Catalog 2020–2021

Aeronautical Sciences

This is content from the Catalog 2020–2021 back issue. Please visit the current catalog for current information.

Program Coordinator: Tim Ward
Email: aerohilo@hawaii.edu

Website: https://hilo.hawaii.edu/depts/aeronautics/

The Aeronautical Sciences (AERS) program within the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management offers students the following degrees:

Aviation plays a fundamental role in the lives of nearly everyone in the State of Hawaiʻi. The proposed Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautical Sciences is an applied degree that will make education more accessible for students interested in applied aviation careers. Aviation produces high quality jobs that will improve the lives of Hawaiʻi’s citizens.

The degree will offer students two different pathways into commercial aviation, a Commercial Professional Pilot Training concentration and a Commercial Aerial Information Technology concentration. Both concentrations share a common core of commercial aviation courses for the first 3 years, coupled with a final year of specialization.

The concentration in Commercial Professional Pilot Training (CPPT) provides a simple, direct pathway to earn all the FAA licenses and certificates required to pursue a commercial Airline Transport Pilot license and begin a career as a commercial airline pilot. The CPPT concentration is structured as 3 years of university classroom and flight simulator learning, coupled with a final year at a 6-8 month flight school program.

The concentration in Commercial Aerial Information Technology (CAIT) will provide the training and background to attain current FAA licensing for the commercial UAS operations of small drones, as well as preparation for future full integration of large UAS operations into commercial airspace. The CAIT concentration is designed to be coupled with a focus in Data Science, Geography, a STEM field or Computer Science using available electives.

Student Learning Outcomes

Both Concentrations:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the performance and operating characteristics of aircraft. Understand the principles of aerodynamics, aircraft design/construction, and automated control systems.
  • Thorough knowledge and understanding of ground and in-flight support aviation operations and applicable FAA regulations.
  • Ability to create approved written flight plans and other professional and technical written reports including an accurate and detailed flight logbook.
  • Understand principles of navigation, ability to use GPS systems, fluency with aviation maps and VOR systems, ability to navigate an airplane between points.
  • Thorough understanding of the principles and regulations applied to aviation safety. Demonstrated ability to understand the impact of human factors on safety. Ability to perform risk assessment related to aviation safety.
  • Proficiency in communications with ground controllers and other aircraft.
  • Thorough knowledge and the ability of apply the core concepts of meteorology relating to aviation.
  • Thorough knowledge of regulations related to the maintenance of aircraft and associated systems.
  • Explain the integration of airports, airspace, and air traffic control in managing the National Airspace System. Thorough working knowledge of the airspace and support systems.
  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of national and international aviation law and regulations. Apply knowledge gained from courses by interacting with global and (or) local communities.
  • Become proficient in giving oral presentations.
  • Demonstrate competence in using computers at a level consistent with current professional practice.

CPPT Concentration: (In addition to above)

  • Ability to pilot and command single engine private and commercial aircraft in a variety of visual conditions.
  • Ability to pilot and command multi-engine private and commercial aircraft in a variety of visual conditions.
  • Ability to pilot and command multi-engine private and commercial aircraft in a variety of visual and instrument conditions as required for FAA licensure and certification.

CAIT Concentration: (In addition to above)

  • Ability to pilot and command unmanned private and commercial aircraft in a variety of visual conditions as required for FAA licensure and certification.

Curricula