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Aviation Technology

Program Description:
The Aviation Technology program offers both one- and two-year pathways into the aviation industry. These courses combine a broad foundation in aviation science with hours of hands-on flight simulation and with practical experience in unmanned aerial vehicles, electronics, and aerospace design and construction processes. It is intended to be an entry into a multitude of careers in the aviation and aerospace industries, including Airline Pilot, Aerospace Engineer, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator, Air Traffic Controller, Aviation Maintenance Technician, and Aircraft Assembler. Students will have the opportunity to earn their private pilot ground school certificate, in addition to other technical certifications.

Course Curriculum Includes:
 Year 1          
  • Safety and Security
  • FAA Approved Private Pilot Ground School
  • Aviation History
  • Basic Aerodynamics
  • Aviation Weather
  • Basic Flight Dynamics
  • Basic Aircraft Systems
  • Aerospace Environment and Human Factors
  • Navigation and Flight Planning
  • Intro to Space and Astronautics
  • Remotes and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
  • National Airspace Systems
  • Professionalism/Leadership Skills
Year 2
  • Safety
  • Advanced Aerodynamics
  • Airman Certification Standards for Private Pilot License
  • Aviation Communication
  • Navigation and Airspace
  • Aircraft References and Schematics
  • Aerospace Materials
  • Airframe Processes
  • Avionics
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Advanced Aircraft Systems
  • Astronautics and Aerospace Physics
  • Unmanned Aerial Systems
  • Professionalism/Employment and Career Planning
 Program Benefits:
  • Up to 45 college credits towards an aviation degree
  • 3 high school credits
  • Possible high school credit equivalency (1.0 lab science and 1.0 math in most schools). Check out your district's offerings by going to our programs page and clicking on "Credit Equivalency". To jump to the programs page now, click here.
  • Formal flight instruction utilizing FAA-approved Advanced Aviation Training Devices
  • Preparation for post-secondary education and job training
  • Scholarship opportunities
  • Leadership and competition opportunities
  • Competency certificate
 Industry Certifications Available:
  • OSHA 10 (year 1)
  • Private Pilot Ground School (year 1)
  • FAA knowledge test endorsement (Private Pilot: year 1)
  • FAA Ground Instructor qualification (year 2)
  • Electronics I and II certification (year 2)
  • Digital multi-meter certification (year 2)
  • Manufacturing Skills certification (year 2)
  • 21st Century Skills certification (year 1 or 2)

Program of Study
Check out this link to learn more about programs of study within the aviation occupational fields. 

Prerequisites:

Aviation Technology
  • Reading and writing proficiency – 10 grade level
  • Successful completion of Algebra 1 or Integrated Math 1
  • Excellent high school attendance record
Aviation Technology II
  • Must pass 1st year program with a B grade or better to qualify for 2nd year. The second year program is a competitive placement program.

Recommendations:
  • Successful completion of Geometry recommended prior to year 1 of the program.
  • Successful completion of Algebra 2 and Physics recommended prior to year 2 of the program.
Note:  Upon acceptance into the program, student and parent/guardian must participate in an orientation at Cascadia Tech.

Organizations:
  • Optional enrollment in Aviation Explorers, an extracurricular, student-led career organization.
Career Opportunities:
  • Professional Pilot
  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator
  • Air Traffic Control
  • Aviation Maintenance Technician
  •  Aircraft Assembler
Program Supply List/Student Cost:
Year 1:
Students will be required to purchase and bring the following to school on the first day of class:  Year 2:
  • Airfoil construction project, $40 (mandatory)
  • Optional costs associated with student-selected projects. (Note: students have several no-cost options for projects.)
  • Family medical insurance or student accident insurance is required
 
Note: Student accident insurance is available through your sending high school.
 
If you have concerns regarding these expenses, please see Peggy Leifheit in our Business Office. There are funds available for qualifying students. Ms. Leifheit can be reached at 360-604-1050 ext. 2158 or at [email protected].


If you are interested in learning more about what's happening right now in the Aviation Technology class, click here to read the latest news, view information links and learn about our partners.