Aviation: Commercial Pilot

The BBCC Aviation Program is an FAA authorized commercial pilot training program, which started in 1965 with 23 students and 3 airplanes. Today, there are approximately 100 students, 26 aircraft, 3 simulators, and 10-14 full-time instructors. During the course of our two-year program, an average student will fly 220 hours to gain a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating. Aviation training at Big Bend is taken in conjunction with academic or vocational courses that the student chooses, to fulfill the requirements of the Associate in Arts and Science transfer option and/or the Associate in Applied Science-Commercial Pilot. Most students will complete both degrees simultaneously without any additional costs. All students who complete Big Bend’s aviation program will receive the Restricted-Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) authorization, which will lower the ATP certificate requirements by 250 hours and allow them to enter the industry more rapidly.

Follow these steps to apply to the Aviation program

1. Apply

  • Apply now here: https://apply.ctc.edu/
  • You will receive an acceptance letter via email (the one you provided in your application). Your student ID number and information about Viking Orientation is included.

(509) 793-2061 | admissions@bigbend.edu | Admissions Office 1400 bldg

2. Get Funding

Financial Aid – (Optional) Highly Recommended

  • Visit Financial Aid
  • Go to How to Apply under Additional Links (bottom right of the page) and follow the steps.
  • Once you have completed the FAFSA, it takes 1-2 weeks to reach our system.
  • View the Financial Portal to make sure you have a completed file. Note – If applying for LOANS, the FAFSA needs to be completed first.
    • Financial Portal can be found on the Financial Aid page, scroll towards the bottom of the page.
    • Username is your Social Security Number (no dashes) and Password is your six-digit date of birth (mmddyy)
    • You may also contact them by email at faidinfo@bigbend.edu or (509) 793-2088

Scholarships – (Optional) Big Bend Community College Foundation offers approximately 100 scholarships. Fill out one application and apply for the ones in which you meet the criteria.

3. Complete Aviation Application

Complete and sign the online Aviation Program Application (also included in the Aviation packet).

4. Submit documents

Submit the below documents to:

Big Bend Community College
Aviation Training Center
7662 Chanute Street, Building 3000
Moses Lake, Washington 98837

Or

Email copies to Debbie Simpson, debbies@bigbend.edu (Remember, you’ll need your original documents on the first day of class).

 

  1. Send high schools and/or official colleges transcripts that you attended. College transcripts received directly from students must be in envelopes that were sealed by the originating school. Most schools require your signature and a fee for official transcripts. Check your previous school’s website or call them to find out their procedure.
    • Applying to the program with a high school diploma
      • Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher
      • Completed at least one year of algebra
      • Completed three years of English
    • Applying to the program with aged or home-based instruction
      • Minimum score of 145 on the Writing Skills Test
      • Minimum score of 145 on the Mathematics Test
    • Applying to the program with 15 or more college credits
      • Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
    • International applicants
      • Meet BBCC entrance requirements for International Students
      • Meet the English Skill Requirements set forth in the FAA Advisory Circular AC 60-28B dated 06/02/2017
    • A review panel will consider appeals from applicants who do not meet the above requirements
  2. A photocopy of your valid FAA Class I or Class II medical without the notation “not valid where English is required” or any other notations that would prohibit you from operating as a commercial pilot (no night flying, no controlled airspace, etc.). Class III medicals will not be accepted since they cannot be used for commercial purposes. The classes signify the operations that you can perform. For example, a Class II is necessary to earn money flying an aircraft, while a Class I is required to earn money flying for an airline or to be the pilot in command of a jet aircraft. For training purposes, Class I and Class II medicals are valid for five years for someone under 40 years of age. You must get your Class I or Class II from an Aviation Medical Examiner. Some examiners can only certify certain classes. Make sure your AME can certify an FAA Class I or a Class II aviation medical.
    Note: to find an Aviation Medical Examiner please visit http://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/
  3. A photocopy of your birth certificate & photo ID; or current passport; or naturalization certificate and photo ID.
    Note: We only need photocopies with your application. When you show on the first day, you must have the original documents (birth certificate or unexpired passport) that prove citizenship.
Program Outcomes
Career Possibilities
Transfer Options
Industry Connections
Scholarships & Grants
  1. The students will be able to demonstrate the technical aspects of aircraft control and operation of related systems at the FAA commercially certificated and instrument rated pilot level.
  2. The students will be able to interpret regulatory and legal issues which impact the industry at the FAA commercially certificated pilot level.
  3. The student will be able to evaluate effective aeronautical decision making skills at the FAA commercially certificated pilot level.
  4. Students will be able to communicate clearly and effectively within a workplace context.
  5. Students will be able to reason mathematically using methods appropriate to the profession.
  6. Students will be able to demonstrate teamwork and/or workplace specific skills related to human relations.

For job shadows, tours, and internships, check out the Career Services.

Information coming soon

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Degrees & Certificates

AAS-T Aviation-Commercial Pilot (transfer)

Name: Aviation-Commercial Pilot Associates of Applied Science Degree
Total Credits:
90
Learning Outcomes:

  •  

Year 1

Fall Quarter
Winter Quarter
Spring Quarter

Course Credits
AVF 111 1
AVF 112 5
AVF 141 4
+2 academic transfer courses  

Course Credits
AVF 113 5
AVF 142 4
AVF 117 optional (may take 5th quarter or through CWU AVP 337
online)
1
+2 academic transfer courses  

Course Credits
AVF 114 5
AVF 143 (must be completed prior to fall quarter of second year) 4
+2 academic transfer courses  

Year 2

Fall Quarter
Winter Quarter
Spring Quarter

Course Credits
AVF 223 5
AVF 251 4
+2 academic transfer courses  

Course Credits
AVF 221 5
AVF 252 4
AVF 117 or
CWU AVP 337 online MUST BE completed prior to Commercial Cert.
1
+2 academic transfer courses  

Course Credits
AVF 261 4
AVF 253 4
AVF 225 (optional) 5
+2 academic transfer courses  

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