Step Ahead with Professional Pilot
What is the Professional Pilot program at SLCC? Where will I conduct my training?
How long will it take and how much will it cost? What does it take to succeed in this program?
Where will I be able to work upon graduation? What does industry say about SLCC?

Ready to start? Click here to apply to SLCC today.

What is the Professional Pilot program at SLCC?
Salt Lake Community College has offered the Professional Pilot program for 16 years and prepares students for a successful and exciting career in the aerospace industry. The program includes classroom academics, simulator training, and in-flight instruction.  SLCC's program offers two tracks where flight students have the opportunity to obtain their pilot certificates and ratings in both airplanes and/or helicopters. All academic and flight training is certified under the Federal Aviation Administration PAR's Part 141 standards. Graduates of SLCC’s Professional Pilot program are well prepared for successful and exciting careers in the aerospace industry. SLCC also caters to future pilots who may not be seeking a degree.
CERTIFICATIONS:
Students successfully completing the program requirements will receive at a minimum their FAA Private Pilot certification and Instrument rating with an Associate of Science (AS) degree in Professional Pilot.  Students are able to continue their flight training to obtain a Commercial and Flight Instructor certificate.  Students are also able to obtain a certificate of completion in Non-Commercial and/or Commercial operations in Airplanes and/or Helicopters. .

Students will be required to complete various general education, institutional and pilot-associated classroom academics, simulator and in-aircraft courses and labs. Additionally, students will be required to successfully pass applicable FAA-administered written, oral and in-aircraft certificate and rating practical examinations.

Click here for a list of offered certifications.

ACADEMICS:
Professional Pilot academic training consists of professional courses and FAA certified ground schools.  Students will learn basic aircraft piloting skills, rules and regulations, as well as training in complimentary subjects including meteorology, aerodynamics, aircraft systems, human factors, aviation history, and more.

INSTRUCTORS:
 All courses are taught by full-time faculty and adjunct faculty aviation professionals.  All instructors are pilots and come with a wealth of pilot experience ranging across all types of aircraft and segments of the aerospace industry including helicopter, propeller and jet aircraft operations in commercial, general aviation and military operating environments.

IN-FLIGHT TRAINING:
Flight training can be performed in an airplane, helicopter or both as desired.

DEGREES:
For the Associate degree, Private and Instrument Licenses only are required, but SLCC offers all required licenses. For students interested in pursuing advanced degrees, SLCC’s Professional Pilot transfers into many Utah College and University Bachelor of Science aviation programs.
How long will it take and how much will it cost?
The Professional Pilot degree requires completion of 67 credit hours over 4 semesters (2 years). The actual length of time required will vary by student depending on previous experience, weather, and personal situations. The Certificate of Completion in Non-Commercial operations requires a completion of a minimum of 35 credit hours over two semesters (1 year); and the Certificate of Completion in Commercial operations require a completion of a minimum of 38 credit hours over two semesters (1 year
Total Program Costs

Tuition:

 $5,068

Books:

 $600-$800

Labs (In-flight):

  Varies (see program faculty)

FAA flight exam fee:

 $350-$550

FAA written exam fee:

 $70-$90
Where will I be able to work?

Entry Level Position (250 hours):

  Certified Flight Instructor

Next Level Position (500 hours):

  Fly trafficwatch, Scenic Tours, Cargo, Parajumpers

Commuter Airline (800-1000 hours):

  Regional Airlines (ie Skywest Airlines)

Corporate/Business (2,000 hours):

  Private Companies and Corporate flights

Major Airline (3,000 hours):

  Large Cargo Carriers or Major Airlines

Note:  It is estimated to take about 5-7 years flying and a bachelor’s degree to qualify for a position with the Major Airlines.
Where will I conduct my training?
GENERAL COURSES:
 Professional Pilot Program students will pursue their general education and institutional academic courses at various designated SLCC campus locations.

PROFESSIONAL PILOT ACADEMIC COURSES:
 All Professional Pilot (PILT) academic courses will be conducted at SLCC’s Meadowbrook campus.

FLIGHT LAB COURSES:
 Helicopter: At Upper Limit Aviation’s SLC Int'l Airport facility.
Airplane:  At Cornerstone's SLC Int'l Airport facility.
                               At Air Center's Airport #2 facility.

Upper Limit Aviation: (801)596-7722
Cornerstone Aviation: (801)355-2244
What does it take to succeed in this program?
Students should possess a strong desire to succeed in each and every endeavor, be willing to devote themselves 100% to a challenging academic and in-flight curriculum and be willing to pursue an active career in a dynamic and fast-paced industry.

Strong, consistent performance in basic high school studies and good overall physical health will adequately prepare students for success in the SLCC program and overall aviation industry.
What does industry say about this program?

"Student performance exceeds the FAA pass rates; the program complies with the FAA 141 certification for ground schools in Private Pilot, Instrument Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor and Multi-Engine Pilot; modern aircraft with state of the art avionics prepares students for commercial employment." - PAC Member

"Articulation agreement with all Utah post secondary institutions; and secondary concurrent agreements with a consortium of high schools provides a seamless transition into and out of the Professional Pilot Program. This program is experiencing phenomenal enrollment growth annually." -PAC Member

Click here to apply online