Aviation/Flight Technology

Megan Smith, Secretary
256.352.7805
megan.smith@wallacestate.edu
aviation@wallacestate.edu

www.wallacestate.edu/flight

Associate in Applied Science (6 semesters)

Short-Term Certificates (1-3 semesters)

At a Glance

Most students in this program become airline pilots, copilots, and flight instructors, who transport passengers and cargo. However, one out of five pilots who become a commercial pilot involved in tasks such as dusting crops, spreading seed for reforestation, testing aircraft, flying passengers and cargo to areas not served by regular airlines, directing firefighting efforts, tracking criminals, monitoring traffic, border patrol, off-shore oil transportation, and rescuing and evacuating injured persons.

Program Description and Expectations

The Flight Technology Program consists of flight and ground instruction, which will qualify students for various careers in the aviation industry. Students will have the opportunity to acquire FAA certification for the Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot Certificates. Advanced certificates and ratings may also be acquired. The FLT program classes are taught at the Cullman Regional Airport. 

Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive an Associate in Applied Science Degree. Interested students should contact the Flight Technology Program for appropriate forms and instructions.

If you have the personal ambition and drive to become a professional pilot, our aviation technology program can provide challenging and innovative curricula, and course work integrated with a quality flight-training program to prepare you for a career in professional aviation.
The Wallace State Flight Technology Program is fully accredited by the FAA and is approved by the Alabama State Department of Education for flight instruction under the U.S. Veteran’s Administration Program.

Persons who qualify for admission to Flight Technology Programs may be eligible for advanced standing credit for their aviation training and experience. The number of flight technology credits granted will be determined by an evaluation of professional credentials and qualifications including Federal Aviation Administration Certificates. The number of credits granted can be limited based on state board policies. No more than 25% of the total program semester hours will be granted. (See PLA Credit)

Admission

Admission to the College is required but does not guarantee admission to the Flight Technology Program. The flight program has additional admissions requirements that must be met. 

The Flight Technology Program admits students for spring, summer, and fall semesters. Enrollment and course registration must be approved by flight and is limited dependent on space and instructor availability. 

Attendance

The Federal Aviation Administration regulates class attendance for the flight program. Therefore, attendance is much more restrictive than some programs offered by Wallace State. No absences are permitted in the FAA approved ground schools. All missed coursework must be complete to meet FAA requirements for course completion.

Program Entry Requirements: Associate in Applied Science Degree 

1. Must possess a 3rd class (or higher) medical obtained from a designated FAA medical examiner; students using VA benefits must possess a second class medical.
2. Must present an original birth certificate or current passport.
3. Must present a current driver’s license or Government Issued Photo ID.
4. Must meet all the general admission requirements of the college and be in good standing with the college.
5. Must be eligible to enroll in ENG 101 according to ACT, or SAT scores or have completed ENG 101 with a grade of “C” or better. Students placed into remedial coursework are not eligible for program entry.
6. Must be eligible to enroll in MTH 116 according to ACT, or SAT scores or have completed MTH 116 with a grade “C” or better. Students placed into remedial coursework are not eligible for program entry.
7. Comply with the Essential Functions as required by program and FAA Regulations Part 141.    Documentation of inability to comply must be submitted for review by the WSCC Americans with Disabilities ACT Coordinator.
8. Schedule an appointment with the program advisor and provide the required documents.

Short-Term Certificate Entry Requirements

1. Must possess a 3rd class (or higher) medical- obtained from a designated FAA medical examiner.
2. Must present an original birth certificate or current passport.
3. Must present a current driver’s license or Government Issued Photo ID.
4. Schedule an appointment with the program advisor and provide the required documents.
   NOTE: The VA will not pay benefits for short-term certificates in this program.

Program Progression

To remain in the program, students must adhere to the following progression standards:

1. Students must maintain a Wallace State Cumulative GPA of 2.0. Failure to maintain this average will result in dismissal from the Flight Program.
2. If a student withdraws or receives a grade of D or lower in any FLT course, the student cannot progress in the FLT sequence until the course is repeated and completed successfully.
3. To be eligible for graduation, the student must have completed all required courses and final stage checks successfully.

Program Dismissal

In addition to the program progression requirements, students may be dismissed from the Flight Technology Program for the following reasons:

1. A total of two (2) unsuccessful attempts in two separate semesters (D, F, or W) in the same FLT course.
2. Failure to receive a grade of C or better in the second attempt in any FLT course
3. Failure to maintain a Wallace State Cumulative GPA of 2.0
4. Failure to comply with Program policies, safety rules, and procedures.

Readmission to Program

1. Students who withdraw or are dismissed must apply for readmission through the department staff. No preferential consideration is given to prior students for readmission. Students will be readmitted one time ONLY.
2. Students dismissed from the FLT program for disciplinary reasons or unsafe conduct will not be considered for readmission to the Flight Technology Program.

Program Expectations

1. Students enrolled in the FLT Program can expect reading and homework assignments before every lesson or class.
2. Students must be able to commit to at least 3 training activities per week. There are significant lab fees for each flight lab. *These fees are subject to change at any time.*

Program Standards

Our program's technical standards have been developed to help students understand the minimum essential mental, physical, and behavioral skills necessary for participation in and completion of all core aspects of our curriculum. The Flight Technology Program and/or the FAA or TSA may identify additional essential functions. The flight program reserves the right to amend the essential functions as deemed necessary.

Essential Functions

As a WSCC flight student, you will be expected to do the following:

Thinking Skills: Apply aviation concepts and technology to safely pilot an airplane

1. Read, understand, and follow WSCC, State, and FAA Regulations.
2. Recognize the design and operation of aircraft components, instruments, and systems.
3. Evaluate information and conditions necessary for flight planning, maneuvering, and safety risk management.
4. Apply principles of flight, weather, aerodynamics, and navigation to complete flight lessons.
5. Evaluate flight situations and make decisions quickly with sound judgment.
6. Process multi-sensory input and multi-task simultaneously to maintain positive aircraft control.
7. Keep up with sequence and pace of instruction.

Sensory Observation Skills: Make independent observations and assessments to maintain positive control and safely pilot an airplane:

1. Do a pre-flight inspection of the engine, propeller, and electrical, environmental, hydraulic, pneumatic, fuel, ignition, lubrication, and flight control systems.
2. Process visual, auditory, and tactile input simultaneously.
3. Monitor for other air traffic through continuous visual scanning and radio calls.
4. Monitor instrument panel.
5. Detect and respond to auditory signals from air traffic control.
6. Chart flight plan with maps.
7. Possess quick sensory response time.

Motor Skills: Possess sufficient physical strength, flexibility, and dexterity to operate an airplane

1. Independently execute all required flight maneuvers, including climbs, descents, stalls, turns, takeoffs, and landings.
2. Perform manual inspections of the airframe, engine, fuel tanks, and oil reservoir, requiring the ability to climb while maintaining balance and dexterity.
3. Respond to engine indications and instruments by making manual adjustments.
4. Sit for prolonged periods.
5. Possess quick physical response time.
6. Activate brake pedals for aircraft steering and braking.
7. Maintain balance and stability.

Communication Skills: Read, write, and understand English as required by FAA standards

1. Use English to obtain necessary information from aural and written sources.
2. Express information clearly in English, both verbally and in writing.
3. Understand and correctly respond to radio and air traffic communication.
4. Communicate clearly by radio with air traffic control.
5. Communicate clearly by radio with other pilots in the air.

Behavioral Skills: Behave appropriately and safely in a high-risk learning environment

1. Work independently with minimal or no supervision
2. Follow through with individual responsibilities
3. Exercise good judgment
4. Follow safety procedures
5. Comply with drug-free requirements and testing
6. Stay calm in stressful situations

Environmental Tolerance: Work in a flight training environment

Work for prolonged periods amidst:

1. Changes in altitudes
2. Changes in temperature
3. Changes in air pressure  
4. Extreme noise
5. Electrical equipment  
6. Gas and Fumes
7. Moving objects and vehicles
8. Slippery or uneven surfaces
9. Variations of lighting

Please keep in mind that you will have to fulfill additional requirements to be eligible for certification exams or Licensure in the field. For specific information on medical standards required for obtaining licenses and ratings through WSCC, go to http://www.faa.gov/pilots/medical.

Additional Requirements

The Flight Technology program requires specific essential mental and physical functions, which must be possessed to be a successful pilot. In general, all Wallace State flight programs require:

1. Visual Accuracy: 20/40 in each eye with or without correction
2. Color Vision: Colors necessary for safe performance of airman duties
3. Hearing Acuity: Conversational voice at 6 feet with both ears, or audiometry
4. Manual Dexterity: in fingering and grasping activities and the ability to perform repetitive fine motor actions
5. Gross Motor: ability to reach, stoop, kneel, stand, walk, and sit

Disability Accommodations

We have developed our technical standards in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. We will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified students with disabilities. The College may not make inquiry regarding a prospective student’s disability status prior to admission to the institution. However, students may choose, at any time during their association with the College, to disclose a documented disability. Students should be aware that certain disabilities and/ or their mitigating therapies might delay or preclude their participation in some of the College’s programs of study due to regulatory limitations of the Federal Aviation Administration. Students are encouraged to discuss these concerns with an Aviation Medical Examiner or directly with the FAA in Oklahoma City, OK by phoning (405) 954-4821. For specific information on medical standards required for obtaining license and ratings within the degree program, go to: http://www.cami.jccbi.gov/aam-300.

Wallace State Community College will provide reasonable accommodations but is not required to substantially alter the requirements or nature of the program or provide accommodations that inflict an undue burden on the College. To be admitted, one must be able to perform all of the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations. If an individual’s health changes during the program of learning, so that the essential functions cannot be met with or without reasonable accommodations, the student will be withdrawn from the flight technology program.

Requests for reasonable accommodations should be directed to:

Lisa Smith, Director of Special Populations
Wallace State Community College
P.O. Box 2000, Hanceville, AL 35077
256.352.8052

Student Owned Aircraft - FAR 61 Only

Students in Flight Technology may fly aircraft that they own, providing that the aircraft have the required FAA paperwork and inspections, and proof of liability with Wallace State Community College listed as additionally insured.. An insurance binder showing the policy expiration date must be provided and kept on file at the Wallace State Community College Flight Department at all times while the student is receiving flight training in his/her aircraft. Additionally, the aircraft’s maintenance logbooks and records will be verified for the required FAA inspections and paperwork before any flights are conducted. Student-owned aircraft must be equipped with a complete set of dual controls. Experimental aircraft are not accepted. Students enrolled under FAR 141 must fly WSCC FAA-approved aircraft only.

Additional Fees

Fees for the flight laboratories in Flight Technology are in addition to the regular college tuition fees. The special flight fees will vary in accordance with the type of aircraft, and operational costs. 
Miscellaneous student expenses, such as FAA computer-based Airmen Knowledge Test fees, FAA medical exam fees, and FAA flight examiner fees, are not included in the flight course fees. Students may take ground courses without taking flight courses. There is no additional charge for aviation ground courses above regular college tuition fees.

Once a student enrolls at Wallace State, he/she must accomplish all subsequent flying through Wallace State in order for credit to be granted toward completion of the Flight Technology curriculum. In degree programs requiring flight training, at least 25% of semester hours in the major field (FLT) must be taken at Wallace State Community College and must include at least two complete flight courses selected from the following: Private Pilot Certification course, Instrument Rating course, Commercial Certification course, and/or CFI Rating course.

STUDENTS MUST MEET WITH A FLIGHT TECHNOLOGY REPRESENTATIVE PRIOR TO ENROLLING FOR ANY FLT COURSE.

All Flight Training students will have to meet applicable Transportation Security Administration Rules and Guidelines for Flight Training.

1. United States citizens should be prepared to provide proof of citizenship, which includes, at a minimum, an original birth certificate and photo I.D.
2. Flight training for all other candidates—foreign pilots, foreign student pilots, and other non-US citizens (e.g. green card holders) must meet additional requirements.

Career Path

Overall, the employment of aircraft pilots is projected to increase through 2042 as demand for air travel grows along with the population and the economy. In the short run, however, the employment of pilots is generally sensitive to cyclical swings in the economy. The earnings of aircraft pilots and flight engineers vary greatly depending on whether they work as airline or commercial pilots. The median annual wage for airline pilots and copilots was $219,140 in 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics) 

CEU – (Flight Training, Ground Training, and Ground School)

All Flight Training students will have to meet applicable Transportation Security Administration Rules and Guidelines for Flight Training. United States citizens should be prepared to provide proof of citizenship, which includes, at a minimum, an original birth certificate and photo I.D.

Flight Training for all other candidates—foreign pilots, foreign student pilots, and other non-US citizens (e.g. green card holders) must meet additional requirements through the TSA.