Aviation Technology Major (Bachelor of Science)
A student majoring in Aviation Technology must complete a minimum of 70 quarter hours in the major consisting of the core courses and technical requirements. In addition, the student must complete required cognates, the general studies program, and all baccalaureate degree requirements as outlined in this bulletin. Aviation Technology students can work with their academic advisor to focus their elective choices towards a career as a professional pilot. Specialty areas include commercial aviation or mission/humanitarian aviation.
The aviation program trains students using a Part 61 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) training course outline. A specific level of mastery and progress is required to complete the academic courses, earn flight certificates and ratings, and continue in the program. To be successful in training and in the aviation industry students must demonstrate proficiency in learning, sound judgment, safety awareness, and good moral character. Students will be allowed to register for flight classes based on performance in prerequisite classes. Due to the demanding and unforgiving nature of aviation operations, the Chair of the Technology department in consultation with the aviation faculty may dismiss students from aviation classes at any time. Reasons for such action may include, but are not limited to, the following: reckless operations, safety concerns or violations, security concerns raised by foreign and domestic background information, excessive cancellations, or documented progress delays in training due to students’ teach-ability, skill, or retention of knowledge.
WWU Aviation Standard Operating Procedures
Walla Walla University Aviation Standard Operating Procedures are given to all aviation students. Students have the responsibility to acquaint themselves with the contents and are held accountable for all policies therein. Students found to be in violation of the WWU Aviation Standard Operating Procedures or judged to be unsafe will be removed from the flight schedule and will be subject to dismissal as aviation majors.
All flight courses require progress and a level of mastery for course completion, earning flight certificates and ratings, and continuation in the program. Students will be allowed to register for flight classes based on performance in prerequisite classes. To be successful in training in the aviation industry students must demonstrate proficiency in learning, sound judgment, safety awareness, and good moral character. In the aviation industry character is evaluated based on an applicant’s driving and/or criminal record. Excessive movement infractions, driving while under the influence, suspension or revocation of a driver’s license, or a pattern of criminal activity are all viewed as terms of “moral character.” The aviation program recognizes that people can change and these items are not immediately disqualifying, but future employers will consider them, and an applicant with a background must be prepared to work hard to show change.
Students are solely responsible for their own transportation to agencies used for educational experience. The use of ground transportation is essential for each student to reach the Walla Walla Regional Airport where the WWU flight center is located. Transportation costs, including auto insurance and liability, are the student’s responsibility.
Once a student is enrolled at WWU in the Aviation Technology (Bachelor of Science) program, all subsequent flight training required as part of the student's course of study must be completed in residence at WWU in WWU aircraft unless otherwise approved by the Aviation Faculty. Flight training completed away from WWU will not be guaranteed credit for the corresponding WWU course.
All flight courses have additional expenses. Please see the current Financial Bulletin for details.
Core Requirements:
Choose 4 credits from the following:
| AVIA 280 | Practicum | 1-6; 6 |
| AVIA 357 | Flight Instructor Training | 2 |
| AVIA 358 | Advanced Flight Instructor Training | 3 |
| AVIA 450 | Aviation Law and Regulations | 2 |
| AVIA 458 | Instrument Instructor Flight Training | 2 |
| AVIA 460 | Multi-Engine Instructor Flight Training | 2 |
| AVIA 480 | Advanced Practicum | 1-6; 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 70 |
Aviation students planning a career in mission/humanitarian flight are encouraged to take RELH 303 World Religions and RELM 233 Introduction to Cross Cultural Ministry as part of their general studies religion requirements.
Cognates: