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Professional piloting A.A.S.

  • A student and instructor working inside a flight simulator

    Professional piloting A.A.S.

    Prepare for professional piloting careers in a hands-on, FAA-certified 141 flight training program at UAA.

Explore the professional piloting associate degree program at the University of Alaska Anchorage

The associate degree in professional piloting provides both ground and airborne flight training using FAA-approved course work. Led by experienced aviation professionals, the program offers state-of-the-art training opportunities using fully equipped flight training airplanes, Advanced Aviation Training Devices (AATD) and a level B flight simulator. Graduates of UAA’s associate degree in professional piloting are also eligible for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate with reduced aeronautical experience.

This degree program includes flight training for the Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, Commercial Certificate, and Multi Engine Rating"  Students who have already completed a Private Pilot Certificate may begin the program with instrument training, and can finish the program in as little as two years.  Students beginning the program with no previous credentials can finish in three years.

Professional piloting scholarships and financial aid
Get help with tuition and education costs. UAA offers a variety of scholarships and other types of financial assistance you may apply for when you pursue a degree in professional piloting. Learn more about financial aid opportunities at UAA.

Professional piloting A.A.S.

Degree Type:

  • Associate

Program Length: Varies according to rate of flight training completion

Availability:Anchorage campus

Accredited by: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved program

Other program options: Bachelor's of Science in Aviation Technology

Did you know..

The FAA has authorized UAA to certify its professional piloting graduates as eligible for an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with reduced aeronautical experience.

What can you do with a professional piloting degree from UAA?

Alaska has more pilots per capita than any other state, and demand for highly trained and qualified pilots remains strong. In the professional piloting program at UAA, you’ll receive the kind of structured training that employers value. For this reason, many UAA aviation students are recruited for jobs even before completing school.

Professional piloting graduate programs
Interested in pursuing an advanced degree in aviation? UAA professional piloting graduates have gone on to complete bachelor’s and master’s degree in a variety of fields.

Professional piloting careers

  • Commercial airline pilot
  • Corporate aviation pilot
  • Military pilot
  • Cargo pilot
  • Charter pilot

By the numbers..

47k
Aviation jobs in Alaska
UAA Aviation and Technology Division
8k
Pilots in Alaska
UAA Aviation and Technology Division

Professional piloting associate degree program highlights

Join the only collegiate 141 flight training program in Alaska. The following are some of the top reasons to pursue your associate degree in professional piloting at UAA.

  • Gain hands-on flying experience. Students in the professional piloting program at UAA receive flight training in a variety of aircraft from UAA's Professional Piloting fleet, which includes 10 single engine aircraft and three twin engine aircraft. Piloting students also use advanced flight simulators that provide a realistic experience with the advantage of having a 'pause' button.
  • Work closely with experienced pilots. UAA faculty include nationally recognized flying instructors with extensive piloting and aeronautical experience. Instructors are very accessible and available to work one-on-one with students as needed.
  • Join a program with strong industry partnerships. UAA aviation programs feature an industry advisement committee with representatives from large and small aviation companies from across the state of Alaska.
  • Take part in campus clubs and organizations. Opportunities include UAA’s professional chapter of Alpha Eta Rho, an international aviation co-ed fraternity.

Professional piloting associate degree program curriculum

Coursework in the professional piloting program covers topics such as aircraft engine and system operation, aerodynamics, aircraft operating limitations and performance, weather and atmospheric processes as well as navigation and communication techniques. Alumni demonstrate instrument pilot and commercial pilot flight skills and have knowledge of aviation law and aviation safety. A total of 61 credits is required to complete the associate degree.

Top classes for professional piloting majors

  • Commercial Flying (I,II and III)
  • Private Pilot Ground School
  • Instrument Flying
  • Aviation Safety