Overall employment of airline and commercial pilots is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 18,200 openings for airline and commercial pilots are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

In May 2024, median annual earnings of airline and commercial pilots was $122.670. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Admission to the College is required but does not guarantee admission to the Flight Technology Program. The flight program has additional admissions requirements that must be met. 

The Flight Technology Program admits students for spring, summer, and fall semesters. Enrollment and course registration must be approved by flight and is limited dependent on space and instructor availability. 

Attendance

The Federal Aviation Administration regulates class attendance for the flight program. Therefore, attendance is much more restrictive than some programs offered by Wallace State. No absences are permitted in the FAA approved ground schools. All missed coursework must be complete to meet FAA requirements for course completion.

Program Entry Requirements:
Associate in Applied Science Degree 

1. Must possess a 3rd class (or higher) medical obtained from a designated FAA medical examiner; students using VA benefits must possess a second class medical.
2. Must present an original birth certificate or current passport.
3. Must present a current driver’s license or Government Issued Photo ID.
4. Must meet all the general admission requirements of the college and be in good standing with the college.
5. Must be eligible to enroll in ENG 101 according to ACT, or SAT scores or have completed ENG 101 with a grade of “C” or better. Students placed into remedial coursework are not eligible for program entry.
6. Must be eligible to enroll in MTH 116 according to ACT, or SAT scores or have completed MTH 116 with a grade “C” or better. Students placed into remedial coursework are not eligible for program entry.
7. Comply with the Essential Functions as required by program and FAA Regulations Part 141.    Documentation of inability to comply must be submitted for review by the WSCC Americans with Disabilities ACT Coordinator.
8. Schedule an appointment with the program advisor and provide the required documents.

Short-Term Certificate Entry Requirements

1. Must possess a 3rd class (or higher) medical- obtained from a designated FAA medical examiner.
2. Must present an original birth certificate or current passport.
3. Must present a current driver’s license or Government Issued Photo ID.
4. Schedule an appointment with the program advisor and provide the required documents.
   NOTE: The VA will not pay benefits for short-term certificates in this program.

The Flight Technology program requires specific essential mental and physical functions, which must be possessed to be a successful pilot. In general, all Wallace State flight programs require:

1. Visual Accuracy: 20/40 in each eye with or without correction
2. Color Vision: Colors necessary for safe performance of airman duties
3. Hearing Acuity: Conversational voice at 6 feet with both ears, or audiometry
4. Manual Dexterity: in fingering and grasping activities and the ability to perform repetitive fine motor actions
5. Gross Motor: ability to reach, stoop, kneel, stand, walk, and sit

Please keep in mind that you will have to fulfill additional requirements to be eligible for certification exams or Licensure in the field. For specific information on medical standards required for obtaining licenses and ratings through WSCC, go to http://www.faa.gov/pilots/medical.