Airplane cockpit view above clouds at sunset.

Aviation, Associate of Applied Science

Putting you on the flight path to a career

The Aviation Associate in Applied Science at Lake Michigan College prepares students for successful careers in the aviation industry by combining comprehensive general education with technical flight training and business acumen. The program develops the knowledge, professionalism, and technical credentials required for roles as commercial pilots and aviation managers. 

Key program outcomes include: 

  • A strong foundation in aviation science, safety, and operations. 
  • Technical skills and certifications required for specialized aviation careers. 
  • Knowledge of FAA regulations and industry standards. 
  • Strong business acumen and professional communication skills. 
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General Education Requirements Credit Hours
ENG 101, English Composition 1 3
ENG 102, English Composition 2 OR ENGL 103, Technical Writing, OR COMM 101, Introduction to Public Speaking 3
Social Sciences 3
MATH 122, Intermediate Algebra OR MATH 123, Quantitative Reasoning 4
Natural Sciences 4
Humanities or Fine Arts 3

 

Major Requirements: Supervisory Skills Certificate OR Small Business Management Certificate

Supervisory Skills Certificate of Achievement Credit Hours
BUSA 108, Supervisory Skills 3
BUSA 115, Principles of Customer Service 3
BUSA 130, Professionalism in the Workplace 1
BUSA 220, Organizational Behavior 3
BUSA 261, Distributive Ed Co-op I OR BUSA 262, Distributive Education Co-op II OR BUSA 211, Principles of Management 3
PSYC 201, Introduction to Psychology 3
At least 24 hours of credit from an Accredited Aviation Flight School Program 24

 

Small Business Management Certificate of Achievement Credit Hours
BUSA 104, Professional Sales OR BUSA 115, Principles of Customer Service 3
BUSA 152, Digital Marketing 3
BUSA 130, Professionalism in the Workplace 1
BUSA 205, Business Law I 3
BUSA 207, Small Business Management 3
BUSA 212, Accounting Applications on Computers 3
At least 24 hours of credit from an Accredited Aviation Flight School Program 24

 

The technical portion of the program is completed at a partner flight school and transferred to LMC as a certificate. Business and general education courses are offered in-person or online through LMC. This integrated approach gives students the full picture of a career in aviation: the cockpit skills, the regulatory knowledge, and the professional foundation to lead in the industry. 

While regional labor market data reflects a modest concentration of aviation jobs in the six-county area, the national picture tells a dramatically different story. The United States is in the midst of a well-documented and worsening pilot shortage driven by multiple converging factors: 

  • Post-pandemic surge in air travel demand has outpaced the available pilot workforce. 
  • FAA mandatory retirement age (65) is driving a wave of experienced pilot retirements. 
  • The pipeline of new pilots has not kept pace with attrition and growth. Training takes years and requires significant investment. 
  • COVID-19 accelerated retirements through furloughs and early exit incentives, creating a structural gap that is still being filled. 
  • Regional airlines, which are often the entry point for new commercial pilot, are particularly affected, facing difficulty attracting and retaining qualified candidates. 

Aviation professionals operate at the center of the global transportation system. Career pathways within the Aviation AAS include: 

  • Commercial pilot - flying scheduled or charter flights for regional and national carriers 
  • Corporate pilot - flying private aircraft for businesses and organizations 
  • Flight instructor - training the next generation of aviators 
  • Aviation manager - overseeing airport operations, flight departments, or aviation service businesses 

Pilots require FAA certification, extensive flight hours, and a demonstrated commitment to safety, precision, and professionalism. The aviation career ladder typically begins with building flight hours and certifications before advancing to commercial operations. 

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