Launch your aviation career with an associate degree in aviation – professional pilot. This two-year program provides foundational flight training and essential certifications, setting students up for immediate employment or further flight training. Flight training begins in the first semester, allowing students to build flight hours early using Piper Archer aircraft with Garmin avionics and a state-of-the-art flight simulator for hands-on experience. Over the course of the program, students earn:
- Private Pilot Certificate
- Instrument Rating
- Commercial Pilot Certificate
Graduates are eligible to apply for a Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate at 1,250 flight hours, allowing them to enter the airline industry sooner than the traditional 1,500-hour requirement. With expert instruction, a modern training fleet, and a personalized learning environment, Hesston College prepares students for success in a variety of aviation careers.
Career Possibilities
With the A.A.A.S. in Aviation – Professional Pilot, graduates can begin their careers in a variety of aviation roles or continue their flight training to gain additional certifications. Career paths include:
- Flight Instructor (building flight hours while training new pilots)
- Charter Pilot (corporate or private aviation)
- Bush Pilot (remote area transport)
- Forest Service Pilot (firefighting and conservation support)
- Agricultural Applicator (crop dusting)
- Skydiving Provider
- Aerial Survey and Photography Pilot
Many graduates also choose to continue their education by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Aviation – Professional Pilot, which provides additional certifications such as Multi-Engine Rating and Flight Instructor Certification.
