Professional Piloting: Learn to Fly at UAA!!
The Professional Piloting program prepares graduates for piloting careers in commercial
aviation and airlines. The Aviation Technology Division offers an AAS degree in Professional
Piloting and a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology with a Professional Piloting
concentration. The UAA Professional Pilot training program is certificated by the
FAA under Part 141 of the Federal Aviation Regulations.
Airline Pilot
Commercial Pilot
AAS in Professional Piloting vs. BS in Aviation Technology
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Professional Piloting and the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Aviation Technology at the Âé¶¹ÎÞÂë°æ are both designed to prepare students for careers in aviation, but they differ in depth, duration, and benefits—particularly regarding Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) eligibility.
Program Focus & Duration
- The AAS in Professional Piloting typically takes 2 to 3 years to complete. It focuses on hands-on flight training and earning FAA certifications necessary for commercial flying. This program is ideal for students who want to start flying professionally as soon as possible.
- The BS in Aviation Technology generally takes 4 to 5 years and offers a more comprehensive education. In addition to flight training and earning FAA certifications necessary for commercial flying (in the Professional Piloting concentration), students take advanced coursework in aviation safety, technology, and management, preparing them for broader roles in the aviation industry.
Feature | AAS - Professional Pilot | BS - Aviation Technology |
Typical Duration | 2-3 years | 4-5 years |
Focus | Flight training & FAA Cert. | Broader Aviation ed + flight |
Career Goal | Entry-level pilot roles | Pilot + leadership/ technical roles |
R-ATP Credit Requirement | 30 LOA credits | 60 LOA credits |
R-ATP Flight Hour Minimum | As low as 1,250 hours | As low as 1,000 hours |
What is R-ATP and Why do I need one?
ATP stands for airline transport pilot. This certification is required to fly for most airlines, unless they are operating as a charter. Unlike the ratings and certificates you earn in flight school, the ATP certificate is earned primarily through accruing flight experience. Commercial pilots without a college degree must have 1,500 flight hours to be eligible for the ATP.
For students who graduate from an approved piloting degree program, a restricted ATP (R-ATP) certificate is available with a reduced hour and age requirement (must be 21 or older). This certificate provisionally allows pilots to serve as first officers prior to accruing 1,500 flight hours. UAA Students who graduate with the AAS in Professional Piloting are eligible at 1,250 hours. Graduates of the BS in Aviation Technology (Professional Piloting Emphasis) are eligible at 1,000 hours.
Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) Eligibility
Both programs fall under UAA’s FAA-approved Letter of Authorization (LOA), which allows students to qualify for the Restricted ATP at reduced flight hour requirements—but the qualifying credit requirements differ:
- AAS in Professional Piloting: Requires 30 credits from the approved LOA curriculum to be eligible for R-ATP.
- BS in Aviation Technology: Requires 60 credits from the approved LOA curriculum for R-ATP eligibility.
Once the qualifying credit threshold is met, students may become eligible for the R-ATP certificate with as few as 1,250 flight hours with the AAS and 1,000 flight hours with the BS, compared to the standard 1,500.
Academic Advisor
Office Phone Line: (907)786-7200
Office Email: uaa_aviation@alaska.edu
Name | Program | Office Location | Contact | Online Scheduler |
Jared Stapor |
|
Aviation Technology Center | jcstapor@alaska.edu (907)786-0348 (Direct Line) |
(requires ) |
Frequently Asked Questions
UAA Aviation Technology Division
2811 Merrill Field DriveAnchorage, AK 99501
United States