Aviation Science

Are you ready to fly? Imagine yourself in the cockpit, heading for the clouds. Become a professional pilot, aircraft dispatcher or flight operations specialist through OCC Career Advantage. Our pilot training programs can meet the individual goals and needs of students from beginners without flying experience, to those with some training and experience. Learn to operate single and multi-engine aircraft through our certificate program, or earn an associate degree.

We also offer a number of certificates in specialized areas and prepare you to fly for charter and commercial airlines, corporations and government agencies. Or prepare to fly drones with FAA Part 107 training and learn programming and other drone essentials through our UAS/UAV Technology program. If you enjoy aviation but are looking for a less costly alternative to flight school, we offer an educational track that trains you for supporting careers in aviation, like aircraft dispatch. Commercial pilots in California earn a median income of $92,164. So start planning your take-off – read on to learn more about your options in aviation science at OCC.

A sampling of courses for these careers

Private Pilot Aviation Ground School
Aviation-Meteorology
Basic Air Transportation

Aerodynamics
Introduction to Flight Operations
Advanced Aircraft & Engines

see course catalog

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Did you know?

More than 12 million U.S. jobs are projected by 2018 in transportation, distribution and logistics, according to the Association for Career and Technical Education.

Program Details

Complete one of our certificate programs, and you’ll be well-prepared to enter a career in aviation. Build upon your skills if you’re already employed in the field. Or earn an associate degree for even greater advancement opportunities.

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In less than 2 years
you can earn:
Certificate of Achievement

Aviation Science

Prepare to enter the world of commercial aviation, with options that include flying for airlines, corporations, government agencies or emergency response entities. Designed for students with no flying experience, this program includes flight training and academic courses. View program detail in course catalog.

Build on your certificate
of achievement with a:
Certificate of Specialization

Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Prepare to become a commercial Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) pilot, technician and programmer in various industry sectors. Learn the special characteristics of different aircraft, how they are built, and fundamentals of control and propulsion systems.View program detail in course catalog.

Private Pilot

Learn how to fly for personal pleasure and enjoyment. This entry point to aviation prepares students for private flight and the Federal Aviation Administration Private Pilot Knowledge Test. The program meets the aeronautical requirements of Federal Aviation Regulation Part 61.105.View program detail in course catalog.

Airline Transport Pilot

Advanced students or current aerospace professionals learn how crew resource management is used in the cockpits of commuter, corporate and airline flight decks. The program meets the aeronautical requirements of Federal Aviation Regulation Part 61.155 and satisfies the knowledge requirements for students pursuing careers as aircraft dispatchers. View program detail in course catalog.

Commercial Pilot

Advanced students or current aerospace professionals prepare to meet the licensing requirements to become a commercial pilot and to take the Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test. The program meets the aeronautical requirements of Federal Aviation Regulation Part 61.105. View program detail in course catalog.

Instrument Pilot

Pilots who already hold a private pilot’s license can prepare to meet licensing requirements to become an Instrument Rated Pilot. The program meets the aeronautical requirements of Federal Aviation Regulation Part 61.65(b). View program detail in course catalog.

Flight Operations

Advanced students or current aerospace professionals prepare to enter the field of flight operations. Learn basic flight theory, advanced meteorology, airport and airline economics and management, advanced aircraft systems, and aircraft navigation for a career in aircraft dispatch, aircraft and aircrew scheduling, airport operations or fixed-base operations. View program detail in course catalog.

Or earn your
associate degree
in under 4 years

Aviation Science

Complete the Aviation Science Certificate of Achievement and the Associate in Science graduation requirements to earn an associate degree. You will be prepared to enter the world of commercial aviation, with options that include flying for airlines, corporations, government agencies or emergency response entities. View program detail in course catalog.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I enroll and register for classes?

To enroll in a Career Advantage program, you must first apply for admission to Orange Coast College. To apply, go to the Admissions Application Information webpage and review the information and requirements for admission. A link at the bottom of that page will take you to the CCCApply website, where you will be prompted to create an account so you can begin the application process.

How much does it cost?

Classes cost $46 per unit for residents of California. Classes vary in their unit value, but an average 3-unit class costs $138. There are additional fees required to register and additional costs associated with each program. Click here to view the estimated total costs of the program in this career cluster.

How long does it take?

View this chart for the length of the core program.

Are classes offered online, evenings and weekends?

This program offers online, evening and weekend courses. For details about offerings in this program, speak to a counselor or consult the class schedule. The class schedule tool searches through all Orange Coast College course offerings and includes a filter for online classes.

How can I talk with a counselor?

You can make an appointment in person, online or by phone. Click here for more information about Counseling Services and how to make an appointment.

I have more questions. Where can I get more information?

For general questions about enrollment, availability of classes and other services for prospective and current OCC students, call The Answer Center at 714-432-5772. For answers to specific questions you can speak to a counselor or to the faculty member listed on this program page.

Man in white shirt practices flying plane on flight simulation technology

Two male pilots fly plane through clouds

Main in grey plaid shirt practices flying plane on flight simulation technology

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Did you know?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people who have a certificate as
their highest level of education earned, on average, 20 percent more than
those whose highest education level is a high school diploma.