COURT HOUSE — Ever gaze skyward and watch a private plane or a jet soaring even higher and wonder what it would be like to be a pilot?
For those with lust for the wild blue yonder, something the Atlantic Cape Community College’s Board of Trustees did June 26 may impact their future.
The board, meeting at the Cape May County Campus here voted on the 2012-13 tuition and fee schedule previously approved, and upgraded it to include fees for two of the college new aviation programs: instrument pilot course, $12,000 and commercial pilot course, $21,000.
Aviation Studies and a professional pilot option, will both lead to the award of an associate in science degree.
The Aviation Studies Associate in Science program is focused on providing students with the first two years of a baccalaureate degree in areas of study such as airport management, aviation business administration, professional pilot, air traffic control and air transportation management.
According to the course description, the program is “designed with a substantial prescription of both general education electives and program courses so students may tailor their coursework to meet their transfer goals.”
Students “should identify the institution to which they plan to transfer and, through academic advisement, complete courses at Atlantic Cape that will not only transfer to baccalaureate degree granting institution, but also count as an equivalent course at the receiving institution.
Atlantic Cape has arranged transfer articulation agreements with several colleges.
James Taggart is contact and faculty adviser.
Those seeking a professional pilot option will be prepared for an FAA license as a commercial pilot with an instrument rating and for possible transfer to a baccalaureate program.
Prior to enrolling in that program, students must meet the physical and legal requirements for becoming a commercial pilot.
Students are required to prove U.S. citizenship or TSA approval and have a valid second-class medical certificate to enroll in the program.
A second application is required for admission to this program. Those interested in that program are directed to contact Barbara Clark (343-5006).
Both courses require 66 total credits each. The cost, per credit in the aviation program, is $300 which covers the upkeep and maintenance of the flight simulator and leasing of classroom space at Atlantic City International Airport. The per-credit fee goes to the college.
Program fees for instrument pilot and commercial pilot go to Big Sky Aviation of Millville and cover aviation fuel, flight instructor, maintenance and aircraft insurance.
Taggart stated he feels the college’s programs are competitively priced with similar programs. He stated those who call him to learn more about the programs are not surprised at the cost, since they have likely previously researched what other programs charge.
Atlantic Cape has rescheduled its Aviation Open House for July 17 at 6 p.m. in Cafeteria-B, Mays Landing Campus, according to Kathy Corbalis, executive director, College Relations.
Those who successfully complete the course may someday hear through their headphones, “You are cleared for take off.” Then the throttle will pushed forward, control yoke pulled back and the sky will be the limit.
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