Begin your journey as a pilot with this aviation associate degree that builds your skills and confidence in concrete steps. Each semester, you can earn an aviation certificate and take the FAA certification exam for piloting larger and more complicated aircraft.
The process starts with private pilot flight training that allows you to fly with friends and family. The next semester builds your instrument rating, which teaches you to fly in more difficult weather conditions. The last two semesters cover commercial flight of small aircraft with the option for you to learn multi-engine aircraft. All the while, core and elective classes build your communication and professional skills that are important to any career.
How to get started
Step 1 – Apply
- Apply to Aims Community College
- Select Pre Aviation AAS as your intended major.
- Apply for Financial Aid if applicable.
Step 2 – Are you a VA or Transfer Student
- If you are a VA Student, submit your DD214 and Certificate of Eligibility to the Financial Aid Office
- If you are a transfer student, please have your previous institution send an official transcript to Aims. Learn more on the Transfer Information webpage.
- If you are not a VA Student or a Transfer Student, go to step 3.
Step 3 – COMPASS Test
- Complete the COMPASS (Computerized Pilot Aptitude Screening System) test. The COMPASS test assesses candidates for flight training by evaluating their abilities in select subjects. The COMPASS test can be taken on your iPad in any location. Pay for your COMPASS test.
Step 4 – Aviation Medical Certificate and Proof of US Citizenship
- If you want to apply for the Air Traffic Control (ATC), Professional Pilot, or General Aviation Pilot degree, it is a requirement that you obtain a valid First- or Second-class FAA Medical Certificate before applying.
- You must schedule an exam with an FAA-approved Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) and pay for this exam. You can find a Colorado Aviation Medical Examiners list here or on the FAA's website.
- All students must have either the original version OR a combination of the following documents listed by the TSA before starting the program. A list of approved documents can be found here.
- Training can't begin until this documentation is provided to Aims. If you are a non-U.S. Citizen and unable to obtain one of the documents approved by the TSA, please email aviation@aims.edu.
Step 5 – Complete the Aviation Application
- Complete the Aims Aviation Application
- Applications must be completed no later than:
- Fall Term: First Friday of April
- Spring Term: First Friday of October
- Summer Term: Aims Aviation does not accept new students for Summer Term
Step 6 – Advising Appointment
- Schedule an advising appointment by contacting the Windsor Advising Team at (970) 339-6610, option 2.
- **Admittance into the flight program is contingent on the ability to pass a required drug screening.
- Per Federal Aviation Regulation 61.15, individuals who commit offenses involving drugs or alcohol may be subject to the following:
(1) Denial of an application for any certificate, rating, or authorization issued under this part for a period of up to 1 year after the date of final conviction; or
(2) Suspension or revocation of any certificate, rating, or authorization issued under this part.
- Students in the flight program must comply with all Federal Regulations regarding offences involving alcohol or drugs. Please refer to FAR 61.15 for the most up-to-date information