2024-2025 General Catalog [Current]
Department of Aviation Sciences
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 Return to: Department of Aviation Sciences
Overview of Programs
Summary of Fields of Study
The department offers a choice of two specializations within the B.S. Aerospace/Aviation Sciences degree program, a choice of three specializations within the Aviation A.A.S. degree program, an Aircraft Maintenance Technician A.A.S. degree program, and a B.A./B.S. degree in Aviation Administration and Leadership. Specializations are also offered in a Certificate of Proficiency in Aviation. These specializations may consist of rotor-wing (helicopter) pilot, fixed-wing (airplane) pilot, and unmanned aircraft operator. There is also a Certificate of Proficiency in Airframe, one in Powerplant, and one in Avionics and Electronics.
Mission
The Department of Aviation Sciences will deliver advanced and relevant flight training in the safest and most efficient manner possible. We will educate and prepare superb aircraft maintenance technicians. We will develop and train the aviation leaders of the future. Aviation Sciences will accomplish this by focusing on our core values:
- Safety first
- Quality instruction
- Training in advanced and relevant aircraft
- Comprehensive training in modern systems for Aircraft Maintenance Technician students
Goal Statement
Our number one goal is to deliver the most qualified graduates to the aviation industry. By focusing on our mission, we seek to establish ourselves as a premier training destination.
Department/Program Learning Outcomes
Assessment Criteria & Activities
Graduates of the Aviation Sciences programs will have an ability to:
- Demonstrate development of aviation skills necessary for the safe and effective operation of aircraft in Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) environments and unmanned aircraft in line-of-sight operations. Students will show evidence that they have acquired skills or knowledge directly related to piloting aircraft or unmanned aircraft within the first year of participation in the program.
- Satisfy the FAA knowledge and skill requirements for Commercial Pilot Certification, Certified Flight Instructor, Certified Flight Instructor Instrument, and various endorsements in aircraft type and operation for manned pilot students.
- Satisfy the FAA knowledge and competency requirements for the Remote Pilot Certificate. Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) students will gain the skills, knowledge, and competencies necessary to successfully pass the AMT knowledge exams and the Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) practical exams for unmanned aircraft students.
- Strengthen core skills in mathematics and communication common to the aviation industry.
- Increase recognition and respect for aviation safety.
- Demonstrate either pilot skills or maintenance skills and knowledge deemed critical by industry and possess desirable attributes of professional pilots or professional aircraft mechanics.
- Attain entry-level positions in the aviation industry.
Assessment of program goals will be conducted as follows:
- Students will gain knowledge specific to piloting aircraft through pilot ground schools, aviation academic courses, participation in flight training, or a combination of all of these. Achievement of this outcome will be determined by student performance in ground schools, aviation academic courses, and flight training records. Assessment of the first goal will also be accomplished via standardized tests, both internally at SUU and externally by the FAA.
- Assessment of the second goal will be accomplished via standardized tests, both internally at SUU and externally by the FAA.
- Assessment of the third goal will be accomplished via standardized tests, both internally at SUU and externally by the FAA.
- Assessment of the fourth goal will be accomplished via standardized tests, both internally at SUU and externally by the FAA.
- Safety comprehension will be evaluated when each student joins the program and then re-evaluated during the final semester of aviation courses. A carefully constructed safety evaluation will be the tool to assess progression of an enhanced aviation safety commitment. Student safety related decisions and actions as garnered from SUU aviation flight training records and safety records will be considered to further quantify accomplishment of this outcome.
- Pilot skills or aircraft maintenance skills will be evaluated by a number of different tests and exams to include FAA knowledge exams, end-of-course exams, stage exams, and course finals. Aviation students will be expected to perform and behave as would be expected of professional pilots and professional aircraft technicians. Professional pilot attributes will be evaluated by student appearance and performance during practical exams at the airport using student professionalism evaluations completed by faculty, staff, and mentors, and by student performance during interviews and in job settings. Maintenance instructors and examiners will evaluate professional aircraft technician attributes in AMT labs and courses and during practical exams.
- Assessment of the seventh goal will be done by tracking graduates and their career paths.
Admissions & Graduation Information
Admission to Program
Each applicant must satisfy SUU admission requirements as well as SUU Aviation program requirements in order to gain a flight or maintenance spot. Applicants who fail to meet all admission requirements may be denied admission to the direction training aspects of the program. Minimum standards for admission may be adjusted as desired by the university or SUU Aviation. Admission to aviation programs may be suspended or restricted if the program is operating at capacity or near capacity. Application to the program is submitted through the regular SUU Admissions Portal. Students will be contacted by SUU Aviation for additional application requirements that lead to a flight or maintenance spot.
In addition to the minimum SUU admission requirements, aviation applicants must also satisfy the following requirements:
Rotor-wing and Fixed-wing Applicants
- Each applicant must apply for and receive a First or Second Class FAA medical (done by an FAA authorized examiner, Aviation Medical Examiner); and
- Each applicant must apply for and receive a Student Pilot certificate (a two-step process of completing an online application and an in-person visit to an authorized representative for approval).
International Students
- The U.S. Transportation Security Administration must grant permission to begin flight training to any applicant who is unable to provide evidence of U.S. citizenship. Each applicant in this circumstance must receive this approval prior to beginning any flight training related to either manned fixed-wing or manned rotor-wing pilot certification. This authorization must be received separately prior to each of the three following flight training areas: entry-level pilot training, instrument rating training, and multi-engine aircraft training. Application may be made for these authorizations after creating an account to access the Alien Flight Student Program Portal. Candidates must coordinate with representatives of the Department of Aviation Sciences to complete this process.
- The Department of Aviation Sciences maintains its own standards of English proficiency for candidates whose primary language is not English. These students must demonstrate satisfactory English competency by accomplishing one or more of the following: satisfactory completion of a prescribed aviation English curriculum or satisfactory completion of a prescribed oral or written English assessment. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires applicants for FAA certificates to demonstrate the ability to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
All Students
Depending on program needs, the successful completion of a program aptitude test or knowledge entrance exam may be required.
Fees may apply to satisfy admission requirements.
Graduation Information
A grade of “C” or better is required for any course counted toward a major or certificate within the Department of Aviation Sciences.
Other Information
Aviation Student Handbook
The SUU Aviation Student Handbook contains additional program policies and standards. This handbook can be accessed using the link found in the Student Information link on the main menu of the SUU Aviation home page. The most recent revision of this handbook applies.
Credit for Prior Education, Training, or Experience
Students may request evaluations of any prior education, training, or experience they may have when they join a program within the Department of Aviation Sciences. These items will be evaluated according to policies and procedures of the university as well as by procedures exercised by the department. University policies are found in this catalog as well as SUU policy handbooks. Procedures enforced by the department are found in this catalog as well as in the current SUU Aviation Student Handbook.
Credit by Exam
Students may receive credit-by-exam for certain courses within the Department of Aviation Sciences. A request for credit-by-exam must be made to the Chair of the Department of Aviation Sciences. A student may only attempt an exam for credit after authorization is granted by the Department Chair. Exams for credit may be administered online or in person at the discretion of the Chair. FAA Exams are allowed to fulfill requirements for credit-by-exam appropriate for the course or lab affiliated with the FAA exam. A student may earn up to a maximum of 16 credits through the credit-by-exam option.
Flight Training
Flight training is a component of both specializations of the B.S. Aviation/Aerospace Sciences degree and all three specializations of the Aviation A.A.S. degree. Students must successfully complete flight training required by the degree. Manned flight training is based out of the Cedar City Regional Airport and unmanned flight training is primarily based out of the Three Peaks Model Port. Students will be assigned to flight instructors upon registration for any courses associated with flight training. Students interested in piloting large scale unmanned aircraft should complete their Private Pilot Certification and Instrument Rating.
Flight training has an additional cost to regular student tuition and fees. Flight fees are paid upon registration of each flight lab or flight-related course. Pricing sheets are available using the link found in the Pricing dropdown list on the main menu of the SUU Aviation home page.
Restricted Airline Transport Pilot Certificate
(Reduction in flight hours to qualify for employment)
B.S. Aviation/Aerospace Sciences - Fixed-Wing Emphasis
The B.S. in Aviation/Aerospace Sciences degree with a fixed-wing emphasis is an authorized degree for the Restricted Airline Transport Pilot certificate with a reduction of 500 hours or 250 hours, depending on the number of qualifying course credit hours on a student’s transcript after graduating with this degree. To qualify for a completion certificate allowing a 500-hour reduction, the student must graduate with the B.S. in Aviation/Aerospace Sciences degree with a fixed-wing emphasis and have a minimum of 60 approved credit hours on the transcript. To qualify for a completion certificate allowing a 250-hour reduction, the student must graduate with the B.S. in Aviation/Aerospace Sciences degree with a fixed-wing emphasis and have a minimum of 30 approved credit hours on the transcript. The letter of agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration lists the qualifying courses for the certificate. Only credit hours from the qualifying courses are permissible toward the certificate.
A.A.S. Aviation - Fixed-Wing Pilot Emphasis
The A.A.S. in Aviation degree with a fixed-wing pilot emphasis is an authorized degree for the Restricted Airline Transport Pilot certificate with a reduction of 250 hours, depending on the number of qualifying course credit hours on a student’s transcript after graduating with this degree. To qualify for a completion certificate allowing a 250-hour reduction, the student must graduate with the A.A.S. in Aviation degree with a fixed-wing pilot emphasis and have a minimum of 30 approved credit hours on the transcript. The letter of agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration lists the qualifying courses for the certificate. Only credit hours from the qualifying courses are permissible toward the certificate.
Internships
Internships are a fantastic way for students to apply what they have learned in real world work settings. Internships are strongly encouraged. Only aviation majors possessing a Commercial Pilot Certificate or a Remote Pilot Certificate and with the appropriate prerequisite courses may enroll for internship credit within the department. Students must contact the department for internship prerequisites and other information in advance of internship work. A maximum of six (6) internship credits can be applied toward the B.S. Aerospace/Aviation Sciences degree and a maximum of four (4) internship credits can be applied toward the required credits in the Aviation A.A.S. degree.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Various scholarships and other financial aid may be available to Aviation students who qualify for these resources. A financial aid counselor in the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office has been specifically assigned to assist aviation students. Students must meet all requirements and submit applications for scholarships and other financial aid to the appropriate parties by their due dates. Students should contact the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office to schedule appointments with the financial aid counselor for Aviation at (435) 586-7735.
A scholarship for commercial-level training in rotorcraft has been established by the department. Please contact the financial aid counselor for Aviation for additional details about this scholarship.
Students qualifying for veteran educational benefits must contact the SUU Veteran Center for verification and use of said benefits. Contact SUU Veteran Center at (435) 865-8477 or veterans@suu.edu or complete the online contact form.
ProgramsAssociate’s DegreeBachelor’s DegreeAcademic Certificate (Undergraduate)Academic Certificate (Post-bachelor’s)
Return to: Department of Aviation Sciences
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Executive Director of Aviation Sciences
