SUNY Erie Community College

PROFESSIONAL PILOT

Erie Community College and Jamestown Community College have a joint registration agreement offering preparation for a career as a professional pilot. This agreement allows the student to complete approximately one-half of the course degree requirements at ECC, at which time he or she transfers to JCC for aviation training. ECC urges students to work closely with JCC to ensure that they are taking the courses needed at Jamestown. Professor John Danna will answer fundamental questions; he can be reached at (716) 851-1360. Specific degree requirements should be addressed to Professor Rick Rupprecht, director of aviation at JCC. He can be reached at (716) 665-5220, ext. 2384 or at RickRupprecht@mail.sunyjcc.edu.

Pease note that completion of students’ non-aviation courses at ECC is cost efficient and convenient. In general, ECC will provide coursework in English, mathematics, physics, meteorology, geography and computer literacy. JCC will provide the core aviation courses and several other degree requirements. Upon completion of all prescribed coursework with a satisfactory average, the student will be awarded the A.A.S. in Professional Piloting degree and will be a Certified Flight Instructor-Airplane upon F.A.A. certification.

This program is designed to prepare students for careers as professional pilots. Students successfully completing all mandates will hold the FAA certifications of Private and Commercial Pilot, with Instrument rating, and the designation of Certified Flight Instructor-Airplane. All instruction occurs pursuant to Part 141 of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs). Students may also elect to obtain the multi-engine and the Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument ratings. Graduates may choose to work as Certified Flight Instructors. The advantages are substantial. Certified Flight Instructors may log the same hours as their students, earn compensation and be waived of airplane rental fees. Should a student desire to fly for a commercial airline, he or she would be advised to earn the appropriate four-year degree.