TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE DISTRICT. New Degree Program. Implementation Fall Semester 2012

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1 TARRANT COUNTY COLLEGE DISTRICT New Degree Program Associate of Applied Science Degree In Professional Pilot Implementation Fall Semester 2012

2 Sheryl Harris District Director Program Development/International Initiatives Tarrant County College District- May Owens Center DMOC II27B (8I7) This prospectus is for adding a new degree program, Professional Pilot, at the Northwest Campus. Due to the nature of the new program, a new site at Fort Worth Alliance Airport, I3825 Aviator Way, Suite 200, Fort Worth, TX 76I77 will be used for classes, and the Fort Worth Alliance Airport and Denton Municipal Airport will be used for flight instruction. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] The Northwest Campus began operation in 1975 with an enrollment of approximately 2,000 students and has had continuous growth in student enrollment and development of program offerings. In fall semester 20 II Northwest Campus had a student headcount of 13,669 enrolled in credit classes. [7] [8] The Northwest Campus currently has the following programs related to the aviation industry: [9] [I 0] Airframe Maintenance and Electronics Technology- AAS degree Aircraft Electronics Line Maintenance - Certificate Aviation Maintenance Technology - AAS degree Airframe- Certificate Powerplant - Certificate Composites Certificate (non-credit)- offered via Continuing Education The curriculum at TCCD is comprehensive and soundly based. Developed by the faculty, the curriculum is reviewed, changed, and updated annually via the Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) process. (Appendix C) The Professional Pilot training program went through the C&I process with full approval by faculty and administration. 2

3 Institutional Strengths TCCD is well situated geographically, academically, and financially to offer a program for training professional pilots. The DFW Metroplex is a major hub of transportation, and, particularly, of air transportation. American Airlines is the largest employer in Tarrant County, followed closely by Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company. Located in the area are two very important and state-of-the art airports, the DFW airport, located between Dallas and Fort Worth, and Fort Worth Alliance Airport located in north Tarrant County. Recent study by administration and faculty at the College, in their work with the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), revealed that there will be a major shortfall, between 2010 and 2025, of nearly 86,000 professional pilots in the United States. It is also predicted that the demand will present itself suddenly and rapidly in the near future due to the current delay in retirements at the legacy air carriers coupled with the mandatory age 65 retirement rule of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the low military-to-civilian workforce entry, and other factors. While the average age of professional pilots in the US is approaching 50 years of age, and the demand for pilots is increasing, the number of graduates from professional pilot training programs is decreasing. At the local level, it is a matter of available training. There are currently few options for students to obtain the necessary training to become a professional pilot in the DFW Metroplex. Within the DFW Metroplex, no four-year colleges or universities offer degrees in fields of study directly related to aviation. The closest schools offering aviation-related certificates or degrees are Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in Waco (public) and LeTourneau University in Tyler (private). Most students interested in aviationrelated degrees leave the state of Texas to attend flight programs with national reputations such as those at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University or the University of North Dakota. Students from less than affluent families are often very limited in seeking these out-of-state opportunities. The design for the pilot training program is based on direct feedback from local employers. It is designed to provide entry level workforce training, fill the gap between entry level and four-year degrees, provide needed business and management opportunities for existing workforce, and provide a defined career "ladder" or pathway in the aviation industry. TCCD currently has a large dual credit program; dual credit opportunities are being explored with anticipation of offering the aviation courses to high school students. By completing these technical 3

4 courses, students will obtain marketable skills enabling them to obtain an entry-level job in the aviation industry. TCCD dual credit programs continue to be successful for expanding employment opportunities for underserved populations in the community. Proposed Change: TCCD, an open admission, comprehensive, two-year institution established in 1965, is comprised of five campuses, with four of those campuses strategically located in quadrants of a 900 square mile county and the fifth and newest campus located in downtown Fort Worth which is central to Tarrant County. TCCD seeks approval from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC) for the implementation of a new degree program, Associate of Applied Science Degree in Professional Pilot. The program is designed to prepare students to apply basic aviation principles and technical skills in support of operating aircraft as pilot-in-command as a profession. Instruction will prepare students to enter the aviation profession with proper certification, marketable skills, an acceptable level of competency, and the ability to communicate intelligently. Students that complete the program will have the required FAA certifications and ratings required to enter the aviation industry as professional pilots. The program is scheduled for implementation in fall semester The program will have a capacity that allows up to fifty (50) students to enter the program in an enrollment semester. Enrollment semesters are the fall and spring semesters only. The program will be operated in collaboration with US Aviation Group (USAG), located at the Denton Municipal Airport. Primary Target Audience: The Professional Pilot Program will target three prospective student groups. 1. High school students considering a career in aviation who can take the program dual credit. 2. Veterans seeking the opportunity to use college tuition benefits in an accredited college flight program. 3. Students considering leaving the north central Texas area in order to attend an accredited college flight program. Students entering the Professional Pilot Program will be recruited through a variety of methods. TCCD will work closely with local four-year colleges and universities to provide articulation options for fouryear degrees using credit from the program. 4

5 Projected Life of the Program: The Professional Pilot program is a permanent addition to the curriculum of TCCD and is expected to have continued growth. The NCTCOG indicates that over the next 12 years, it is expected that the major air carriers will need to hire more than 50,000 pilots nationally due to retirements and industry growth. The primary source for these pilots will be the regional airline sector, but with only 20,000 pilots currently in the regional airlines, there is a strong need for a professional pilot program. At this point, the College does not anticipate an end date for the program and sees only an increased demand for training in this area. Instructional Delivery Methods: All courses in the program are included in either the Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM) or the Lower-Division Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM); both manuals are the product of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). There are three components to the instruction for this program: 1. Technical (non-flight) courses- For these courses, classroom delivery methods will mirror those of current TCCD offerings in the aviation program and other technical programs. These offerings are a combination of face-to-face lecture with demonstration and a hands-on component to allow students to master newly-acquired skills. Lecture and laboratory time for these courses will be in compliance with THECB requirements as well as requirements of the College. These courses will be scheduled by the Northwest Campus oftccd and will be taught at the facility at Fort Worth Alliance Airport. 2. Flight courses- Unique to the program will be the operation of aircraft. Aircraft operations will occur with instructors in the aircraft, as well as individual operation as required by Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR). These courses will be taught at Fort Worth Alliance Airport as an extension of the Northwest Campus and in collaboration with USAG located at Denton Municipal Airport, 4850 Spartan Drive, Denton, TX These courses will be scheduled by the Northwest Campus oftccd. 3. General education courses - Students may register for these courses at any campus of TCCD and may complete the work in face-to-face classes or by distance learning. These courses are scheduled each semester by all campuses in the District. Northwest Campus will take an active role in ensuring that students in the program are able to register for their general education courses at times convenient for them. The course offerings of the College are vast and should provide ample opportunity for any student in the program to register for the general education courses without difficulty. 5

6 The Professional Pilot Program was presented in the annual Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) process with complete approval by faculty and administration, including the chancellor and her leadership team, Chancellor's Executive Leadership Team (CELT). Notification of intent to offer the Professional Pilot Program was submitted to THECB in March 20 12, and no other colleges in the state had any objections during the open comment stage to this offering by TCCD. Formal approval by THECB should occur in June Also, at the regularly scheduled June 2012 meeting of the TCCD Board of Trustees, this program, along with others, will be presented for formal approval. TCCD owns 25 acres of land at Alliance Airport in anticipation of this program offering and is negotiating 2,000 square foot of leased space at a facility at Alliance Airport to be used in the start-up phase of the program until a proper facility can be built on the land owned by TCCD. Proposed Degree Program: The proposed degree program is an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Professional Pilot. All courses in the program are included in either the WECM or the ACGM; both manuals are the product of the THECB. Appendix E presents the following specific information about the proposed Professional Pilot training program: Program Objectives and Catalog Description on page 16 Admission Requirements on page 17 Program Course Sequence for the two-year program on page 18 Technical Course Descriptions on page 19 and 20 General Education Course Descriptions on page 20 Program Competencies on page 21 External Agency Approval, Certification and Accreditation on page 22 6

7 The TCCD Catalog pages for the Associate of Applied Science in Professional Pilot and the two Certificates of Completion, Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor, are shown below: AVIATION TECHNOLOGY- PROFESSIONAL PILOT Associate of Applied Science Degree Program ATPP.DOO/.UG Northwest Campus Only First Year First Semester AIRP 1215 AIRP 1301 AIRP 1307 AIRP 1317 MATH 1314 Second Semester AIRP 1351 AIRP 2250 AIRP 2331 AVIM 2337 ENGL 1301 Summer Session AIRP 1255 AIRP 1341 Second Year First Semester AIRP 2239 AIRP 2337 AIRP 1343 AIRP 2333 PSYC 2301 Private Flight Air Navigation Aviation Meteorology Private Pilot Ground School Functional Approach to College Algebra Instrument Ground School Instrument Flight Advanced Meteorology Aviation Law English Composition I Intermediate Flight Advanced Air Navigation Commercial Flight (Capstone) Commercial Ground School Aerodynamics Aircraft Systems Introduction to Psychology Semester Hours Second Semester AIRP 2355 AIRP 2357 AIRP 1347 SPCH 1311 Propulsion Systems Turbine Aircraft Ground School Human Factors in Aviation Fundamentals of Speech Communications; or SPCH 1315 or SPCH 1318 or SPCH 1321 Humanities/Visual or Performing Arts Elective 3 TOTAL DEGREE HOURS

8 COMMERCIAL PILOT Certificate ofcompletion Program ATPP.TOOJ.UG Northwest Campus Only First Year First Semester AIRP 1215 AIRP 1301 AIRP 1307 AIRP 1317 AIRP 1347 Second Semester AIRP 1351 AIRP 2250 AIRP 2331 AVIM 2337 AIRP 1343 Summer Session AIRP 1255 AIRP 1341 Private Flight Air Navigation Aviation Meteorology Private Pilot Ground School Human Factors in Aviation Instrument Ground School Instrument Flight Advanced Meteorology Aviation Law Aerodynamics Intermediate Flight Advanced Air Navigation Semester Hours Second Year AIRP 2239 AIRP 2337 AIRP 2355 AIRP 2333 AIRP 2357 Commercial Flight (Capstone) 3 Commercial Ground School 3 Propulsion Systems 3 Aircraft Systems 3 Turbine Aircraft Ground School 3 TOTAL CERTIFICATE HOURS 47 NOTE: Mathematical competency is required for completion by TS/Iiable students. Satisfaction of this requirement may be met by completing MATH-0304 (Beginning Algebra) with a grade ofc of higher, achieving a placement test score that qualifies the student for MATH-0350 (Intermediate Algebra), or completing a college-level mathematics course ( 1300 level or above). FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR Certificate ofcomp/etion Program ATPP. T002. UG Northwest Campus Only First Year First Semester AIRP 2236 AIRP 2242 AIRP 2349 Semester Hours Certified Flight Instructor - Airplane 2 Flight Instructor- Instrument Airplane (Capstone) 2 Instructor Ground School 3 TOTAL CERTIFICATE HOURS 7 Significant shortfalls exist in the ability of the region to meet the workforce needs of the transportation industry. To address this issue, TCCD and the Northwest Campus are responding to the needs of the North Texas community. Justification for the program is reflected through labor market information pertinent to local, regional and statewide workforce demand. It is designed to prepare students for employment operating fixed-wing aircraft for commercial flight operations. Instruction will provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge in US airspace, Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), 8

9 meteorology, aircraft instrumentation and systems, navigation, aerodynamics, powerplant designs and operation, human factors, operational safety, single- and multi-engine aircraft operations, and instrument and commercial operations. Completers of this program will be in possession of sufficient knowledge and skills for entry into the local aviation industry. ASSESSMENT OF NEED AND PROGRAM PLANNING/APPROVAL Rationale for the Change: The Professional Pilot Program was developed to address the perceived gap between current workforce qualifications and those skills required for positions as a professional pilot in the aviation industry. An advisory committee was created from representatives of the aviation, education, business, and nonprofit sectors to study the needs of the aviation industry in the DFW area as well as those across the state and national scene. Established by the NCTCOG, the North Texas Aviation Education Initiative found that "an examination of the employment data and the supply of aviation education program graduates in the region reveal several gaps." First, the lack of a four-year aviation degree program became clear. There is not an option for students to become professional pilots as part of their degree plan; thus an important pipeline for educating and training airline pilots is non-existent in the region. Second, there are no aviation-related options for those skilled/technical workers in the two-year programs that would allow them to continue their education and position themselves for supervisory or management positions within their field/company. The combination of a technical skill set and a college degree is an asset to the employer; an employee with both has a greater familiarity with the workplace and all of its demands as opposed to a supervisor who may not have the technical background or another employee who may not have the management background. Additionally, the four-year program is capable of training a workforce for a myriad of positions within and outside of aviation and transportation fields. Over a period of eighteen months, informal surveys and focus groups within the community, faculty members, and prospective employers helped to determine the need for a Professional Pilot Program in North Texas. The enthusiasm for this program was constant in each discussion. No other public or private two-year or four-year institution operates a comprehensive aviation program in north central Texas. In addition, the closest aviation programs are offered by LeTourneau University in Tyler and Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in Waco. Mountain View Coilege in Dallas has a sma11 flight program, but no longer offers professional flight as a degree option. NCTCOG recognized this as a 9

10 significant problem for attracting and retaining students for entry into aviation-related workforce occupation. In order to fly professionally, most airlines will require a four-year degree. The AAS Degree will be valuable for articulation into four-year programs. TCCD has collaborated with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the University of North Texas to formulate and establish collaborative programs and articulations that will serve the North Texas Region supporting aviation, logistics and transportation. Articulations have been drafted and transfer credit will be evaluated and established that will offer students flexibility and options for local degree completion in a minimum amount of time. The collaboration will benefit Tarrant County and the North Texas Region, as well as aviation and logistics infrastructure nationally. Agreements are in place as to the programs each institution will offer to complement the "package" that supports the aviation industry, TCCD students studying in this program at the Fort Worth Alliance Airport facility and other students in the North Texas Region. Articulations have been drafted and transfer credit will be evaluated and established that will offer students flexibility and options for local degree completion in a minimum amount of time. DESCRIPTION OF THE CHANGE Programs to be Offered: The Professional Pilot Program is designed to provide students with the handson training and knowledge necessary to meet an increasing state, national, and international demand for pilots with technical training and experience. Students in the Professional Pilot program will develop industry-wide technical competencies in US airspace, Federal Aviation Regulations, basic and advanced meteorology, basic and complex aircraft instrumentation and systems, basic and advanced navigation, aerodynamics, powerplant designs and operation, human factors and operational safety. The program will also include instruction and demonstration of single- and multi-engine aircraft, instrument operations and commercial operations. Students successfully completing the program will be awarded the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Professional Pilot. Admission and graduation requirements for students in this program will be the similar to other workforce development programs offered by the College. In addition, students are subject to requirements of the FAA under applicable Federal Aviation Regulations (CFR Title 14). 10

11 Curriculum: The Associate of Applied Science program requires students to complete sixty-two hours, which includes forty-seven semester hours in technical courses in professional flight training and aviation. The program would also incorporate existing academic courses in social/behavioral science, humanities or visual arts, written and verbal communications, and mathematics. Math 1314 College Algebra English 130 I English Composition I Psyc2301 Introduction to Psychology Spch 1315, 1318, or 1321 Fundamentals of Speech Communications Interpersonal Communication or Business and Professional Speech o Elective Humanities or Visual Arts A practicum will be used to verify workplace competencies. The core technical/flight-related courses to be offered in this program are the following: Aerodynamics AIRP 1215 Private Flight AIRP 1301 Air Navigation AIRP 1307 Aviation Meteorology AIRP 1317 Private Pilot Ground School AIRP 1351 Instrument Ground School AIRP 2250 Instrument Flight AIRP 2331 Advanced Meteorology AVIM 2337 Aviation Law AIRP 1255 Intermediate Flight AIRP 1341 Advanced Air Navigation AIRP 2239 Commercial Flight AIRP 2337 Commercial Ground School AIRP 1343 AIRP 2333 Aircraft Systems AIRP 2355 Propulsion Systems AIRP 2357 AIRP 1347 Turbine Aircraft Ground School Human Factors in Aviation 11

12 All certificates and ratings obtained in the Professional Pilot Program are granted under the authority of the FAA. The program will operate in accordance with Part 141 oftitle 14 ofthe Code of Federal Regulations. The following FAA certificates and ratings are obtained as part of the program through the AAS degree or TCCD Certificates of Completion: Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot (Single- and Multi Engine), Instrument Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument. All procedures will be set forth by the TCCD Curriculum Committee. Curriculum is guided by an industry advisory committee as set forth by the THECB. The advisory committee meets at least twice a year to evaluate the program. All changes to the program are channeled through the TCCD Curriculum Committee and to the THECB for approval. Administrative Oversight: Administrative oversight for this program follows the organizational structure provided for all programs on the campuses and throughout the College. That is, a president is charged with responsibility for academic services, student development services, and continuing education at the campus. Vice presidents for each of those areas report directly to the president. Deans oversee programs and for this program the Dean of the Division of Business, Technology and Transportation will serve as first-line administrator for the program. A lead faculty in the program will serve as program coordinator. Library services report through the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Faculty Roster Form: TCCD will employ instructors qualified to serve as faculty and flight instructors. The program will have one full-time instructor at inception to act as program Coordinator and Assistant Chief Pilot. Additional faculty will be hired as needed. The DFW area has an ample supply of highlyqualified persons for instruction in the program, primarily due to the vast aviation industry. Full-time and/or adjunct faculty will be hired from this pool as well as from applicants outside the DFW area based on appropriate qualifications. Administrative duties will be provided by existing division personnel and a newly-hired assistant. Instructors in the Professional Pilot Program will be required to have one or more of the following FAA certificates and/or ratings necessary for specific course of instruction: Commercial Pilot (Single and/or Multi-Engine), Certified Flight Instructor, and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument. Instructors may not teach in any course in which they do not have proper FAA certification or ratings. Hiring of the new faculty for the Professional Pilot Program will occur upon approval of budgeted positions for the new program. 12

13 PHYSICAL RESOURCES The Professional Pilot Program requires space for classroom training, certified flight simulators, weather and flight planning, briefing/debriefing and flight release/dispatch. This program will be located at Fort Worth Alliance Airport. TCCD is currently involved in a needs analysis/feasibility study for a new facility to be built at Alliance Airport to support the needs of this and other programs. Existing leased space of 2,000 square feet at the Alliance facility can be used with existing facility and ramp space. The current lease of the Alliance facility is in negotiation. The program will be offered in a collaborative effort between TCCD, Northwest Campus, and US Aviation Group. USAG will be responsible for supplying aircraft and flight instruction for in-aircraft operations only. (Appendix F, Memorandum of Understanding) USAG has 55 training aircraft available for use in the program, including single- and multi-engine models. FINANCIAL SUPPORT Operational funding for the program will be budgeted under the Division of Business, Technology and Transportation. There will be one assigned Coordinator for operation and management of the program who will report to the department of Aviation Technology. Funding for the program will be provided through a yearly operating budget. Aircraft requirements will be provided through a contract arrangement with USAG, LLC. A cost analysis for the program is attached. 13

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17 Professional Flight Training 1 2 CONTENTS Professional Pilot Program Professional Pilot Program Summary Catalog Description Admission and Graduation Requirements Relationship to the Institutional Mission and Vision Demand for the Professional Pilot Program Student Demand for the Program Workforce and Industry Demand for the Program Employment Trends and Projections Letters of Support for the Program Business and Industry Partnerships Advisory Committee Recommendations Dup~~~at!on of Existing Programs 17 Curriculum Integration/Articulation Duplication at Other Institutions Program Information Program Course Sequence Technical Course Descriptions General Education Course Descriptions Enrollment Program Objectives Program Competencies External Agency Approval, Certification and Accreditation Program Faculty Faculty Qualifications Current and Anticipated Faculty Proposed Faculty/Student Ratios Co~t_ ~n~ Funding_ ofpr()posed Program Program Funding

18 Professional Flight Training I 3 Physical Facilities Instructional Equipment Instructional Materials Library Resources Advising Grants, Scholarships and Outside Funding Sources Program Review and Assessment Program Review Program Assessment Appendix 31 Student Demand for the Program Student Survey Results Workforce & Industry Demand Workforce Solutions of North Central Texas, Targeted Occupations for NCTCOG North Texas Aviation Education Initiative Report Program Letters of Support Business Industry Partnership Meeting Notes Advisory/Exploratory Committee Participation Notes Curriculum Integration/ Articulation/Du pi ication Course Information & Outcomes New Course/Program Documents FAA Certification Documentation Program Cost & Funding Facilities Documentation Program Review & Assessment TCCD Program Review and Assessment Documentation A B c D E F G H I J K

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20 Professional Flight Training I 5 Catalog Description The Associate of Applied Science degree in Professional Pilot is designed to prepare students to apply basic aviation principles and technical skills in support of operating aircraft as pilot-in-command as a profession. Instruction will prepare students to enter the aviation profession with proper certification, marketable skills, an acceptable level of competency, and the ability to communicate intelligently. The 72-credit degree is granted upon successful completion ofthe following requirements: ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE General Education Requirements Required Technical Courses Total 15 Credit Hours 57 Credit Hours 72 Credit Hours See Program Information section, page 20 for full certificate and course information. Admission and Graduation Requirements In order to graduate with a certificate of completion in Professional Flight Training, the following criteria must be met: A minimum of 25% of required courses must be earned at TCC. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for all TCC courses (Associate Degrees only) A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for all courses presented for graduation. All degree requirements must be satisfactorily completed. TSI requirements must be satisfactorily completed for: o associate degrees o TSI-Iiable certificates Application for graduation must be submitted by the deadline. All financial obligations to the College must be met. Offered on Northwest Campus only. Successful completion of the program qualifies a student to earn FAA Certificates. Entry into the program requires reading, writing and math competency. FAA Regulations require successful completion of designated courses and obtaining FAA Certificates prior to enrollment in other AIRP courses. Enrollment in all AIRP courses is restricted. Permission of the Program Coordinator is required prior to enrollment. FAA requirements and program/graduation requirements. In order to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, a student must successfully complete a sequence of ground and flight courses to meet requirements for specific FAA certification and/or ratings. A student may not proceed in ground or flight courses for a more advanced certificate or rating without meeting FAA these requirements. A minimum grade of7o must be earned in all AIRP courses..

21 Professional Flight Training 1 6 Relationship to the Institutional Mission and Vision 2015 The Professional Pilot program is consistent with Tarrant County College's mission and Vision 2015 Strategic Plan in that it will provide affordable and open access to quality teaching and learning. The Professional Pilot program will implement the mission through a clearly defined set of courses, services, and partnerships that promote university transfer, workforce education, technical training, continuing education, an extensive curriculum, and a commitment to institutional effectiveness-an ongoing process of self-examination, self-improvement, and an unending pursuit of excellence.

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23 Professional Flight Training I 8 Survey responses from students: seriously interested in logisitics and instrument flight training Composites is the way of the future in aviation, and understanding what the pilot says is wrong with the plane is crucial, being one would help. It has always surprised me that there are not more schools in this area offering training in the field of aeronautics, especially considering the role aviation plays in the DFWeconomy.lt is most encouraging to see these sorts of programs being developed at Tarrant County College, allowing future aviation professionals low cost access to a quality education. i would like to pursue aeronautical engineering Flight Trainging should include fixed wing and rotorcraft. I would love for the opportunity to be a pilot i wanna get my a&p mechanic and avonics and batcholer degree finally professional pilot I would welcome the opportunity of joining the Pilot Program A flight ceritfication program would be a great addition to an already well structured program. I see value in the flight program as it would provide a jump start to my career as a pilot in the Marine Corps. See Appendix A for complete student survey results.

24 Professional Flight Training I 9 Workforce and Industry Demand for the Program "Between '-997 and 2007, the number of licensed commercial and air transport pilots in the U.S. increased by8.1.%. However, during the same period, the number of student, sport, and private pilots in the U.S. decreased by 6.2% and the number of registered aircraft mechanics and repairmen in the U.S. decreased by %. This trend indicates that the pipeline for supplying new talent to the aviation industry is dwindling. Further indication of this trend is that between 2000 and 2oo6, the average age of all pilots rose from 43 7 to Subsequently the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) changed the mandatory retirement age from 6o years old to 65 years old in an effort to offer existing pilots a place in the work force further into the future. As the major air carriers continue to expand and attract additional personnel, they are drawing from the regional air carriers and other aviation resources. Some regional carriers have had 1.oo% pilot turnover in the last year and flight schools are beginning to suffer a "brain drain" as experienced flight instructors leave to fill the gaps. The experience requirements for entrylevel pilot positions at many regional carriers have dropped from 1.,500 hours total time down to 500 hours and in some cases lower. Over the next 1.2 years, it is expected that the major air carriers will need to hire more than so,ooo pilots due to retirements and industry growth. The primary source for these pilots will be the regional airline sector, but with only 2o,ooo pilots currently in the regional airlines, the question is "From where will the additional pilots come?" The Need for Coordinated Aviation Curriculum Study in North Central Texas North Central Texas Council of Governments December 2oo8 "An examination of the employment data and the supply of aviation education program graduates in the region reveals several gaps. First, the lack of a four-year aviation degree program is clear for two primary reasons. There is no option for students to become professional pilots as part of their degree plan. This is an important pipeline for airline pilots and no such opportunity exists in the region. Secondly, there are no aviation-related options for those skilled/technical workers in the twoyear programs to continue on in their education, thus placing themselves in a position to assume supervisory or management positions within their field/company. The combination of a technical skill set and a college degree is an asset to the employer as the employee has a greater familiarity with the workplace and all of its demands as opposed to a supervisor who may not have the technical background or another employee who may not have the management background. Additionally, the four-year program is capable of training a workforce for a myriad of positions within and outside of aviation and transportation fields." An Analysis of the Gap Existing Between Aviation Workforce Needs and Supply for North Central Texas North Texas Aviation Education Initiative September 2009

25 Professional Flight Training TARGETED OCCUPATIONS In planning for the future workforce oftexas, the Texas Workforce Commission and Local Workforce Development Boards focus on developing workforce strategies targeting high-growth, high-demand, and emerging industry sectors that are critical to the state and local economies. In order to identify current job opportunities and determine where good jobs will be in the future, these workforce plans must: identify current and emerging workforce needs in economically critical occupations and determine what preparation is required to succeed in those occupations; and understand the workforce challenges that must be addressed to ensure a prepared and competitive workforce. This list highlights critical occupations in Texas that support growth within the Governor s Industry Clusters and meet the following criteria: 1. They are relevant to a core industry in any of the Governor s Industry Clusters; Aerospace and Defense; Advanced Technologies and Manufacturing; Biotechnology and Life Science; Energy; Petroleum Refining and Chemical Products; and Information and Computer Technology. 2. They offer a minimum annual salary of s3o,ooo; 3 They have a favorable Growth-Replacement Ratio- i.e., more job openings are available due to new demand as opposed to needing to replace the current population of workers; 4 They have a wide Education Preference Range - i.e. they require anywhere from short-term on-the-job training to a Bachelors degree plus work experience; and 5 There are at least 500 people currently employed in at least one core industry cluster. Workforce Solutions of North Central Texas identifies the following positions as targeted occupations for : Commercial Pilots Aerospace Engineers SOC Code: SOC Code: See Appendix B for complete Workforce Solutions report.

26 Professional Flight Training I 11 Employment Trends and Projections TARRANT COUNTY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OCCUPATIONAL PROJECTIONS TOTAL ESTIMATED PROJECTED % ANNUAL CODE OCCUPATION EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT CHANGE CHANGE OPENINGS 1720:1.2. Aerospace Engineers , Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians Air Transportation Workers , :1.1 Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight , Engineers 5320:1.2 Commercial Pilots Airfield Operations Specialists Source: Texas Workforce Commission, Labor Market Information, data accessed l.0/18/ TARRANT COUNTY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY ANNUAL WAGES BY OCCUPATION Occ Occupation No. of Mean Entry Experience Pct:s.o Pct25 Median Ptt75 Pctgo Code Employed Wages Wages Wages Wages Wages Wages Wages Wages Aerospace 400 $70,526 S53,446 S79,o66 $ $61,051 $70,527 $79,266 $89,337 Engineering and Operations Technicians 5320:1.1 Airline Pilots, Copilots, and 2,920 * * * * * * * * Flight Engineers 5320:1.2 Commercial 240 $100,088 s58,915 $120,675 S55,991 s68,828 $104,090 su9,106 $ Pilots Airfield 110 $67,235 $46,904 sn,4oo $41,654 $54,985 S63,874 $80,146 $100,327 Operations Specialists Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics SutVey, data accessed 10/18/2011

27 Professional Flight Training 1 12 "In Texas, there is sufficient supply of avionics technicians and aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging and systems assemblers. There is a deficit, however for four categories: aircraft mechanics and service technicians; airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers; commercial pilots; and airfield operations specialists. The deficit among the airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers category is the most dramatic as supply is only 19 percent of need. While approximately the same percentage held for airfield operations specialists, the overall numbers are significantly less. The supply of commercial pilots is also particularly low. The supply is 6o percent of the need. The other job categories showing a deficit have more of a balanced picture but a need beyond 10 percent nonetheless. The two following matrices provide a picture of the aviation workforce needs and academic supply for both Texas and North Central Texas. It includes employment levels for 2006 and 2016, the projected need over the time period, and a measure of academic supply for each of the aviation-specific job titles. Additionally a descriptor for each of the included job titles is based on the need and supply relationship. Resulting conclusions are not necessarily the same for the state and region." An Analysis of the Gap Existing Between Aviation Workforce Needs and Supply for North Central Texas North Texas Aviation Education Initiative September 2009

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30 Professional Flight Training I 15 Letters of Support for the Program Letters of support have been collected from local and nationwide industry leaders in the aviation. Such leaders include: Jerry W. Johnson J. Michael Sykes Director, Mooney Aircraft Pilots Safety Foundation CEO, US Aviation Group See Appendix D for copies of letters of support. Business and Industry Partnerships Collaboration between TCC and individual businesses, groups and industry associations are being explored, with the purpose of combining resources in order to create an education program that is tightly linked to regional economic development and labor force needs. It is expected that partners will be able to contribute industry knowledge, finances, facilities, equipment, and leadership to help accomplish the agreed upon goals and outcomes. The result of this collaboration is that students that complete the program have direct skills and experience that meet the needs of area business and are prepared further learning, which improves regional and national competitiveness. TCCD has long served the community in the arena of aviation maintenance and now has the opportunity to again be responsive to stakeholder needs and expand to new technologies such as composite materials and emerging electronics along with broadening our offerings to needed programs such as professional pilot training. Local stakeholders and those in need of a viable workforce include: American Airlines American Eurocopter Bell Helicopter-Textron Fed Ex General Electric Lockheed L-3 Communications Pratt & Whitney Raytheon TAESL-Rolls Royce Vought Aircraft Industries Relative to the Professional Pilot program, American Airlines, American Eagle, and, Southwest Airlines are the largest employers and existing partners in the current Aviation programs at TCCD. Other partnerships exist with smaller employers such as US Aviation Group and Richardson aviation. These relationships are critical for advisory purposes and local entry level employment opportunities of graduates. See Appendix E for business and industry partnership meeting notes.

31 Professional Flight Training 1 16 Advisory Committee Recommendations Representatives from private sector business and industry have been involved in the creation of the program through the development and participation in the TCC Professional Pilot Training Exploratory/Advisory Committee. The committee plays an important role in advising on a number of issues related to the aviation industry. The committee was developed to: serve as a link between the college community and the business community; assist in the development of quality programs that address the training needs of the local industry; be a catalyst for business opportunities; to complement and foster collaboration with other trade, workforce and industry focused organizations; identify, support and extend resources available to the Tarrant County College academic community; and serve as a link for the college and for students to the aviation community; and advise Tarrant County College on aviation curriculum and training issues. The committee includes business and industry leaders and service providers from a variety of markets related to the aviation industry. After a series of exploratory meetings, the first official committee meeting was conducted on November 10,2011. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendations were made for identifying separate Certificates of Completion within the coursework found in the proposed AAS degree. These will be implemented through the C&l process. ADVISORY I EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Andrews, Mimi mimiandrews@earthlink.net Kent, Lewis lewis.kent@gmail.com Ash, Chris chris.ash@hillwood.com Kuchta, Paul Paui.Kuchta@FiightSafety.com Bell, Judy judy.bell@twc.state.tx.us Lacey, Jim jimlacey@peregrinepointllc.com Broom, Chris MacLellan, Daniel daniel.maclellan@flightsafety.com Burns, Bill bill.burns@aa.com Mallonee, Michael mmallonee@ntcog.org Charles, Alma ALMA.CHARLES@fwisd.org Mazyck, Greg airmazyck@tx.rr.com Dionne, William F. william.f.dionne@usdoj.gov Miller, Cynthia cmiller@fortworthchamber.com Fischer, Greg Greg. Fischer@fwisd.org Myers, Debra debra.myers@faa.gov Friend, Mark A. friengb8@erau.edu Penney, Kent kent.penney@fortworthgov.org Hadley, Steve shadley@nbaa.org Ruscitti, Vince Vince. Harrah, Matthew matthew.harrah@garmin.com Sykes, Mike msykes@usaviationgroup.net Harris, Tom tom.harris@hillwood.com Wade, Trey twade@bellhelicopter.textron.com Henry, Euel euel. henry@faa.gov Welstead, Bill bill.welstead@fortworthgov.org Johnson, Jerry mooneyg281v@hotmail.com Winkley, Jim jim.winkley@aa.com Joseph, Jay Jay.Joseph@txdot.gov See Appendix F for advisory committee minutes and supporting documents.

32 Profess;onal FUght Tra;n;ng I 17 Duplication of Existing Programs Curriculum Integration/ Articulation Tarrant County College has collaborated with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the University of North Texas to formulate and establish collaborative programs and articulations that will serve the North Texas region supporting aviation, logistics and transportation. These collaborations are in expectation of establishing an Alliance Learning Center at Alliance Airport, under a "Center of Excellence" concept whereby education, government and industry come together to best serve the needs of the community. Articulations have been drafted and transfer credit will be evaluated and established that will offer students flexibility and options for local degree completion in a minimum amount of time. The collaboration will benefit Tarrant County and the North Texas Region, as well as our entire countts aviation and logistics infrastructure. Most employers that operate under CFR14 part 121 (Commercial Air Carriers) require flight crews to have a 4-year degree as a condition of employment. Articulation of the AAS Professional Pilot degree into 4-year programs will occur at several local universities. The University of North Texas and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University have both partnered with TCCD to offer 2+2 degrees in several programs, including Logistics, Flight, and Maintenance. Agreements will be arranged with other institutions as well. UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS The University of North Texas College of Public Affairs and Community Service offers a BAAS that builds on students' previous education and experience while targeting their career goals. With this program, students select courses from multiple disciplines associated with their specific career goals. They may build on occupationally specific courses taken at a community college, at a technical institution or in the military, or take other related courses to form a unique specialization. Students can select professional development concentrations that work together to satisfy their future career needs or objectives. o Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY The comprehensive curriculum at Embry-Riddle University was developed by industry professionals to train individuals to handle the complexities associated with the the aviation industry. Aeronautical Science, the professional pilot program at Embry-Riddle, offers the most advanced flight training curriculum of any university in the world. Combining in-flight training with rigorous academic study, Embry-Riddle's aeronautical science degree program, prepares the graduate for a career as an airline, military, or corporate pilot. Degree options include: o o o Bachelor of Science, Aeronautical Science Master of Aeronautical Science Ph.d in Aviation See Appendix G for program integration, articulation and duplication information.

33 Professional Flight Training 1 18 Duplication at Other Institutions No other public or private 2-year or 4-year institution operates a comprehensive aviation program in north central Texas. In addition, the closest aviation programs are Le Torneau University in Tyler, and Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in Waco. Mountain View College in Dallas has a small flight program, but it is no longer offering professional flight as a degree option. The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) recognized this as a significant problem for attracting and retaining students for entry into aviation related workforce occupations. In addition to no duplication in the north Texas area, there is little duplication in the state. There are no public 4-year universities offering professional flight degrees in Texas. Most programs that exist are associated with TSTC in areas of Texas or a few other two-year institutions.

34 Professional Flight Training I 19 Program Information Enrollment Prospective students in Professional Pilot program must meet all TCC entrance requirements as outlined in the current year catalog. This program's target enrollment is Go enrollments per semester once the program is in full operation. It is estimated that 1St year enrollments will be students. Students will only be allowed to enter the program in the fall and spring semesters. RECRUITING AND RETENTION METHODS Students entering the Professional Flight Training program will be recruited through a variety of methods. Dual Credit opportunities are being explored with the anticipation of offering the aviation courses to high school students. By completing these technical courses, students will obtain marketable skills that enable them to obtain an entry-level job in the aviation industry. Furthermore, through discussion with industry leaders in Tarrant County and particularly within the Alliance area, our research indicates that it is anticipated that employers will encourage their personnel who are already working in the industry to participate in the certificate program to gain additional technical skills, thus providing them with the skills to transition to higher-level positions in their companies. Program Objectives The Associate of Applied Science degree in Professional Pilot was developed with input from local industry. It is designed to prepare students for employment operating fixed wing aircraft for commercial flight operations. Instruction will provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge in US airspace, Federal Aviation Regulations, meteorology, aircraft instrumentation and systems, navigation, aerodynamics, powerplant designs and operation, human factors, operational safety, single and multi-engine engine aircraft operations, and instrument and commercial operations. Completers of this program will be in possession of sufficient knowledge and skills for entry into the local aviation industry.

35 Professional Flight Training 1 20 Program Course Sequence FIRST YEAR FIRST SEMESTER Rubric AIRP AIRP Course Number AIRP AIRP 1317 MATH 1314 SECOND SEMESTER AIRP 1351 AIRP 2250 AIRP A VIM 2337 ENGL 1301 SUMMER TERM AIRP 1355 AIRP 1341 AIRP AIRP 2333 SECOND YEAR FIRST SEMESTER AIRP 2339 AIRP 2337 AIRP AIRP 1347 PSYC SECOND SEMESTER AIRP 2236 AIRP AIRP 2357 Course Trtle Private Flight Air Navigation Aviation Meteorology Private Pilot Ground School College Algebra Total Instrument Ground School Instrument Flight ~ Advanced Meteorology Aviation Law AIRP 2351 Multiengine Flight 3 SPCH 1315, 1318, or 1321 Fundamentals of Speech Communications 3 Elective Humanities or Visual Arts 3 Total 17 Semester Hours English Composition ~~-----~- Total 14 Intermediate Flight Advanced Air Navigation -~~~ Aerodynamics Aircraft Systems Total Commercial Flight Commercial Ground School Propulsion Systems Human Factors in Aviation Introduction to Psychology Total Certified Flight Instructor- Airplane Instructor Ground School 3 Turbine Aircraft Ground School Total Semester Hours 72 2