Our college offers flight training in conjunction with our aeronautics academic program, but participation in not a required part of the A.S. degree. Many of our students desire to pursue flight training as part of their career preparation. Commercial Flight majors need such training for all civilian pilot occupations, and some flight training is highly desirable before entering military pilot training programs. ATC majors find such flight training extremely helpful in their career development.

Flight training is available through College Aviation, Mt SAC’s own flight school that provides flight instruction in college-owned aircraft. College Aviation is a service provided to Mt SAC students enrolled in our credit programs. Interested students are required to join the Mt SAC Flight Training Association, a student organization that has competitive application procedures due to limited membership slots. Entry to our flight program is not guaranteed by admission to our academic program. Students compete via application each semester for available flight training slots.

Many students pursue flight training while enrolled in AERO 35-39 (Flight class) and earn college credit for their flying. The college’s Flying Team is designed for serious students who desire to increase their skills by competition with other aeronautics colleges. The Mt SAC Flying Team has the financial backing of the college’s Associated Student Body and the local community. Some student flying expenses can be reimbursed. Many of our best students get involved with the Flying Team even before they become qualified in flight events by participating in ground events. Perfection of aeronautics skills is the goal of the Flying Team, and such goals enhance formal flight training. A Private Pilot certificate is required for Flying Team flight events, but ground events have no minimum qualifications.