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.
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!
- 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 = 60 units (2 years)
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.
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
CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT:
Ed Valdez
Department Coordinator
CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT:
Jane Jepson
CTE Division Counselor
CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT:
Cindy Cao
Division Office Manager
Average Salary in this Field
$32,300-$208,000 Per Year
Careers in this Field
Commercial Airline Pilot
"Before Ohio State, I was at Cypress College. Loved it! I am now a Falcon 2000 Captain with NetJets."