Why study Aviation Technology?

Aviation Technology combines pilot training with the on-the-ground skills you need for a career as a professional pilot. In addition to flying passenger aircraft for major and commuter airlines, pilots also crew cargo jets, and corporate aircraft and serve the military and law enforcement.  Others fly emergency medical services, perform aerial surveying and photography, and conduct sight-seeing flights. Some pilots participate in firefighting, rescue searches, and other public service flying, while others become flight instructors.

Being a pilot requires strict attention to safety, management of crew resources, knowledge of weather and navigation, and intimate knowledge of the aircraft and the mechanics of flight. Aviation Technology ensures you learn these skills along with earning your pilot certifications. You must also be able to make quick decisions and accurate judgments under pressure. You must be able to maintain a high level of alertness while working irregular work schedules and spending time away from home. You must be physically fit, have excellent eyesight, and be able to pass the required FAA physicals.

Professional pilot training in the UC Clermont College Aviation Technology program is provided by Sporty’s Academy, Inc. Sporty’s Academy is the educational division of the highly acclaimed Sporty’s Pilot Shop — the world’s largest provider of aviation educational resources and pilot supplies. Sporty’s Academy is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved pilot school, holder of FAA Air Agency Certificate #XSTS103K, headquartered at the Clermont County Airport in Batavia, Ohio, less than a mile from the UC Clermont campus.

Federal regulations require the University of Cincinnati to publicly disclose whether completion of certain programs that lead or may lead to professional licensure or certification would meet a given state’s educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification required for employment in an occupation (regardless of whether the program is on-ground, online, or hybrid).   To learn whether a University program meets a given state’s educational requirements, please visit the University of Cincinnati State Authorization webpage.

Career Possibilities

Watch our YouTube video to learn more about careers and training in aviation.

You can look forward to employment as a pilot in many specialized areas. Opportunities include the following:

• airline pilot
• corporate pilot
• charter pilot
• military
• law enforcement
• aviation management
• flight instructor
• airport manager
• airline dispatcher

Major Maps

The Aviation Technology program at UC Clermont College requires students to enroll in five consecutive semesters, including the summer term, to ensure a continuous and structured learning experience. This accelerated schedule allows students to efficiently complete their coursework, maintain proficiency in aviation training, and stay on track to meet certification and career readiness goals within a timely manner.

• Guide: 2024-2025 Aviation Technology (AAS)
• Guide: 2024-2025 Aviation Technology (Private Pilot license already obtained) Curriculum

Advising

We are committed to providing advice and assistance throughout your academic journey. You and your advisor work together to create an academic plan based on your goals.

Craig Beesten (craig.beesten@uc.edu) serves as the Academic Advisor to the program, while Dawn Hundley (dawn.hundley@uc.edu) serves as the Student Success representative.  You may contact either of these individuals should you have questions about the program or admission standards.

UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

The UC Clermont campus is on 91 wooded acres located in Batavia, Ohio, in the heart of Clermont County. Our faculty-to-student ratio is low. You will find small class sizes and personal interaction with your instructors create the ideal learning environment. Parking is convenient and at no additional charge. Plus, our tuition is the lowest of the UC colleges.

As an aviation student, you will be part of a group of dedicated students who receive individualized attention on the ground and in the air. You will receive specialized flight instruction using an advanced simulator with a visual display and learn from the highly rated aviation staff at Sporty’s Academy, the acclaimed education affiliate of Sporty’s Pilot Shop, the world’s largest provider of aviation educational material.

Your actual flight time will be logged in a fleet of modern, well-maintained aircraft including the Cessna 172 Skyhawk, Cessna 182 Skylane, multi-engine Piper Aztec, and several advanced flight simulation devices. (Additional flight fees apply.)

Other benefits include the opportunity to participate in one of several professional internship programs with locally based airlines. Selected graduates can work as flight instructors at Sporty’s Academy, logging flight time while continuing their education.

For more information on pilot licensing, regulations, and medical examinations, visit the Federal Aviation Administration webpage.

For information regarding tuition and fees associated with this program, please see Aviation Financial Considerations.

UC Clermont students have access to free tutoring and academic support services through Learning Commons. The Learning Commons provides centralized academic support for all University of Cincinnati students by bringing together faculty, best practices in teaching and learning, and hundreds of outstanding peer educators to create flexible academic success programming. Free services available to UC Clermont students include academic coaching, group review sessions, success skills workshops, and tutoring in writing, math, science, and more. Services are available on-campus or virtually. Visit the Learning Commons webpage for more information or schedule an appointment online.

Academic Coaching – Academic coaches help students get organized and learn to be efficient and effective with their study time during one-on-one sessions. Academic Coaches work with students on new strategies or exercises to try before the next meeting and later meetings allow tailoring new approaches to develop the best study and test-taking habits for unique goals and strengths. Schedule one-hour sessions as often as once per week.

Academic Writing Center (AWC) – The Academic Writing Center (AWC) offers tutoring for all stages of the writing process, from brainstorming to incorporating research. The AWC is not course-specific and can help with discipline-specific documents, as well as non-course-based writing. Schedule a one-on-one appointment with a trained writing tutor or submit a paper online for feedback within 48 hours.

Group Review Sessions (GRS) – Group Review Sessions (GRS) are small study groups, led by a peer leader, that meet to review content that is covered in course-supported lectures each week. Find the list of supported courses on the Learning Commons website.

Math & Science Support Center (MASS) – The MASS Center offers virtual study tables for many undergraduate mathematics and science courses. Study tables provide a collaborative learning space so that students can learn from their peers who have excelled (the table leader) as well as their fellow class members attending the study table. No appointment is necessary for these scheduled group study sessions. You can view the up-to-date study table schedule on the Learning Commons website.

Peer Tutoring – Peer tutoring sessions are one-on-one with a subject-specific tutor to answer questions and help you master content in more than 200 undergraduate courses, including subjects such as math, science, languages, and business. Schedule appointments up to 7 days in advance for one-hour, 90-minute, or two-hour sessions. If you notice your desired course is not offered, please let us know.

Preparatory Composition – Students enrolled in UC Clermont Preparatory English (ENGL0099) courses have dedicated support from professional tutors. Information about these services and how to connect with the tutor is included in the course syllabus.

Success Skills Workshops – Success Skills Workshops are free one-hour sessions that focus on skills students need to be successful in college (study skills, note-taking, motivation, etc.). While there is no shortcut to success, the goal of the workshops is to empower students to identify and apply academic habits and soft skills through a deeper understanding and purpose of them. When students RSVP for a workshop, they will be able to register for the upcoming workshops one at a time and up to nine days before the workshop date.

Canvas Navigator Workshop – Designed to help students who are new to college and need help navigating their coursework online. The workshop shows students how to access their course materials, publisher homework, quizzes, textbooks, academic services like tutoring, and more. Students who attend this workshop can expect to gain clarity on what they need to do every week to stay on track with their coursework throughout the semester, which helps students stay motivated leading to greater confidence and success in their courses.

Math Placement Test Workshop – Offered to prospective and current UC students who want to brush up on their math skills before taking the Math Placement Test. The free synchronous online workshop is led by a UC Clermont professional tutor. The three-week workshop series is offered monthly except in January. It is recommended that students sign up for all three weeks to get the maximum benefit from these workshops.

Math for Science Students Workshop – Designed for students enrolled in entry-level biology and chemistry courses, these workshops cover foundational math concepts that students need to succeed in their science courses. The synchronous online workshops are led by a UC Clermont tutor. The workshop repeats each week starting the week before classes begin and continuing through week 3 of the semester.

Special Programs

Partnering with Industry

The Aviation Technology program is proud to partner with leading aviation organizations including airlines and corporate flight departments. These industry alliances provide important guidance toward the career preparedness of graduates.

Partnerships and affiliations offer unique learning experiences for UC aviators and valuable opportunities for future professional aviation employment in the form of internships, co-ops, and training.

Current partners include:

• CommutAir
• Executive Jet Management
• Kroger flight department
• Procter & Gamble Global Flight Operations
• Republic Airways
• Skywest Airlines

Admission Requirements

Selective Admission Standards for the Aviation Technology Associate Degree Program at the University of Cincinnati Clermont College

The Aviation Technology Associate Degree Program at UC Clermont College is a selective admission program that admits only for Fall Semesters. The application deadline is December 1st for Fall Semester admission.  Applicants must meet specific criteria to be considered for admission. These include:

1. Minimum Cumulative GPA: Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

2. FAA Medical Exam: A valid FAA Medical Exam certificate is required as part of the application to demonstrate fitness for aviation-related activities.

3. Aviation Financial Acknowledgement Form: Submission of the Aviation Financial Acknowledgement form is necessary to confirm understanding of the financial requirements associated with the program.

While meeting the minimum selective admission criteria is necessary, it does not guarantee admission into the program. Due to capacity restrictions and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, not all qualified applicants may be offered admission. Admission decisions will be made based on a combination of factors including the availability of space in the program.

We encourage prospective students to carefully review the admission requirements and prepare all necessary documentation to ensure a complete application.

As a first-year student, you will need to take an English and mathematics placement test if you have not obtained the minimum ACT/SAT score required for exemption. These tests do not affect your admission; however, the results are essential for your proper placement in classes. You must complete placement tests before you register for English or mathematics courses. All placement tests are given free of charge.

Aviation Financial Considerations

The Aviation Technology program at the University of Cincinnati Clermont College is subject to additional fees related to the operation of aircraft and individualized instruction. Below is an outline of expected costs, but in this technical training environment, costs can vary.

Medical Certificate (Approx. Cost = $120)

Students enrolling in the Aviation Technology program must obtain a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Medical Certificate (First Class recommended) before beginning flight training. Medical certification can be obtained from any FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).

Dr. John Held is available on select Saturdays at the aviation campus (Clermont County Airport). Call for an appointment (513-735-9100 x0). You may also search for additional Aviation Medical Examiners in your area online at http://ame.cami.jccbi.gov.

Examination Fees (Approx. Cost = $2,500)

Three FAA written examinations are required for the certificates and ratings you will receive while enrolled in the program. Written examinations may be taken on the aviation campus for $160 each. There are also four practical examinations (flight tests) administered by an FAA Designated Examiner at an approximate cost of $500 each.

Special Equipment and Texts (Approx. Cost = $800)

Flight training requires some specialized equipment. The pilot supplies needed (headset, flight computer, fuel tester, charts, etc.) will be primarily one-time purchases at an approximate cost of $800. The average cost of aviation textbooks and materials is $100 per semester. We recommend that you do not buy your aviation textbooks/equipment until after the first day of class. The instructor will discuss important information regarding the selection of texts/equipment.

Flight Fees (Cost = $8,757 per designated course)
Aviation flight fees include the cost of aircraft operation and associated flight and ground instruction for five semesters of aviation coursework. The flight fees are associated with your Pilot Flight sequence of courses (AVTN 2021, 2022, 3021, 3022, 3023). This fee will appear on your invoice from the University when registering for one of these courses and must be paid before beginning each semester. Fees are based on the minimum required flight training. An aviation fuel surcharge may be assessed on a semester basis depending on market conditions.

Students are responsible for costs associated with additional flight training. A minimum account balance of $500 is required at all times. Excess funds are refundable upon completion of the program.

At the successful completion of training, you will receive a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Airplane Single-Engine Land and Instrument Ratings. In addition, the program offers an option of a multiengine rating. The total cost of the Single-Engine program includes the following:

Aircraft Insurance (Approx. Cost = $600 annually)
When using program aircraft, students are covered with aircraft liability insurance for third-party bodily injury and property damage claims. The aircraft insurance does not cover renters or students in the event of damage to the aircraft they are flying. In other words, renters, including solo student pilots, are responsible for aircraft damage. The only exception is if they are on a dual, instructional flight.

All aircraft renters are encouraged to carry their own renter's aircraft physical damage (hull) insurance. A minimum of $60,000 in hull coverage is recommended which can be obtained for approximately $600 annually. Please visit Sporty's Academy for more information.

Financial Aid

Federal financial aid in the form of grants and loans may be available to students. You must complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility. Due to federally set limits, however, additional funding will be needed to cover the costs of the Aviation program. This could include, college savings, parent PLUS loans for students under 24, and alternative student loans. Payment plans are available each semester as well. Scholarships from UC or outside sources can also be used to cover these costs. If you have questions regarding funding, please contact Dawn Hundley, Director of Student Success, at Dawn.Hundley@uc.edu.

Questions

For additional questions, contact the Aviation Technology program coordinator, Jayme Frederick at jfrederick@sportys.com.

Transferring to UC Requirements

December 1st is the application deadline for the Aviation Technology degree program.  To apply visit the Admissions webpage.  Transfer students may apply to the Aviation Technology program for fall semesters only.  The same admission requirements apply to transfer applicants. Please review the requirements under the Admission Requirements heading.

Changing Majors within UC Requirements

December 1st is the application deadline for the Aviation Technology degree program.  To apply visit the Change of Major webpage.  Transition students may apply to the Aviation Technology program for fall semesters only.  The same admission requirements apply to transition applicants. Please review the requirements under the Admission Requirements heading.

International Student Requirements

You must demonstrate English proficiency. You must also meet admissions deadlines, and provide the required documentation, and meet visa requirements.  Submission of documentation regarding sufficient funds will also be required before we can complete your admission. Please call the International Admissions Office (513) 556-2069 for details or email with questions.

Learn more about becoming an international student at UC Clermont.

The same selective admission requirements apply to international applicants.

Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate from UC Clermont, a student must:

• Complete all required coursework and program requirements.
• Obtain at least a 2.0 university grade point average.
• Be in good academic standing; that is, not on academic or disciplinary probation or suspension.
• Meet the college's residency requirement of 20 semester credit hours.
• File formal application for the degree by the posted semester of graduation deadline.

Application Deadlines

December 1st is the application deadline for the Aviation Technology degree program.  To apply, visit the Admissions webpage.

Please note that admission to the Aviation program is only available for FALL terms.

FAA regulations mandate that flight training programs adhere to specific guidelines regarding the scheduling and duration of flight training sessions. These regulations require a structured and consistent training schedule to ensure the safety and competency of student pilots. Admitting students only during the fall term allows us to align our program schedule effectively with these regulations, thereby enhancing the quality and safety of flight training.

Be sure to allow enough time to complete your FAA medical examination.

Accreditation

Pilot training in the UC Clermont College Aviation Technology Program is provided by Sporty’s Academy, Inc. Sporty’s Academy is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved pilot school, holder of FAA Air Agency Certificate #XSTS103K, headquartered at the Clermont County Airport in Batavia, Ohio.