Yavapai College Aviation

Your future.Cleared for
takeoff.

Bring your ambition. Build your skills. Take the controls of your next chapter with aviation at Yavapai College.

Apply to Aviation Explore programs
Two people working together at the controls of a flight simulator.
From the classroom to the cockpit.
Airplane operationsAir traffic control prepUnmanned aircraft systems

Ambition meets altitude

Take flight with
Yavapai College.

A first solo. A new certificate. A future in aviation. Every milestone starts with the decision to begin.

Whether you recently graduated high school, are transitioning out of a military career, or are ready for a new direction, bring your passion, curiosity, commitment, and hard work.

Yavapai College is the premier place to begin a rewarding career in professional aviation. The Aerospace Science Airplane Operations degree allows you to earn private, instrument, commercial, multi-engine, and flight instructor certificates and ratings. In as few as six semesters, you will have the required certificates and experience to begin a career as a commercial pilot.

6Semesters, including summers
60–63Degree credits
AASAerospace Science degree
Why start your aviation career at YC?

Yavapai College offers several competitive advantages. Our goal is to help you complete the program as quickly and affordably as possible. Compared to four-year aviation training programs, our curriculum allows you to complete training in approximately half the time and up to 60% less financial investment.

Compared to local flight training providers, you will earn a valuable degree that will help you earn leadership or management positions at your chosen company. While many schools charge you $60 per hour or more for “instructor time”, we only charge you what the flight instructor is getting paid. In our program, the student saves at least $20 per instructor flight hour compared to other schools.

Starting your aviation career at Yavapai College, whether you recently graduated high school, are transitioning out of a military career, or hoping to change your career path, allows you to begin your career in a healthier financial position while accruing essential experience and seniority to advance your career.

All we ask in return is that you bring your passion, excitement, curiosity, commitment, and hard work!

Choose your direction

Three pathways.
A world of possibility.

Explore a degree or certificate that connects your interests to aviation. Open each program for credits, locations, and course information.

01 / Associate of Applied ScienceAerospace Science — Airplane Operations
  • Semesters6
  • Credits60–63
  • LocationPrescott

The Aerospace Science degree program for Airplane Operations prepares students for entrance into the Airline pilot industry after building the required flight hours and gaining the appropriate licenses. Students can finish the program in 6 semesters which includes summers. Ratings include private pilot, instrument, commercial, commercial multi, CFI and CFII.

View Airplane Operations coursesProgression plan (PDF, opens in a new tab)
02 / Short-term certificateAir Traffic Control Academy Prep
  • Semesters2
  • Credits9
  • LocationPrescott

Prepare for takeoff with Yavapai College’s Air Traffic Control Academy Prep Certificate. In just 9 credits, you’ll gain the essential skills to pass the FAA entrance exam—including radar ops, tower procedures, and airspace systems. Your future in aviation begins here.

View Air Traffic Control courses
03 / Short-term certificateUnmanned Aircraft Systems
  • Semesters3
  • Credits27
  • LocationChino Valley

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Certificate prepares students to become professional unmanned aircraft operators.

View Unmanned Aircraft Systems courses

Explore fall, spring, and summer aviation opportunities. Contact the department for availability and a plan that fits your goals.

Inside the experience

Get closer to the controls.

See the people and practice behind the next aviation milestone.

Two people practicing together at a flight simulator.

Learn. Practice. Progress.

Build your foundation.

Connect ground training with the skills you bring to the cockpit.

Work toward the next rating.

The Airplane Operations degree includes private pilot, instrument, commercial, multi-engine, and flight instructor training.

Celebrate the milestones.

From the first solo to a successful checkride, see what YC students are accomplishing.

Meet the milestones

YC aviators in action

First solo. Next milestone.

Real students. Meaningful achievements. Meet three aviators taking their next steps at Yavapai College.

Frank Jimenez and instructor Paul Fritsch shaking hands beside a YC airplane.
First solo flight

Frank Jimenez

A milestone moment: Frank completed his first solo flight with guidance from instructor Paul Fritsch.

Read Frank’s story

Frank Jimenez reached a major milestone in his aviation journey by completing his first solo flight under the guidance of instructor Paul Fritsch.

Flying solo means a student has mastered the skills, judgment, and confidence to take off and land completely on their own.

This accomplishment marks the first major step toward earning his Private Pilot Certification through Yavapai College’s Professional Pilot Program, where students complete all flight certifications in just two years.

Frank is on track to earn his Private Pilot Certificate within his first semester, a testament to his dedication, skill, and the quality of instruction at YC, where students are ALL IN!

Chris Dollesin giving a thumbs-up beside a Yavapai College airplane.
Private pilot certificate

Chris Dollesin

A U.S. Air Force veteran, Chris earned his FAA Private Pilot Certificate during YC’s Fall 2025 aviation cohort.

Read Chris’s story

On Wednesday, November 5, Chris Dollesin earned his FAA Private Pilot Certificate after a successful checkride with FAA Designated Pilot Examiner Daniel Knight!

Chris, a U.S. Air Force Veteran, trained under Instructor Tom Lynn and is the first student in Yavapai College’s Fall 2025 Aviation Cohort to complete his certification—an incredible milestone achieved in just 2 months and 15 days since the semester began on August 19.

This achievement showcases Chris’s dedication, discipline, and passion for aviation, while highlighting the efficiency and excellence of YC’s Professional Pilot Program—where students gain the skills, confidence, and credentials needed to launch successful aviation careers.

We’re proud to celebrate this outstanding accomplishment and look forward to seeing Chris continue his journey as he begins Instrument Training this semester. Congratulations Chris!

Winston Cooper and instructor Luke Smith beside an airplane after Winston’s first solo flight.
First solo flight

Winston Cooper

Dedication, discipline, and a first solo: Winston took to the skies with preparation from instructor Luke Smith.

Read Winston’s story

Winston, congratulations on your first solo flight! This is an incredible milestone, marking the transition from student to aviator. Your dedication, discipline, and commitment have clearly paid off, and today marks the culmination of hard work in both the classroom and the cockpit.

As a veteran, you bring professionalism, focus, and resilience that truly set the standard. Those qualities were on full display as you took to the skies on your own for the first time, calm, capable, and confident!

A special acknowledgment goes to your instructor, Luke Smith, whose guidance and mentorship helped you prepare for this moment. The trust between instructor and student is never more evident than a first solo, and you earned it.

This is just the beginning of your aviation journey. Well done! Fly safe and enjoy every step of the path forward.

Student spotlights celebrate individual achievements. Training timelines vary.

Plan your next move

Your flight plan
starts here.

Cost, financial aid, and scholarships

Full tuition and financial aid information for Yavapai College students found here.

Contact the Aviation Department to discuss flight training costs and your program plan.

Veterans education benefits

The AAS Aerospace Science - Airplane Operations includes both ground and flight training delivered under 14 CFR Part 61. This degree is approved for VA education benefits; please contact Yavapai College’s Veterans Education & Transition Services office with questions: www.yc.edu/veterans.

Transfer information

Start at Yavapai College - Finish at the university of your choice

We are dedicated to helping students get started at Yavapai College and transfer into the university program that will fit their goals. Through our transfer partnerships and tools we can help you prepare for your next steps.

Explore transfer resources

Aviation uniform store

Find Yavapai College Aviation apparel in the Aviation Uniform Store (opens in a new tab).

Keep exploring

See where aviation can lead.

Explore occupations, career information, and job analysis through O*NET Online.

Explore aviation careers at O*NET (opens in a new tab)

Take the program overview with you.

Download the aviation flyer for a quick look at YC’s aviation degree and certificates.

Aviation program flyer (PDF, opens in a new tab)

Your next chapter is calling

Ready to take
the controls?

Ask questions. Explore your options. Take the first step toward your aviation goals.

Start your aviation application

Aviation Department

zachary.chamberlin@yc.edu
(928) 717-7234

General admissions

yc.admission@yc.edu
(928) 717-7777
(800) 922-6787