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      • About Cypress
        • Who We Are
        • Dr. Joanna Schilling, President
        • Foundation
        • Contact Us
        • Campus Directory
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      • Departments & Programs
            • Accounting
            • Administration of Justice
              • Administration of Justice
              • Homeland Security
            • Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
            • Automotive Collision Repair
            • Automotive Technology
            • Aviation & Travel Careers
              • Airline/Airport Agent, & Aviation Management
              • Commercial Pilot
              • Flight Attendant
              • Tourism / Cruise
              • UAS / UAV Drones
            • Commercial Music & Recording Arts
            • Computer Information Systems
              • Cisco Networking
              • Computer Forensics
              • Web, Mobile App & Gaming
            • Court Reporting
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            • Dental Hygiene
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            • Health Information Technology
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              • Culinary Arts
              • Food Beverage Management
              • Hospitality Management
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            • Journalism
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            • Management & Marketing
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              • Marketing
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    Aviation & Travel Careers

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    • Aviation & Travel Careers
    • Commercial Pilot

    Build Your Future as a Commercial Pilot

    Cypress College has been successfully training pilots since 1967. We have paved the way in utilizing leading edge technology that enables you to practice with realistic simulations, reducing the costs associated with pilot training. Through the ground training and flight simulations, you can train to become a professional pilot or fly for fun. This program is challenging yet rewarding; it will push you to be the best that you can be. We provide you with experienced professionals who either currently work, or have worked extensively, in the industry with many of the leading airlines.

    With the knowledge you acquire as you advance in our program, it is possible to get a job in the aviation industry as you progress into becoming a professional airline pilot. Four pilot certificates are offered: Private Pilot, Instrument Pilot, Commercial Pilot, and Advanced Pilot.

    Location

    Tech Ed 1, Room 202

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Aviation Certificate I – Private Pilot = 17 – 18 units (1-2 semesters)
    Aviation Certificate II – Instrument Pilot = 24-26 units (2 semesters)
    Aviation Certificate III – Commercial Pilot = 31-34 units (2-3 semesters)
    Aviation Certificate IV – Advanced Pilot = 35 units (2-3 semesters)
    Associate in Science Degree – Commercial Pilot = (2 years)

    $46 per unit for California residents plus books and fees.

    Students may attend full-time or part-time. Full-time students typically take between 12 to 18 units per semester. Basic certificates (18 units) can be earned in one to two semesters, advanced certificates (35 units) in two to three semesters, and AS degrees (60 units) in two years.

    Pilot, Co-pilot, Flight Engineer, $137,330 median annual salary.

    At all major airlines, including Express Jet, Delta, Jet Flight International, Sunrise Aviation, Flight Safety, South Bay Aviation, United, Gulfstream and more!

    Airline and commercial pilots fly and navigate airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft.

    Pilots typically do the following:
    •Check the overall condition of the aircraft before and after every flight
    •Ensure that the aircraft is balanced and below its weight limit
    •Verify that the fuel supply is adequate and that weather conditions are acceptable
    •Prepare and submit flight plans to air traffic control
    •Communicate with air traffic control over the aircraft’s radio system
    •Operate and control aircraft along planned routes and during takeoffs and landings
    •Monitor engines, fuel consumption, and other aircraft systems during flight
    •Respond to changing conditions, such as weather events and emergencies
    •Navigate the aircraft by using cockpit instruments and visual references

    Some pilots are also instructors using simulators and dual-controlled aircraft to teach students how to fly.

    The following are examples of types of pilots:

    Airline pilots work primarily for airlines that transport passengers and cargo on a fixed schedule. The captain or pilot in command supervises all other crewmembers and has primary responsibility for the flight. The copilot, often called the first officer or second in command, shares flight duties with the captain.

    Commercial pilots are involved in unscheduled flight activities, such as aerial application, charter flights, and aerial tours. Commercial pilots may have additional nonflight duties. Some commercial pilots schedule flights, arrange for maintenance of the aircraft, and load luggage themselves.

    Work Schedules

    Federal regulations set the maximum work hours and minimum requirements for rest between flights for most pilots. Airline pilots fly an average of 75 hours per month and work an additional 150 hours per month performing other duties, such as checking weather conditions and preparing flight plans. Pilots have variable work schedules that may include some days of work followed by some days off. Flight assignments are based on seniority. Seniority enables pilots who have worked at a company for a long time to get preferred routes and schedules.

    Airline pilots may spend several nights a week away from home because flight assignments often involve overnight layovers. When pilots are away from home, the airlines typically provide hotel accommodations, transportation to the airport, and an allowance for meals and other expenses. Commercial pilots also may have irregular schedules. Although most commercial pilots remain near their home overnight, some may still work nonstandard hours.

    Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Airline and Commercial Pilots,
    on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/airline-and-commercial-pilots.htm (visited December 20, 2017).

    Cypress College ATC students have many transfer options, including the B.S. Aviation Administration Program at California State University, Los Angeles: http://www.calstatela.edu/ecst/tech/bs-aviation-administration

    If you are interested in transferring and earning a 4-year degree, please visit the Counseling Center or make an appointment with our CTE Counselor Jane Jepson at jjepson@cypresscollege.edu.

    Students are also encouraged to visit the Cypress College Transfer Center website at http://www.cypresscollege.edu/services/transfer

    • Degree & Certificate
    • Additional Requirments
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    Degree & Certificate

    Program Mapper: View course options for these programs.

    Aviation Certificate I – Private Pilot = 17-18 units (1-2 semesters)

    Aviation Certificate II – Instrument Pilot = 24-26 units (2 semesters)

    Aviation Certificate III – Commercial Pilot = 31-34 units (2-3 semesters)

    Aviation Certificate IV – Advanced Pilot = 35 units (2-3 semesters)

    Additional Requirments

    Please know that there are no academic prerequisites to begin this program; however there are job requirements that you should review before you begin your coursework. Some of the job requirements are specific and limiting; for example, if you want to be a pilot, and an airline says you must have a passport, you must have a valid passport in your possession (not in the mail). While some companies will have different requirements, you may want to investigate your options and talk privately to your instructor if you have any concerns or questions.

    Faculty

    Captain Ed Valdez, Department Coordinator
    Technical Education 1-210
    (714) 484-7253
    evaldez@cypresscollege.edu

    Part-time Faculty:

    Curt Castagna: ccastagna@cypresscollege.edu

    Jeff Co: jco@cypresscollege.edu

    Elizabeth “Beth” Ennis: eennis@cypresscollege.edu

    Chuck Gifford: cgifford@cypresscollege.edu

    Jacqueline Aguet Graham: jaguetgraham@cypresscollege.edu

    Sherry Groff: sgroff@cypresscollege.edu

    Larry Hack: lhack@cypresscollege.edu

    Michael “Mike” Hannah: mhannah@cypresscollege.edu

    Marilyn “Mimi” Ivey: mivey@cypresscollege.edu

    Jane Jepson: jjepson@cypresscollege.edu

    Charmaine Kaimikaua: ckaimikaua@cypresscollege.edu

    Steve McCormick: smccormick@cypresscollege.edu

    Tommy Mellana: tmellana@cypresscollege.edu

    Cira Oropeza: coropeza@cypresscollege.edu

    Nancy Matsui: nmatsui@cypresscollege.edu

    Iwalani “Evie” Palicz: epalicz@cypresscollege.edu

    Kathleen Reiland: kreiland@cypresscollege.edu

    Mary Ann Saunders: masaunders@cypresscollege.edu

    Katy Straughan: kstraughan@cypresscollege.edu

    Thomas Sutfin: tsutfin@cypresscollege.edu

    James Wilcox: jwilcox@cypresscollege.edu

    Bronze Star

    California Community College Strong Workforce Program Bronze Star Recipient.

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    CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT:

    Ed Valdez

    Department Coordinator

    Email: evaldez@cypresscollege.edu
    Phone: (714) 484-7253

    CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT:

    Jane Jepson, Ph.D.

    CTE Division Counselor

    Email: Jjepson@cypresscollege.edu
    Phone: (714) 484-7074

    CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT:

    Cindy Cao

    Division Office Manager

    Email: ccao@cypresscollege.edu
    Phone: (714) 484-7231

    Average Salary in this Field

    $32,300-$208,000 Per Year

    Careers in this Field

    Commercial Airline Pilot

    Like what you're learning?

    Get Started Today!

    Cypress College has been successfully training pilots since 1967. We have paved the way in utilizing leading edge technology that enables you to practice with realistic simulations, reducing the costs associated with pilot training.
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    Gravitational Waves

    What People Say

     
    Katy, United Airlines Flight Attendant
    Katy, United Airlines Flight Attendant
    “People ask me all the time about school and when I say that I attended the Cypress College Aviation & Travel Careers Program, they’re shocked that there is actually a program that specializes in airline jobs like flight attendant, pilot, agent, and aviation manager. They’re so interested in knowing what it’s about and if it helped me. I explain to them that it was the best decision I’ve ever made because it helped guide me in the right direction to become what I’ve always wanted. Thank you!”
    - Katy, United Airline Flight Attendant
     
    Scott, NetJets, Pilot
    Scott, NetJets, Pilot

    "Before Ohio State, I was at Cypress College. Loved it! I am now a Falcon 2000 Captain with NetJets."

    - Scott, NetJets, Pilot

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    ©2018 Cypress College. 9200 Valley View Street, Cypress, CA 90630. (714) 484-7000.
    Cypress College is part of the North Orange County Community College District and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

    GREAT JOBS

    U.S. Department of Labor lists Marketing Managers and related careers as Bright Outlook occupations, which are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years, or will have large numbers of job openings.

    The US Department of Labor projects a 15% growth in employment by 2026 for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers. Cypress College reports that 93% of its recent program graduates, got jobs according to the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges job placement rate.

    CRB & NCRA

     
    This program is accredited by the Court Reporters Board of California (CRB) and the National Court Reporting Association (NCRA).

    Bronze Star Program

     
    California Community College Strong Workforce Program Bronze Star Recipient. Bronze Stars are granted when a program attains outcomes in one metric of these three. Either a substantial increase in earnings, the attainment of a living wage, and / or a job closely matched with the field of study.

    Bronze Star Recipients
    • Automotive Technology: 89% increase in earnings
    • Automotive Collision Repair: 58% increase in earnings
    • Accounting: 60% increase in earnings
    • Business Management: 58% increase in earnings
    • Mortuary Science: 175% increase in earnings
    • Environmental Control Technology: 73% of students attained the regional living wage
    • Health Information Technology: 51% increase in earnings
    • Radiologic Technology: 60% increase in earnings
    • Dental Assistant: 419% increase in earnings
    • Alcohol and Controlled Substances: 62% increase in earnings
    • Computer Graphics and Digital Imagery: 94% increase in earnings
    • Computer Networking: 100% of students are employed in a job similar to their field of study
    • Culinary Arts: 101% increase in earnings
    • Hospitality: 106% increase in earnings
    • Flight Attendant: 104% increase in earnings
    • Technical Theater: 84% increase in earnings
    • Human Services: 53% increase in earnings

    Silver Star Program

     
    California Community College Strong Workforce Program Silver Star Recipient. Silver Stars are granted when a program attains outcomes in two metrics of these three. Either a substantial increase in earnings, the attainment of a living wage, and / or a job closely matched with the field of study.

    Silver Star Recipients
    • Diagnostic Medical Sonography: 322% increase in earnings and 89% of students attained the regional living wage
    • Psychiatric Technology: 203% increase in earnings and 100% of students are employed in a job similar to their field of study

    AS-T

     
    Students Completing AS Degrees for Transfer (AS-T) are Guaranteed Admission to the California State University (CSU) System.

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