in a Flight Training Device. Covers the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to enhance safety and operate effectively as a member of an airplane/helicopter crew.

AVTN 207 Multi-Engine Ground School1 Credit

Preparation for the FAA Practical Test for Private or Commercial Pilot, Airplane Multi-Engine Land.

Fees: Yes.

AVTN 208 Multi-Engine Flight1 Credit

Preparation in flight training for the Airplane, Multi-Engine Rating and completing requirements for this rating.

Fees: Yes.

AVTN 211 Fundamentals of Instruction2 Credits

Preparation for the FAA Fundamentals of Instructing Knowledge Exam.

AVTN 212 Flight Instructor Ground School2 Credits

Preparation for the FAA Flight Instructor Airplane Knowledge Exam.

Fees: Yes.

AVTN 213 Flight Instructor Flight1 Credit

Preparation of mastery in the areas of: Fundamentals of Instructing, Technical Subject Areas, Preflight Preparation and Lesson, Grand and Airport Operations, Take Offs and Climbs, Fundamentals of Flight, Stalls, Spins, Maneuvering During Slow Flight, Basic Instrument Maneuvers, Performance Maneuvers, Ground Reference Maneuvers, Emergency Operations, Approaches, Landings, and After Landing Procedures, by passing the FAA Practical Test for Flight Instructor Airplane, Single-Engine Land.

Fees: Yes.

AVTN 218 ATC Procedures4 Credits

Preparation of IFR operations in the Air Traffic Control System, including: general procedures, terminal and IFR procedures, radar and non-radar environments, enroute procedures, and special and emergency procedures.

AVTN 245 Aviation Safety2 Credits

Knowledge and aeronautical decision making for the professional aviation environment. FAA regulations and standards will be taught in order for students to make sound judgments and decisions in the field of aviation. NTSB accident reports will be thoroughly reviewed as they are published to determine causal factors.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

AVTN 247 Aviation Physiology2 Credits

Human body responses in the aviation environment, including: hypoxia, fatigue, use of alcohol/medication, stress, rapid decompression, and illness. The effects of these factors on airmen's decision making, crew resource management, and the in-flight environment will be taught. Students will learn the resources available to aviators and their passengers.

Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

AVTN 296 Topics:1-3 Credits

Course may be taken multiple times up to maximum of 15 credit hours.

Semester 1 - Private Pilot Certificate

Expense/Requirement Student Cost per Hour Required Hours Total Cost
Dual C‐172 195.00 42.0 8,190.00
Solo C‐172 150.00 13.0 1,950.00
Ground Briefing 45.00 30.0 1,350.00
RB‐TD2 Simulator 75.00 3.0 225.00
FAA Check Ride Flight 150.00 1.5 225.00
FAA Check Ride Examiner Fee 600.00
AVTN 102: Private Pilot Flight
12,540.00
Required Supplemental Online Course Materials and Private Pilot Kit 440.00
FAA Knowledge Exam 165.00
TSA Airport Badge 35.00
AVTN 101: Private Pilot Ground
640.00
Tuition and Fees (Credit Hours) 310.20 16.0 4,963.20
Textbooks and Other Course Materials* 1,500.00
Semester Total
19,643.20

Notes about Required Supplemental Online Course Materials and Private Pilot Kit:

The Private Pilot Part 141 online materials include:

  • Ground Lessons
  • Flight Lessons
  • Maneuver Lessons
  • Stage Exams
  • End of Course Exam

The Private Pilot Kit includes:

  • Private Pilot Textbook
  • Private Pilot Maneuvers Manual
  • Private pilot Syllabus
  • Private Pilot Student Record Folder
  • Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards (ACS)
  • Private Pilot FAA Practical Test Study Guide
  • Private Pilot FAA Airmen Knowledge Test Guide
  • Student CSG Computer (E6B)
  • PN-1 Navigation Plotter
  • Pilot Logbook
  • Student Flight Bag
  • Private Pilot FAA Exam Package

Semester 2 - Instrument Reading

Expense/Requirement Student Cost per Hour Required Hours Total Cost
Dual C-172 195.00 40.0 7,800.00
Ground Briefing 45.00 30.0 1,350.00
RB-TD2 Simulator 75.00 5.0 375.00
FAA Check Ride Flight 150.00 2.0 300.00
FAA Check Ride Examiner Fee 600.00
AVTN 112: Instrument Flight
10,425.00
Required Supplemental Online Course Materials and Instrument/Commercial Kit 485.00
FAA Knowledge Exam 165.00
AVTN 111: Instrument Ground
650.00
Tuition and Fees (Credit Hours) 310.20 17.0 5,273.40
Textbooks and Other Course Materials* 500.00
Semester Total
16,848.40

Notes about Required Supplemental Online Course Materials and Instrument/Commercial Kit:

The Instrument Pilot Part 141 online materials include:

  • Ground Lessons
  • Flight Lessons
  • Stage Exams
  • End of Course Exam

The Instrument/Commercial Kit includes: 

  • GFD Instrument/Commercial Textbook
  • GFD Instrument/Commercial Syllabus
  • Instrument Rating Airman Certification Standards (ACS)
  • GFD Instrument/Commercial Record Folder
  • Instrument Knowledge Test Guide
  • Commercial Knowledge Test Guide
  • IFR Three-Ring Kneeboard
  • Student Flight Bag
  • JeppShades
  • Commercial Pilot ACS
  • Instrument Pilot Exam Package
  • Commercial Pilot Exam Package

Semester 3 - Commercial Pilot Certificate (60%) 

Expense/Requirement Student Cost per Hour Required Hours Total Cost
Dual C-172 195.00 13.0 2,535.00
Solo C-172 150.00 40.0 6,000.00
Ground Briefing 45.00 15.0 675.00
AVTN 202: Commercial Pilot Flight I
9,210.00
Required Supplemental Online Course Materials 170.00
FAA Knowledge Exam 165.00
AVTN 201: Commercial Pilot Ground
335.00
Tuition and Fees (Credit Hours) 310.20 17.0 5,273.40
Textbooks and Other Course Materials* 300.00
Semester Total
15,118.400

Notes about Required Supplemental Commercial Online Course Materials:

The Commercial Pilot Part 141 online materials include:

  • Ground Lessons
  • Flight Lessons
  • Maneuver Lessons
  • Stage Exams
  • End of Course Exam

Semester 4 - Commercial Pilot Certificate (40%)

Expense/Requirement Student Cost per Hour Required Hours Total Cost
Dual C-172 195.00 27.0 5,265.00
Dual 182 (or other technically advanced aircraft) 195.00 15.0 2,925.00
Solo C-172 150.00 25.0 3,750.00
Ground Briefing 45.00 20.0 900.00
FAA Check Ride Flight 150.00 1.5 225.00
FAA Check Ride Examiner Fee 600.00
AVTN 203: Commercial Pilot Flight II
13,665.00

Semester 4 - Flight Instructor Rating

Expense/Requirement Student Cost per Hour Required Hours Total Cost
Dual C-172 195.00 7.0 1,365.00
Ground Briefing 45.00 7.0 315.00
Flight Instructor Spin Training 500.00
FAA Check Ride Flight 150.00 1.5 225.00
FAA Check Ride Examiner Fee (x2) 1,200.00
AVTN 213: Flight Instructor Flight
3,605.00
FAA Knowledge Exam (x2) 330.00
AVTN 212: Flight Instructor Ground
330.00
Tuition and Fees (Credit Hours) 310.20 16.0 4,963.20
Textbooks and Other Course Materials* 300.00
Semester Total
22,863.20

Estimate of Total Program Cost

Expense/Requirement Total Cost
Ground instruction, including testing fees 1,955.00
Flight Instruction, including FAA Check Rides and Examiner Fees* 49,445.00
Tuition and Fees** 20,473.20
Estimated Books and Course Materials*** 2,600.00
TOTAL
74,473.20

Notes

*This is curriculum required flight hours for all students. If hours exceed those indicated here, the student is responsible for additional costs. 

**The provided tuition rates are based on in-state Tuition and Fees for COF-eligible Colorado residents. Higher rates apply for non-COF-eligible students.

***The provided costs for textbooks and course materials are estimates only. Textbooks and course materials are not included and must be purchased by students.