Aviation (Commercial Pilot/Flight)

email: aviation@bigbend.edu

The Commercial Pilot Training program combines course work in flight training along with other ground school courses to prepare students for obtaining a commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating. To meet these requirements, most students require more than six quarters to complete the training. Because of this need, classes are scheduled each summer quarter. Additional ratings for flight instructor, instrument flight instructor, multi-engine, and seaplane may be earned through special arrangements. Special departmental rules and procedures stated in the BBCC Professional Pilot Course Handbook apply to this program.

Students desiring admission into the Commercial Pilot Training Program must meet appropriate admission requirements stated in section 1.1 of the BBCC Professional Pilot Course Handbook. Contact the Aviation Department 509.793.2241 or aviation@ bigbend.edu for specific admission requirements. If some of the basic education requirements have pre-approved substitutions, and all course requirements are met, it is possible for the commercial pilot student to receive both the AA&S and the AAS degrees during the two-year program.

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

AVF 111: Pre-Flight Ground School

Credits 1
This course introduces the student to the aircraft, its flight manual, the basic federal aviation regulations, elementary principles of flight, aircraft operation, and BBCC flight rules. This course starts the week prior to the normal class starting date. All students accepted and alternates must attend this course. Pre-program counseling is done at this time, and flight training is started.

AVF 112: Private Pilot Ground School

Credits 5
This course prepares the student to take the FAA private pilot knowledge examination. It includes elementary navigation, weather, federal aviation regulations, NTSB reporting procedures, radio procedures, AIM, advisory circulars, operating limitations, aircraft performance, principles of aerodynamics, power plants and systems, stall and spin awareness, ADM and judgment, preflight action and planning.

AVF 113: Meteorology

Credits 5
This course is designed for pilots but is helpful for the non-aviation major to understand the basics of meteorology. A study in the nature of the atmosphere, winds, temperature, moisture, air masses and frontal systems, weather forecasting utilizing charts and reports available from FAA FSS’s; incorporates techniques for flying in various weather conditions.

AVF 114: Theory of Flight

Credits 5
This course covers basic aerodynamic theory of flight, aircraft instruments, performance, stability, control, airframe stress, structural limits, constant speed propellers, and turbo charging.

AVF 141: Private Pilot Flight (Stage 1)

Credits 4
Scheduled flight time, ground critique, discussions, and observation time; both dual and solo flights. Instrument flight training is integrated with all phases of flying. Includes simulator time.

AVF 142: Private Pilot Flight (Stage 2)

Credits 4
Scheduled flight time, ground critique, discussions and observation time; both dual and solo flights. Instrument flight training is integrated with all phases of flying. Includes simulator time.

AVF 143: Private Pilot Flight (Stage 3)

Credits 4
Scheduled flight time, ground critique, discussions and observation time; both dual and solo flights. Instrument flight training is integrated with all phases of flying. Includes simulator time.

AVF 190: Flight (Alternate)

Credits 1 Max Credits 4

Provides additional aircraft flight time to allow the student additional time to increase his/her skill or complete a course of study. Includes flight time and follow-up critique.

AVF 213: Advanced Meteorology

Credits 5
This course is designed for aviation majors but it is helpful for the non-aviation major to understand meteorology at a more advanced level. This course will cover the nature and utility of atmosphere, winds, temperature, moisture, air masses and frontal systems, weather forecasting utilizing charts and reports available from FAA and NWS. This course will incorporate techniques for flying in various weather conditions.

AVF 221: Commercial Pilot Ground School

Credits 5
Preparation for the FAA commercial pilot knowledge test. Includes study of applicable FAR’s, accident reporting requirements of the NTSB; basic aerodynamics and the principles of flight; meteorology and the use of weather reports and forecasts; safe and efficient operation of aircraft; weight and balance computations; use of performance charts, performance limitations; use of navigation facilities, ADM, judgment and CRM; principles and functions of aircraft systems; maneuvers, procedures and emergency operations; night and high-altitude operations; the National Airspace System.

AVF 223: Instrument Ground School

Credits 5
Preparation for FAA instrument knowledge examination, includes: FAR’s that apply to IFR; appropriate sections of AIM; air traffic control system and procedures; IFR navigation systems and instruments; use of en route and instrument approach charts, aircraft operations under IFR; procurement and use of aviation weather reports and forecasts, recognition of critical weather situations and wind shear avoidance, ADM and judgment, and CRM.

AVF 225: Effective Communication in Flight Instruction

Credits 5
This course covers the required areas of instructor knowledge; and is designed to aid the student in passing the appropriate FAA knowledge tests. It includes the learning process and emphasizes elements of effective communication. Methods of teaching and communicating are studied and practiced, as well as how to evaluate and critique through written and oral processes. Includes practice in classroom, one-to-one, and team teaching.

AVF 227: Aircraft Systems for Pilots

Credits 5
Introduces the systems of complex aircraft: fuel, hydraulic, brake, control, ignition, and electrical systems; covers nomenclature, preventive maintenance, engines, propellers, and related publications.

AVF 251: Commercial Pilot Flight (Stage 4)

Credits 4
Scheduled flight time, ground critique, discussion and observation time, dual, solo, cross-country, and instrument, and complex aircraft time. Includes simulator time.

AVF 252: Commercial Pilot Flight (Stage 5)

Credits 4
Scheduled flight time, ground critique, discussion and observation time; dual, solo, cross-country, instrument, and complex aircraft time. Includes simulator time.

AVF 253: Commercial Pilot Flight (Stage 7)

Credits 4
Scheduled flight time, ground critique, discussion and observation time; dual, solo, and cross-country time. Includes 28 hours simulator time upon program completion.

AVF 254: Night Flying

Credits 1
Provides an introduction to night flying and advanced instruction in night navigation, procedures, orientation, landings, takeoffs and techniques necessary for safe operation of airplanes at night.

AVF 272: Seaplane Flight

Credits 2
A dual flight lab course designed to develop flight skills in water operations and procedures, along with flight maneuvers in preparation for the FAA Seaplane Rating; includes flight time and critique.

AVF 290: Flight (Alternate)

Credits 1 Max Credits 4

Provides additional aircraft flight time to allow the student additional time to increase his/her skill or complete a course of study. Includes flight time and follow-up critique.

AVF 295: Work-Based Learning

Credits 1 Max Credits 6
A supervised work experience in the aviation industry to enhance the application of classroom instruction and/or flight skills. This is a paid or volunteer experience that is supervised by both the employer and the Aviation program. May be repeated up to 15 credits.

AVF 297: Work-Based Learning Seminar

Credits 1
This course is taken in conjunction with AVF 295 (Work-Based Learning) and gives the student the opportunity and responsibility to report on their work experience and to analyze that experience for successes and for areas of improvement. May be repeated up to six (6) credits.