Aviation
Program
Program Description
The WRCC Aviation Careers Program is designed to be a full two year program. Year one will provide an in-depth introduction to the world of aviation and to the skills needed for success in this ever growing career field. Year two, will prepare each student for either (1) the FAA written examination for a private pilots license or (2) the FAA written exam to become a licensed drone operator (depending upon the track chosen in year 2 of the program). Qualified applicants for this program must have an interest in aviation, but do not need to be committed to becoming a pilot. This program will serve well anyone with an interest in any aspect of the aviation career path.
What this program is not: This program will not lead to a private pilot's license. The time available for the completion of the current curriculum does not, in any way, provide the time needed to accumulate the minimum of 40 flight hours required for a private pilot's license. We do intend to provide some opportunities to experience time in the air, simply to become familiar with the flight environmnet. However, those opportunities will only be available if the time and resources are available.
Level I
The first semester of the course provides the foundation for advanced exploration in flying, aerospace engineering, and unmanned aircraft systems. Students will learn about engineering practices, problem-solving, and the innovations and technological developments in this growing field. This first semester provides the foundation for both pathways and gives students a clear understanding of career opportunities in aviation and aerospace and the critical issues affecting the industry.
In the second semester, students pursuing the Pilot and UAS tracks will look closely at the aircraft they may one day operate. They will gain an in-depth understanding of the forces of flight - lift, weight, thrust, and drag--including how to make key calculations. They will then touch on aircraft design, looking at stability, aircraft controls, and maneuvering flight. The course will focus on career skills related to these topics. This unit also covers aircraft flight manuals, required aircraft documents, and the factors that affect aircraft performance.
Level II
In the first quarter of the second year, all students will be introduced to more advanced aviation concepts that are important to pilots of both manned and unmanned aircraft, including but not limited to, a deep investigation of (1) weather topics, (2) airport operations, (3) aviation charts, and (4) the national airspace system. In the second quarter, all students will study the concepts needed to successfully pass the written exam for a private pilot's certification. In the third quarter, the focus will transition to the specific topics required for passing the written test needed to become a professional drone pilot. In the fourth quarter, time will be allocated for any extra time needed for the private pilot's written exam and/or the drone operators' written exam. Time permitting, the course will end with each student completing a capstone project. Topics for a capstone project could include the pursuit of more advanced certifications or the creation of a business plan for the application of a student's newly acquired drone operators professional certification. Capstone projects could also include other topics proposed by the student.
For more detailed information go to our Program of Study.
Job Outlook
By 2041, 602,000 new pilots and 610,000 technicians will be needed worldwide, according to Boeing's Pilot and Technical Outlook. Employment opportunitites include pilots, drone operators, mechanics, flight attendance, air traffic controllers, airfield managers, and more.
Your Instructor
Chris Hodsden
I have worked at the career center for the past four years as a math teacher and as the Aviation Careers Program teacher. Before coming to WRCC, I worked for twenty-five years at the Bellows Falls Union High School as a math teacher, assistant principal, and, for 16 years, as the principal. Before working in public education, I was a Naval Aviator on active duty for 8 years (and as a reservist for 7 years while working as an educator.) My aviation background includes nearly 3000 flight hours and many qualifications/certifications, including work as a Naval Flight Instructor both in the classroom and in multiple airframes.