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Introduction - Aeronautical
What are the objectives of the Aeronautical Technology program?

The Aeronautical Technology program builds essential practical knowledge in the areas of professional pilot, airline dispatcher, aviation management, and aircraft maintenance management.

San Jacinto College offers one of the most comprehensive aviation technology programs in the state and in the nation. Graduates can choose to continue their education in aviation or transfer to an aerospace university.

The San Jacinto College Aeronautical Technology Department is the only public facility in Texas dedicated to the training of aviation students to become professional airline pilots. Three aviation programs lead to the two-year Associate in Science degree.

• Pilot Development Program prepares students for FAA certification as a private pilot, commercial pilot with instrument rating and a flight instructor. This is done in partnership with Delta Connection Academy.
• Aviation Maintenance Management prepares students with FAA airframe and powerplant certificates for employment as maintenance managers within the airlines or general aviation sector.
• Aviation Management prepares students for managerial and operational aspects of airport, airlines, general aviation sales and services, or in government agencies serving aviation.

San Jacinto Aeronautical Technology Departments also offers an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate of Technology. Completion of this certificate prepares the student for employment for any airline or aviation company that dispatch or controls flight operations.

The Aviation Management concentration is designed to prepare graduates for managerial and supervisory positions throughout the air transportation industry. Primary flight training is included, along with broad exposure to aviation specific business and management courses. This program of study is interdisciplinary in nature and prepares the aviation career-oriented student for virtually any management career in aviation or aviation-related industries. Some of these positions include airport manager, air carrier manager, and general aviation operations manager.

The newest element in the Aviation Technology department is a unique partnership with Delta Connection Academy, the nation's premier pilot training organization. This partnership provides for the training of professional airline pilots, through San Jacinto College, at the Ellington Field.

Even though the demand for major airline pilots is not yet back to pre 9-11 levels, the demand for general aviation and other pilots has increased dramatically.

The use of interstate commerce has increased the demand for cargo pilots for companies like UPS, Federal Express, ABX Air, and the United States Postal Service. A shift in business travel from the major airlines to executive-size aircraft has created a new increase in the number of pilot jobs available. This change in airline passenger and cargo traffic, along with an expected wave of retirements, will provide many job opportunities for new pilots and for flight instructors at all levels of the aviation industry.

Transfer Options

After earning the Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Technology degree at San Jacinto, students will be able to transfer to some major aerospace universities at the junior level.

San Jacinto College has articulation (transfer) agreements with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Tarleton State University, and Texas Southern University. In addition, our graduates have North Dakota University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma University and many others.

Career Options

Career opportunities include:

• professional airline pilot, business pilot, and charter service pilot
• flight attendant
• airline operations
• airport management
• airline service
• air traffic control
• aircraft sales
• aviation marketing

The Pilot Development Program Associate in Applied Science is designed for those intending to continue their education in aviation, or at a four-year college or university. Students who complete courses during their first two years in this program at San Jacinto College will be able to transfer to major aerospace universities at the junior level.

The Pilot Development Program is also designed for students who want to pursue careers as professional pilots. Coursework provides the aeronautical knowledge necessary to solve navigation problems, interpret meteorological conditions, and operate complex aircraft in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Courses and lab work are determined by the FAA and meet FAA Part 141 standards. Students must pass practical test standards as well as log minimum flight hours.

San Jacinto College, together with Delta Connection Academy offers a complete program of aviation ground school to meet the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration for the Private Pilot license, Instrument rating, Commercial Pilot license, Multi-engine rating and Flight Instructor certification.

All training will be done in our state of the art facility where you are provided with the academic and technical skills necessary to qualify students for a position as a professional pilot. Program graduates completing their flight instructor ratings are eligible to be interviewed as paid flight instructors for the SJC/DCA flight operations facility. Instructors who qualify are guaranteed an interview with one of the regional airlines owned by Delta Airlines. The flight training and ground school courses comprise a large portion of the Associate in Science Degree program as outline on the Pilot Development Program sheet. Our partnership with Delta Connection Academy can put you on an occupational path to becoming a professional pilot and allow you to receive the education that will further your career. Many students start their aviation careers while attending the San Jacinto College Aviation program in the past. Graduates are working as flight instructors, corporate pilots, and airline pilots. Career pilots are among the highest paid professionals in the country. Most airlines only hire pilots with college degrees and SJC’s Pilot Development Program degree is highly regarded in the industry. Students who wish to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree can readily transfer SJC credits to a four year university. We have an articulation agreement with Tarleton State University and Texas Southern University We also have an articulation agreement with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University toward one of their many degrees.

Career Options

Career opportunities include:

• air traffic control
• aviation manufacturing
• airport, air carrier, and general aviation operations management
• flight navigation, communications, and maintenance
• professional pilot
• military services
• airlines
• corporate services
• aviation sales and insurance

Typical employers are airlines, airport authorities, fixed-based operators, and federal and state government agencies.

Enrolling in the Pilot Development Program

Eligibility for Enrollment Students must be admitted to San Jacinto College and pass any placement testing necessary. After admission to the college, the student must be 17 years of age, a high school graduate, and obtain a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) third class medical exam certificate. Upon acceptance into the program all applicants will be required to pass all background checks.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT US: 281-478-2789.

Information about Financial Aid

Compared to living a life in which you will never "dance the skies on laughter-silvered wings," nor ever visit the "high, untrespassed sanctity of space?" For that privilege alone, it's more than worth the price.

Yet taking flight training does cost more than not taking flight training. So how can you fund your dream?

San Jacinto College maintains an Office of Financial Aid that will assist students and parents in financing the pursuit of higher education, including the costs of flight training. These financial aid award packages may be comprised of a combination of resources such as grants, scholarships, tuition reduction, and self-help programs like direct loans and work-study arrangements.

In addition, the Aviation Department can assist students in locating either part- or full-time job opportunities with local employers. In addition, the college has a job placement program or career center for our students. (Extension 281-998-3170, x1805)

For detailed information about financing your education at SJC, visit the Financial Aid Office's web site  or by calling 281-998-6150.