Frequently Asked Questions

Professional Piloting

Aviation Operations

Aviation Maintenance/ Avionics

Interships

Employment

Professional Piloting

1. What are the requirements for entry into the program?
   
   Students must be high school graduates or GED holders. The College Placement Test (CPT) must be taken (unless SAT/ACT scores are less than two years old). An FAA flight physical must be taken prior to enrollment in any flight labs.
   
   
2. How much does the program cost?
   
   Tuition is approximately $4,300, books are estimated at $2,000 and minimum flight fees are $35,000 (to the Certified Flight Instructor Rating). It should be noted that flight fees are based on the minimum number of hours required by the FAA for certification. The average student usually takes more hours than the minimum to complete at a resultant higher cost.
   
   
3. How long does it take to complete the program?
   
   The program can easily be completed in 24 months for full-time students provided you are flying approximately 4 hours per week.
   
   
4. What is the recommended schedule of courses to take for the program?
   
   Here’s a recommended schedule for the professional pilot program.
   
   
5. Can the program be completed on a part-time basis as a working adult?
   
   Yes, however, you still need to fly at least twice weekly (approximately 3–4 hours per week) to complete the flight labs. Students who do not fly at this rate are not likely to complete the rating in the minimum number of hours.
   
   
6. Can I get Financial Aid?
   
   Although Bright Futures Scholarships apply toward tuition, they do not apply toward flight fees. Pell Grants apply to tuition and fees but are not large enough to cover the high expense of flight training. Most students will need to take out student loans to cover the flight fees. A list of preferred loan providers can be found on the preferred lender list. There are several other alternative lenders who specialize in flight training loans; however, the College has not evaluated their performance and cannot make any recommendations for or against them. Student loans generally do not have to be paid back until after graduation with relatively long repayment terms and low interest rates.
   
   
7. Are any scholarships available for flight training?
   
   There are numerous scholarships available for flight training. Refer to the Cecil Center South — Aviation Center of Excellence (ACE) Web pages for a comprehensive aviation scholarship list.
   
   
8. Can I get a job with the airlines upon graduation?
   
   Upon graduation from the program, the student will have a minimum of 250 flight hours. Most regional airlines require approximately 1,000 hours (minimum) to be considered for employment. Most students obtain work as a Certified Flight Instructor after graduation in order to build the required time.
   
   
9. How much does a Certified Flight Instructor make?
   
   Entry-level flight instructors in the Jacksonville area average approximately $14 per hour, often with fringe benefits.
   
   
10. Where are the classes conducted?
    
    Aviation ground schools are conducted at FCCJ’s Cecil Center South (ACE) and via live Interactive Television (ITV) to several other campuses. Flight Training is conducted by Sterling Flight Training at Craig Airport. General Education courses may be taken at any campus or online.
    
    
11. I already have some pilot ratings. Can I get credit for them?
    
    Yes, FCCJ will award credit for existing FAA certificates. However, upon entry into the program, all additional ratings must be conducted at FCCJ’s contracted flight provider.
    
    
12. I am eligible for VA education benefits. Do they apply to flight training?
    
    This program is VA-approved. However, VA payment for flight training begins only after the student receives the Private Pilot Certificate.
    

Aviation Operations

1. Can I get a job as an FAA Air Traffic Controller after completion of this degree?
   
   Although several of our graduates have gone on to become FAA Air Traffic Controllers, this program is not FAA-approved and additional training and/or education is necessary to be considered for FAA employment. Information on FAA Air Traffic Control hiring qualifications can be found at the Federal Aviation Administration Web Site.
   
   
2. What is the recommended schedule of courses to take for the program?
   
   Here’s a recommended schedule for the aviation operations program.
   

Aviation Maintenance/Avionics

1. What program should I enroll in first?
   
   It is recommended that students first enroll in the Aircraft Airframe Mechanics program first. (Students with Airframe experience have a higher likelihood of finding part-time employment and internship opportunities.) After completion of the Airframe program, students should then enroll in the Aircraft Powerplant Mechanics program.
   
   
2. What if I only want to enroll in the Powerplant program?
   
   Students may enroll in either the Airframe or Powerplant program and can find employment with only that respective certificate. However, for maximum employment potential, students should obtain both the Airframe and Powerplant certificates.
   
   
3. Can I just enroll in the Aviation Maintenance Management A.S. Degree program?
   
   Although students may take the A.S. degree courses concurrently with the Airframe and Powerplant workforce certificate courses, students should at first select the Airframe or Powerplant Mechanics program as their primary Program of Study in Artemis. After completion of both the Airframe and Powerplant programs, students should then select Aviation Maintenance Management as their primary program of study.
   
   
4. I already possess the FAA Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics certificate. Can I enroll in the Aviation Maintenance Management A.S. degree program?
   
   Yes. FCCJ will award you 60 college credits toward the A.S. degree after completion of three college credit courses and presentation of your FAA A&P certificate.
   
   
5. Will I get credit for previous military aviation maintenance training?
   
   In accordance with FAA rules, credit can only be given by examination. Contact the program manager to arrange for a bypass test.
   
   
6. I understand that the FAA will allow me to take the FAA tests based on my military experience. Does FCCJ have a course to prepare me for the tests?
   
   Yes, FCCJ has a three week A&P Test Prep Course for those who meet the FAA experience requirements (either military or civilian).
   
   
7. Must I have an A&P certificate to get into the Avionics Program of Study?
   
   No, the A&P certificate is not a requirement. However, students must have either previous electronics education, training or experience. At a minimum, students should have knowledge of AC & DC theory, solid state theory, digital theory, have basic soldering skills and have experience in the use of basic test equipment.
   

Internships

1. What is an internship?
   
   All A.S. degree programs require the student to obtain relevant work experience in his or her career field. (Workforce Certificate programs such as the Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics and Avionics Technician do not.) It is up to the student to provide the employer, although FCCJ will assist the student whenever possible. Internships may be paid or unpaid. Generally, 60-hours of work experience are required for each credit of internship. A business agreement between the employer and FCCJ is required. Contact the program manager for additional information.
   

Employment

1. What are my chances of getting a job after graduation?
   
   Jacksonville has a significant aviation industry. The current job outlook for pilots and technicians is very good. FCCJ graduates can be found among almost all of the major aviation employers in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. FCCJ works with local employers and WorkSource to place students locally.