Flight Lab Admission Process Overview
To join a Flight Lab (APT A120 - A129), you must apply for admission. To better serve the needs of our students and our training mission, only a limited number of students are accepted into this program's Flight Labs each year. Ideal candidates will be able to clearly describe their career goals and demonstrate a strong interest in the aviation field. We admit students who complete all of the steps in order of application received. We will also assist students who haven’t completed all of the steps to develop a plan for entry in a future term.
Application submission deadline will be 15 days prior to the start of each semester term.
Reminder: Flight Labs are not required for the A.S. Degree in Aviation Science or the Certificate of Achievement. However flight training is a mandatory requirement to earn an FAA Pilot Certificate.
Apply to OCC
Applying to OCC is free and only takes a few minutes. Complete this step as soon as possible so you can start using OCC resources.
Step 2
Review Flight Training Costs and Expectations
Carefully read the information regarding Flight Labs estimated costs and time commitment expectations under "Flight Training Labs."
Step 3
Pass a Physical Examination
You will need to get a Class II FAA Medical Certificate. This certificate confirms that you have no health conditions that would prevent you from being a pilot. See the faa.gov site for how to get a medical certificate. Pick AME in the drop-down menu, then click on the Location search, type in City and State (do not check anything in the “Designation Type” area) and click the Search button. You will upload a copy of your certificate with your application (see the final step).
Step 4
Secure Funding
You will need to secure funding for your first term of flight training. You can use one or more of the following to fund your training:
- Financial aid: federal financial aid can be used, but it often covers only part of the total cost. To apply, fill out the FAFSA at least six months in advance to receive the most aid.
- Contact Financial Aid Advisor: Walt Minnick - wminnick@occ.cccd.edu
- Private loans: contact the program coordinator, Dr. Stanley Harriman, if you need a flight training plan, which is often required for private loans.
- Visit Scholarships and Financing for various options.
Payment plan options are not accepted for flight training fees.
Step 5
Write a Cover Letter
In at least 500 words (but no more than 700 words), discuss your career goals and experience in aviation. Feel free to include volunteer experience, membership with aviation organizations, or preparations you have made for this educational endeavor. You’ll submit this letter as part of your application.
Step 6
Submit Application Package
If you would like to proceed with flight training, email Dr. Stanley Harriman for permission to register for Flight Lab. You must use your OCC student email to submit your application package. Only send completed applications, do not send individual application paperwork/steps seperately. Incomplete applications will not be considered for admission to flight labs.
1. You must include the following information in your initial email:
- Full Name;
- Mobile Phone Number;
- OCC Student ID Number;
- Acknowledgement that you have reviewed flight lab costs;
- Acknowledgement that you agree to the expectations outlined under "Flight Training Labs" on the Aviation Science website;
- Quick description of how you intend to meet the financial requirement of flight training;
- When you are planning (or have taken) APT A130 Private Pilot Ground School (co-requisite), or LIST all Ground Schools you have taken from OCC (Private, Instrument, Commercial, etc.);
- Which semester you would like to join Private Pilot Flight Lab (APT A120), or other Flight Labs (A121 - A129);
2. Attach with your email:
- Cover Letter (500-700 words) as a Word document or PDF;
- Copy of your Class II Medical Examination Certificate
Please use your OCC Student email to submit this application package.
Dr. Stanley Harriman email: sharriman2@occ.cccd.edu