Featured Program: Aviation
Take your career to new heights with Parkland's Associate degree in Aviation
Interested in taking your career to new heights? The Associate’s in Aviation degree program opens doors to the commercial aviation job market through certifications in private pilot instruction, private pilot with instrument rating, and commercial piloting. You can add on additional certifications as well, including Basic and Advanced Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) programs that teach you how to pilot cutting-edge drones. You also have the option to transfer your associate’s degree to a bachelor's program at a four-year college. Join over 3,000 Institute of Aviation graduates, and let your career take flight!
The Program
The Associate’s in Aviation requires 38 hours of general education core courses, plus a variety of specified classes for the major. Examples include ESC 101: Introduction to Weather, AVI 280: Multiengine Land, and AVI281: Cockpit Resource Management.
Additionally, you’ll enroll in two initial flight training certifications, Private Pilot and Commercial Pilot. Once you earn both certifications and ratings, you’ll also become a Certified Flight Instructor. Your flight training courses will consist of both on the ground learning and in the air instruction:
Learning on the ground
- Meet for about 2 hours a week in a classroom
- Master aircraft systems, rules and regulations, and aviation fundamentals
- Utilize flight simulators that replicate internal and external conditions you’ll experience in the air, including normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures
Learning in the air
- Meet at Champaign’s Willard Airport for three 2-hour flight periods a week
- Gain hands-on experience to learn flight maneuvers, takeoffs and landings, and cross-country flights
Example Careers
- Commercial airlines
- Flight instructor
- Medical and air ambulance pilot
- Military pilot
- Firefighting pilot
- Government service pilot
- Media and patrol pilot
- Astronaut
Career Outlook
Whether aspiring to work in agricultural aviation, commercial airlines, cargo transport, charter services, corporate and business aviation, or law enforcement and the like, our graduates are well-prepared to enter a dynamic and high-demand industry.
The aviation sector has seen a dramatic increase in wages over recent years, with many of our graduates stepping into six-figure careers shortly after completing their training and necessary FAA requirements. This upward trend reflects both the quality of our program and the growing need for skilled pilots across various sectors.
The Institute of Aviation
Parkland’s Institute of Aviation boasts a rich history. Originally established by the University of Illinois in 1946, Parkland College proudly assumed stewardship of the program in 2014. Since then, the Institute has experienced remarkable expansion, culminating in a milestone this fall with the introduction of selective admissions. We are excited to welcome approximately 40 new students, bringing total enrollment to around 130!
How It Stands Out
Students enrolled in the Institute of Aviation have the unique opportunity to earn an Associate of Science in Aviation while completing the comprehensive flight training required to pursue careers as commercial pilots.
Parkland College stands out among aviation education providers for its value, personalized attention, supportive learning environment, and top-notch training. These qualities continue to attract students who are serious about launching successful aviation careers. The Institute of Aviation remains committed to building on our success, shaping the future of flight through excellence in education and training.
Ready to soar the skies with Parkland Aviation? More information is available on the program website: Explore Parkland Aviation
A special thank you to Parkland's Director of Aviation, Wendy Evans, for providing a written piece on the background of the Aviation program. Her writing informed this article and is utilized under "Career Outlook", "The Intitute of Aviation", and "How It Stands Out".