Aviation

Return to: Degrees and Certificates

Program Location

Aims Flight Training Center | Northern Colorado Regional Airport | Phone: (970) 356-0790 | Email: flightcenter@aims.edu
Note: This location supports all flight courses using Aims aircraft, as well as the simulator-based course AVT 1013.

Aviation Maintenance Training Center | Northern Colorado Regional Airport | Phone: (970) 339-6414 | Email: aviationMX.training@aims.edu
Note: This location supports all AMT courses.

Windsor Campus | Gateway Building | Phone: (970) 339-6688 | Email: aviation@aims.edu
Note: This location supports simulator and lab-based courses in AVT, ATC, and UAS.

Advising

For program-specific information, contact the Aviation Department or visit the program webpages at the links below:

Professional Pilot A.A.S.
https://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/professional-pilot

General Aviation Pilot A.A.S.
https://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/general-aviation-pilot

Air Traffic Control A.A.S.
https://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/air-traffic-controller

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS/Drones)
https://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/uas-sciences

Aircraft Maintenance Technician A.A.S.
https://www.aims.edu/degrees-certificates/aircraft-maintenance-technician

Degrees Offered

Professional Pilot (A.A.S. Degree - Two Years)

General Aviation Pilot  (A.A.S. Degree - Two Years)

Air Traffic Control (A.A.S. Degree Two - Years)

Aircraft Maintenance Technician (A.A.S. Degree - Two Years)

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Sciences (A.A.S. Degree - Two Years)

Certificates Offered

Private Pilot, Airplane (One Semester)

Instrument Rating, Airplane (One Semester)

Commercial Pilot, Airplane (One Semester)

Multi-Engine Rating, Airplane

Flight Instructor, Airplane 

UAS Basic Operator (One Semester)

UAS Professional Operator (One Semester)

UAS Design and Fabrication (One Semester)

Aviation Degree Programs Length
The A.A.S. degree programs are four, five, or six semesters in length (depending on the program). Times may be shorter if the student has previous flying experience or college transfer credits. Additional time may be required, depending on assessment scores and programmatic progress.

General Program Information
In addition to applying to Aims Community College, applicants to all Aviation Degree Programs must complete the aviation application. For more information, please contact the Aviation Department at (970) 339-6688 or aviation@aims.edu.

Flight Students 
Flight students enrolled in any of the aviation flight training degree or certificate programs must receive flight training, both dual and solo, required for all certificates and ratings, at the Aims Flight Training Center. Aircraft rental fees and flight instruction fees apply - see Flight Fees . Charges are subject to change without notice. Students engaged in flight training must hold a minimum of a Second-Class FAA medical certificate. All students must meet Transportation Security Administration requirements.

Air Traffic Control (ATC)
ATC applicants must be citizens of the United States of America and also be less than 31 years old at the time of hiring by the FAA; therefore, ATC students should be no more than 28 years old when beginning the program. It is highly recommended that all ATC students hold a Second-Class FAA medical certificate. A Second-Class FAA medical certificate, administered by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), is required to meet the necessary health standards for the ATC position/industry.

Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT)
AMT students must meet FAA requirements which include being at least 18 years old and able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language. AMT students must also pass the FAA-administered knowledge (written), oral, and practical tests for FAA certification. The knowledge, oral, and practical tests are based on the testing standards from the FAA’s Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe, and Powerplant Airman Certification Standards, as appropriate to the rating sought. There are three knowledge tests required to receive the Aviation Mechanic certificate with Airframe and/or Powerplant ratings. AMT students must take the knowledge test(s) before they are eligible to take the oral and practical tests, which are administered by a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME).

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
UAS students must meet FAA requirements which include being at least 16 years old and able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language. Students must also be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a drone. It is highly encouraged that all UAS students obtain the FAA Part 107 certificate by passing the FAA-administered knowledge (written) exam.

Potential Opportunities
These aviation programs are designed to provide the graduate with the skills and/or Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certificates necessary for entry-level employment as a pilot, air traffic controller, aircraft maintenance technician, or UAS professional.

Advisory Committee

Lyle Achziger | Community Representative

Collin Caffrey | Founder and President at FlyRoute

Todd Lawrence | Pilot for SkyWest Airlines

Jason Licon | American Association of Airport Executives Certified Member, Airport Certified Employee

Seth Weigandt | Pilot for United Airlines 

Aims Aviation Student Representative

Return to: Degrees and Certificates