Aerospace/Aviation Sciences - Rotor-Wing Emphasis (B.S.)

Academic Advisor

Sample Degree Plan

Program Summary

The Department of Aviation Sciences at Southern Utah University offers a Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) in Aerospace/Aviation with two emphasis areas to choose from: Rotor-Wing (helicopter) Pilot, and Fixed-Wing (airplane) Pilot. These emphasis areas share a common core of general aviation courses (59 credits) but offer distinct lab-related flight training courses (17 credits) leading to FAA certifications to operate rotor- or fixed-wing aircraft. Students earn FAA certifications/licenses at the Private and Commercial Pilot level. Students earn FAA Ratings in Instrument, CFI, and CFII. Specialized flight labs for the two Pilot specializations involve simulators and various aircraft which are housed at the Cedar City Airport. 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.
• Students will be able to intelligibly and accurately discuss aviation industry particulars with industry participants, faculty and staff, and fellow students. They will also be able to inform other interested parties of aviation industry particulars which may not be common knowledge to individuals who are not directly involved in the aviation community.
• 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 Information

• Students must complete all required AVTN/PILT courses with grades of “C” or better.
• Students must satisfy all credit hour requirements in all categories.
• In addition to the minimum SUU admission requirements, aviation applicants must also satisfy the following two (2) requirements:
  • 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 with a completed online application and an in-person visit to an authorized representative for approval).
• Students must complete at least four (4) flight labs at Southern Utah University to qualify for any manned pilot degree offered by Southern Utah University. Tutor labs do not count towards this requirement. Flight instructors working for Southern Utah University may request exemption from this requirement.
• Only aviation-related internship credits may be applied toward this degree. The course instructor or Chair of Aviation Sciences will determine if an internship experience is aviation related. Students working toward this degree should register for AVTN 4890 - Professional Aviation Internship  for any internship credits the student would like to apply toward this degree. At the discretion of the Chair of Aviation Sciences, internship credits for AVTN 2890 - Aviation Internship  and potentially other internship courses at SUU may be applied towards the requirements of this degree. Any allowances will be applied by the appropriate substitution policy and documentation. A maximum of six (6) credit hours of internship credit may be applied toward this degree.