Professional Pilot Program FAQ’s

Yes.  A medical certificate issued by an FAA AeroMedical Examiner (AME) is required for flight training. To find an AME closest to you, go visit the following URL: http://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/.  Speak with the aviation program advisor for more details concerning the level of medical certification that is appropriate for your training.

Yes.  LCCC and ExpressJet Airlines have an agreement that will allow qualifying LCCC graduates to participate in the airline’s pilot pathway program.

Yes.  LCCC graduates, who earn their instrument rating and commercial pilot certificate within the LCCC flight school, or in conjunction with another Part 141 school that also holds that authority, will be eligible for the R-ATP at 1250 total flight hours.

Contact the LCCC aviation program personnel by telephone at 610-264-7089 or by email to Aviation Instructor Roger Matteson at rmatteson@lccc.edu or Chief Flight Instructor Aram Basmadjian at abasmadjian@lccc.edu.

The LCCC aviation instructors have a wide range of aviation experience to include Captain positions at scheduled commercial airlines operating under FAA Part 121, Corporate flight departments working under FAR Part 135 and 91, and government flight operations working under Part 91 and the International Civil Aviation Organization regulations. The LCCC simulator instructors are alumni of the LCCC aviation program.

LCCC’s main campus is located in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania. Non-aviation courses are offered at both the main campus as well as satellite campuses located in Carbon, Lehigh and Schuykill counties. Aviation courses and limited general education courses are offered at the college’s Airport Site located at Hangar 7- Lehigh Valley International Airport in Allentown, PA.

Students must be able to read, speak and understand the English language, have no speech impediments and be capable of obtaining an FAA First class medical certificate. Students must apply for and be issued an FAA student pilot certificate.  Non U.S. citizens must receive Transportation Security Administration approval to begin flight training for the private pilot certificate, instrument and multiengine ratings.  In addition, an interview with our Aviation Coordinator is required for admission.

Aviation courses typically have approximately 15-20 students per class and enrollment is limited to 24. General education courses average 25 students per class.

You will earn an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S) degree as a Professional Pilot. The curriculum requires the completion of 63 academic credits. In addition, students are required to earn their Private, Instrument, Commercial and Certificated Flight Instructor certificates and ratings.

LCCC is an FAA approved Part 141 ground and flight training school.  We provide training for the Private, Commercial and Certified Flight Instructor certificates and the instrument and multi engine airplane ratings.

FAA Approved Part 141 schools are those schools that follow a detailed syllabus approved by the FAA. Specific criteria and hour requirements must be completed and documented during course progression and required for course completion.

No. The college leases aircraft for flight operations.

Yes. The college owns two FAA approved Advanced Aviation Training Devices.  A FRASCA 141 single engine trainer equipped with GPS technology and visual display, and a Redbird FMX full-motion flight simulator with visual display.   Both simulators are authorized to be used by aviation students to log flight time in accordance with Part 141 regulations.  We also have a Redbird Jay Velocity simulator used for simulator orientation and procedures training.

The cost of flight training is in addition to the 63 credit hour tuition costs and related fees.  The flight lab fees may be funded through the Veterans Administration benefits, federal educational as well as private loans.

Flight training costs vary depending on several factors, including the individual’s rate of learning, psychomotor skill development, and the frequency of flight training.  The estimated cost of the flight lab fees for the Private, Commercial and Flight Instructor certificates, the multi engine and instrument ratings will be between $50,000- $55,000. This estimate does not include the cost of tuition based upon county or state of residence or other non-aviation program fees.  It does include an estimate of $5,000 dollars for additional flight costs covering examiner fees, FAA knowledge test fees, headset and aeronautical chart purchase, and required aircraft renter’s insurance coverage covering a two year period.

​Information about federal financial aid for college courses can be obtained through LCCC’s financial aid department (Phone: 610-799-1133).

Scholarships are available through Aero Club of Pennsylvania, Advisory Council of Pennsylvania, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the Experimental Aircraft Association, and The Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the 99’s.

The Professional Pilot program is designed to be completed in 24 months.

A minimum of 215 hours will be attained. The FAA requires a minimum of 190 hours of flight training under Part 141 to obtain a Commercial Pilot certificate with an instrument and multiengine rating under FAA Part 141. An additional 25 hours is required for the  Certified Flight Instructor certificate.

• Current aviation labor conditions and industry projections indicate a shortage of pilots over the next five to ten years.
• Cost effective (tuition as low as $143 per credit hour for sponsored school districts)
• Career development and progression opportunities following graduation may be available for the top performing aviation students.
• Dedicated knowledgeable aviation staff with broad background and experience
• Start here. Fly anywhere.

Yes. In order to graduate with the AAS AVP degree, all airman certificates and ratings must be earned within the LCCC flight school.

Each student will be expected to be available to fly a minimum of three times each week.

The Professional Pilot (AVP) graduate will be able to act as the pilot in command of an airplane as an FAA certificated commercial pilot in the national airspace system , be qualified to act as a Certified Flight Instructor, or continue their education by transferring to a four-year college or university.

No. Regional airlines only require an Associate’s degree while major airlines require a Bachelor’s degree. LCCC recommends continuing your education after graduation. The aviation job market is very competitive. The more qualifications you have, the easier it will be to land the job of your dreams!