North Carolina technical college to launch aviation program

Asheville-Buncombe Technical College in Asheville, North Carolina, is launching a two-year associate’s degree in applied science that will enable its graduates to be eligible for a restricted airline transport pilot certificate.

The school is partnering with WNC Aviation based at Asheville Regional Airport, according to Richard Corman, chairman of the aviation management and career pilot technology degree program. Enrollment opens July 6, and the program kicks off on Aug. 17, he said.

Students can choose from an aviation management or career pilot technology option.

A restricted ATP certificate (multiengine only) allows pilots who are not age 23 or have fewer than 1,500 hours of flight time to serve as first officer until they obtain 1,500 hours, as required under FAA rules made final in July 2013. Pilots holding an associate’s degree with an aviation major can qualify for the restricted ATP certificate with 1,250 hours.

“Right now I’ve got about 30 students [interested],” Corman said. “I’m anticipating that number will increase to about 50 by the start of the program.” He said strong interest has already been exhibited,

A-B Tech, founded in 1959, is the seventh largest community college in the North Carolina system. About 7,000 people are enrolled in degree programs, with another 14,000 in continuing education programs.

A-B Tech and WNC also will offer a la carte flight training for the private and commercial certificates and instrument rating to those who don’t wish to get an associate degree, Corman said. A-B Tech is in the process of getting Department of Veterans Affairs approval, he said.