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Aviation Program The Aviation Program is currently looking for a CFI/CFII to join our team. Please visit http://www.jobs.lcc.edu to apply. Let your future take flight! -Aviation
Center location.
Students in our Aviation Career
Programs say they became interested in aviation for a
variety of reasons ranging from having relatives in aviation
careers to simply having a lifelong interest in aircraft.
Whether reasons for your interest in aviation are similar or
completely different, choose the path to success that many
before you have chosen, training through the Aviation
Programs at Lansing Community College. Our high quality
programs are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration
and our faculty members have detailed knowledge of the
aviation industry and are teaching professionals who are
eager make coursework come alive for you. Pilots’ earnings vary depending on the employer. The median annual salary for pilots in 2000 was $43,300, and ranged overall from less than $24,290 to more than $145,000.
For specific information about any of our Aviation Program options or to set up a personal appointment to see the Aviation Program in action, please contact us today at (517) 483-1406. Flight Technology The Aviation Flight Program is a
rigorous, two-year program that effectively prepares
students to become professional pilots. Our graduates are
recognized throughout the aviation community as being
achievement-oriented professionals. Employers expect
positive results from our graduates and they get positive
results—new hires that have the knowledge and ability to get
the job done. As with the other study areas in the Aviation
Program, we believe our Flight Program is one of the best in
the region. Aviation Maintenance Technology The Aviation Maintenance Program consists of two areas of study: Airframe Maintenance and Power Plant Maintenance Aviation
Airframe
Maintenance Aviation Power Plant
Maintenance Curriculum Information
Career Facts Commercial Pilot (Aviation Flight Technology) What does a commercial pilot do? Pilots are highly trained professionals who fly airplanes and helicopters to carry out a wide variety of tasks. Although most pilots transport passengers and cargo, others are involved in more unusual tasks, such as dusting crops, testing aircraft, directing fire fighting efforts, tracking criminals, monitoring traffic, and rescuing and evacuating injured persons. Except on small aircraft, two pilots usually make up the cockpit crew. Generally, the most experienced pilot, the captain, is in command and supervises all other crew members. The pilot and copilot split flying and other duties, such as communicating with air traffic controllers and monitoring the instruments. Some large aircraft still have a third pilot in the cockpit—the flight engineer—who assists the other pilots by monitoring and operating many of the instruments and systems, making minor in-flight repairs, and watching for other aircraft. Before departure, pilots plan their flights carefully. They thoroughly check their aircraft to make sure that the engines, controls, instruments, and other systems are functioning properly. They also make sure that baggage or cargo has been loaded correctly. They confer with flight dispatchers and aviation weather forecasters to find out about weather conditions in route and at their destination. Based on this information, they choose a route, altitude, and speed that should provide the fastest, safest, and smoothest flight. Helicopters are used for short trips at relatively low altitude, so pilots must be constantly on the lookout for trees, bridges, power lines and other dangerous obstacles. Regardless of the type of aircraft, all pilots must monitor warning devices designed to help detect sudden shifts in wind conditions that can cause crashes. If visibility is poor, pilots must rely completely on their instruments. Using the altimeter readings, they know how high above ground they are and whether or not they can fly safely over mountains and other obstacles. Who would enjoy it? The job of an airplane pilot carries considerable charm, prestige, responsibility, and dedication. Airline pilots can find themselves in different time zones, climates, and cultures from day-to-day, so someone in this field must enjoy variety. Many pilots proclaim that each trip is like a new and different expedition every time...a new and exciting world to discover, conquer and journey through. Pilots literally have the lives of their passengers in their hands, so one must be confident in themselves to do a good job and to remain calm under pressure. One must be in good physical health for this job, for the physical and mental demands are very demanding. Having good vision, hearing, and motor coordination are crucial requirements for this job. Pilots must be focused and determined to complete the required stages of training that will ultimately lead to a satisfying career. In the long run seniority counts in this profession, so young pilots are advised to work hard, enjoy the flight training, and continue to build flying hours. What do they earn? Earnings of airline pilots are among the highest in the nation. The average starting salary for airline pilots ranged from about $15,000 at the smaller commuter airlines to $26,000 at the larger, major airlines in 1996. The average earnings for experienced pilots ranged from $28,000 at the commuter airlines to about $77,000 at the largest airlines. Some senior captains on the largest aircraft may earn as much as $200,000 a year. Earnings depend on factors such as the type, size, and maximum speed of the plane, and the number of hours and miles flown. Extra pay may be given for night and international flights. Generally, pilots working outside the airlines earn lower salaries. In addition, pilots receive an expense allowance, or "per diem", for every hour they are away from home. Per diem can represent up to $500 each month in addition to their salary. Some airlines also provide allowances to pilots for purchasing and cleaning their uniforms. As an additional benefit, pilots and their immediate families usually are entitled to free or reduced fare transportation on their own and other airlines. Commercial helicopter pilots averaged salaries ranging from $34,000 to $ 60,000 a year in 1996. The average salary for corporate helicopter pilots ranged from about $48,000 to $73,000 a year. Some helicopter pilots may earn over $100,000 a year depending on the amount of flying and company for which they work. How many jobs are available? Pilot jobs are expected to increase faster than average through the year 2006, based on the geographical location of the employer. Jobs will continue to be open due to the growth of the industry as well as replacement of retired pilots or those who leave the field. How much schooling, training, or skill development? At least two years of college are preferred for those seeking a career in this profession. FAA-certified flying schools provide adequate practical and classroom training and some colleges and universities offer degree credit for pilot training. Prospective pilots must work long and hard at accumulating required flying time. Applicants for the commercial airplane pilot's license must meet the regulatory requirements of the certificate and successfully complete rigorous testing, including a physical examination, a written test given by the FAA and a practical test. After receiving an FAA Commercial Pilot license, pilots must be rated according to the kind of plane they can fly, for example a single-engine, multi-engine or seaplane; as well as for the type, for example Boeing 727 or 757. Airplane captains must also have an airline transport pilot's license, for which a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight time including night flying and instrument time are required. Related occupations: Air Traffic Controllers and Dispatchers Career Facts Aviation Maintenance Technician What do they do? An aviation maintenance technician, commonly referred to as an airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic, inspects, troubleshoots and repairs aircraft structures, engines and systems. Maintenance technicians are able to return aircraft to service after inspecting or repairing the airframe (small and large) and engines (both piston and turbine powered). LCC has an international reputation for providing the most highly trained aviation professionals in the world. Where are they employed? Aviation maintenance technicians are employed throughout the world maintaining aircraft for major airlines, commuter airlines, air freight operators, air taxi operators, corporate flight departments, private aircraft owners and many other specialized aviation services. What is the average salary? In 1996, the average salary of aircraft mechanics was about $35,000, yet salaries ranged from $23,000 and $48,000 a year. In Michigan the average salary was about $32,000 and ranged from $22,000 to $40,000. Mechanics who worked on jets generally earned more than those working on other aircraft. Airline mechanics and their immediate families receive reduced fare transportation on their own and most other airlines. Earnings of airline mechanics are generally higher than mechanics working for other employers. Average hourly pay for beginning aircraft mechanics was estimated to range from $18.00 at the smaller turbo-prop airlines, to $22.00 at the major airlines in 1996. Earnings of experienced mechanics were estimated to ranged from $25.00 to $32.00 an hour. What are the educational requirements? Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. Students must complete four semesters and two summer sessions of aviation maintenance education courses. Successful completion of the FAA's written, oral and practical tests is required prior to licensing. Acceptable motor skills and academic ability will provide functional competency to support certification. Due to a limited number of seats, students aspiring to a career in maintenance technology must contact the Aviation Program at (517) 483-1406 for advising. Who would enjoy it? Aircraft mechanics must do careful and thorough work that requires a high degree of mechanical aptitude. Employers seek applicants who are easy-going, self-motivated, hard-working, enthusiastic, whom have the ability to diagnose and solve complex mechanical problems. Agility is important for the reaching and climbing which is necessary to perform maintenance on large aircraft. Since they may work on the top of wings and fuselages on large jet planes, aircraft mechanics must not be afraid to work in high places. How many jobs are available? Opportunities for jobs in this field are expected to grow about as fast as average throughout the year 2006. As aircraft mechanics gain experience, they will have the opportunity for increasing advancement. Opportunities are best for those who have an aircraft inspector's authorization. A mechanic may advance to lead mechanic (or crew chief), inspector, lead inspector, and shop supervisor. In the airlines, where promotion is often determined by examination, supervisors may advance to executive positions. Those with broad experience in maintenance and overhaul have become inspectors with the Federal Aviation Administration. With additional business and management training, some open their own aircraft maintenance facilities. Mechanics learn many different technical skills in their training courses that can be applied to other jobs. Some transfer to other skilled repairer occupations or electronics technician jobs How much schooling, training, or skill development? Although a few people become mechanics through on-the-job training, most learn their job in trade schools certified by the FAA. About one-third of these schools award two and four-year degrees in avionics, aviation technology, or aviation maintenance management, while the rest administer a certification of completion and/or a license to practice in this field. Mechanics who also have an inspector's authorization can certify work completed by other mechanics and perform required inspections. Uncertified mechanics are supervised by those with certificates. The FAA requires at least 18 months of work experience for an airframe, powerplant, or avionics repairer's certificate. For a combined A & P certificate, at least 30 months of experience working with both engines and airframes are required. Completion of a program at an FAA certificated mechanic school can substitute for the work experience requirement. Applicants for all certificates also must pass written and oral tests, and demonstrate that they can do the work authorized by the certificate. To obtain an inspector's authorization, a mechanic must have held an A & P certificate for at least 3 years. Most airlines require that mechanics have a high school diploma and an A & P certificate. FAA standards established by law require that certified mechanic schools offer students a minimum of 1,900 actual class hours. Courses in these trade schools generally last from 2 years to 30 months, and provide training with the tools and equipment used on the job. Aircraft trade schools are placing more emphasis on newer technologies which are increasingly being used in the construction of new aircraft. Related occupations: Electronics Technicians, Electricians, HVAC Repairers and
Machine Trades Career Facts Avionics Technician What do they do? Aviation electronics, commonly called avionics, is the application of electronics to aviation. Someone in this field would install and service complex communication, navigation, RADAR and autopilot equipment. The avionics work environment is clean, well lit and temperature controlled. Student will find employment at airlines, airports, electronics manufacturers and government agencies. Completion of an avionics program will allow one to learn electronics theory and applications in classroom and laboratory environments, digital theory and applications, how microprocessor based systems work and how to repair them as well as both flight instrument and communication theory and applications. Who would enjoy it? Avionics technicians test, maintain, and produce aviation electronics, including missile-guidance systems, jet engine controls, and flight-control circuitry. Therefore, someone in this field must enjoy working with their hands, analyzing and fixing things, and not be afraid to get dirty. Much of an avionics job is preventative, therefore one must be able to detect flaws in production. Technicians work unusual hours, providing maintenance and support to private aircraft owners, aerospace companies, the military, and other government agencies, so someone in this field would have to enjoy a varied schedule. Someone in this field should also enjoy intellectual curiosity and giving close attention to detail. What do they earn? The average salary in 1997 was about $34,000 for the United States, with salaries ranging between $26,000 and $42,000 per year. In Michigan the average salary was $37,000 and ranged from $$22,000 and $39,000. Salaries may depend on location, experience and education or licenses which one has. How many jobs are available? The opportunities for job is expected to grow slightly faster than average through the year 2006. Job openings may depend on location, growth of cities and use of aviation. How much schooling, training, or skill development? Most people in this field will attend a specialty school or community college that specializes in aviation electronics, which usually lasts about two years and will result in certification or licensure. Major aerospace employers run their own schools and training centers, but corporate-run schools teach only about each company's own product line. General coursework at these schools includes electronics, the physics of electricity, circuit design, and computer science. Familiarity with math and a degree of manual dexterity are both helpful. If communications equipment is part of your job, you also will need an Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license as a restricted radio-telephone operator. Related occupations: Aviation Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Communications Engineers, Installation and Repair Consultants, In-house Electronics Designers, and Research groups that test and rate developed products. Alumni Pages Welcome to the Alumni Pages.
Online Scheduling: http://scheduleaplane.com/sap/weblogin.php?company=185 New User Request: http://scheduleaplane.com/sap/addnewuser.php?company=185 Aviation Programs Faculty and Staff
Related Links for Aviation Program Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):
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Electronics (Avionics) Technology Links:
Flight Technology Links: |
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