Aviation - Unmanned Aircraft Operator Emphasis (A.A.S.)

Program Summary

The Department of Aviation Sciences at Southern Utah University offers an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Aviation with three specializations: Rotor-Wing (helicopter) Pilot, Fixed Wing (airplane) Pilot, and Unmanned Aircraft Operator. These specialized tracks share a common core of General Education  courses. The two Pilot specializations share a common core of general aviation courses. The Unmanned Aircraft Operator specialization allows many of the same general aviation courses but it has its own list of core required courses. Students who desire to operate large-scale Unmanned Aircraft should obtain their Private Pilot Certificate/License and Instrument Rating. Specialized flight labs for the two Pilot specializations involve simulators and various aircraft which are housed at the Cedar City Airport. Unmanned Aircraft Operator flight labs include flying a simulator and a variety of unmanned aircraft systems at various locations both on campus and off campus. For further information, please visit www.suu.edu/aviation.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate an increased recognition and respect for aviation safety between the time they join the program and the time they complete the program.
• At conclusion of the program graduating students will demonstrate pilot skills and knowledge deemed critical by industry. Students will possess desirable attributes of professional pilots.
• Students will show evidence that they have acquired skills or knowledge directly related to piloting aircraft within the first year of participation in the program.
• Students will 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.

Program Prerequisites

The Department of Aviation Sciences strongly recommends that students complete the following courses as part of their General Education  requirements, as they are prerequisites for required major courses. Students who do not complete these courses as part of General Education can potentially add additional credits and time to their degree.

• MATH 1050 - College Algebra * (can be used to fulfill General Education Quantitative Literacy requirement)

* Note: Students who are not prepared for this math course may need additional math credits/preparation. Please consult your Student Success Advisor for more information.