Program Overview

The Aviation Flight Technology program is accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International and provides flight instruction for the Private and Commercial certificates and Instrument rating.

In order to complete the program, every student must successfully pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Private, Commercial, and Instrument computer examinations and be certified as a commercial pilot with instrument rating. Ninety-seven percent of Mercer's students have passed the examinations on the first attempt. The college is an approved examining authority; FAA computer tests are conducted at the college.

Successful graduates of the program will:
• obtain the appropriate ground and flight certificates;
• fill related aviation positions requiring specific aviation knowledge with airport service operators located at numerous airports in the United States and possessions.

A career with the major airlines may require a four-year baccalaureate degree. There are direct transfer agreements with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida Institute of Technology, Metropolitan State College, Thomas Edison State College, Southern Illinois University, Dowling College, and Central Missouri State University.

Students in the Aviation Flight Technology program receive classroom and laboratory instruction on the West Windsor Campus. Actual flight training takes place at Infinity Flight Group at Trenton-Mercer Airport, where the college has access to a fleet of aircraft and supervises the flight instructors. An active advisory commission consisting of experts from the government and civilian areas of aviation recommends changes necessary to maintain a quality program.

Admission to the program requires a high school diploma with one year of algebra. High school courses in trigonometry and physics are an advantage. Proof of citizenship or Transportation Security Administration approval is required for enrollment in the TSA Approval.

Before flight training begins, an aviation medical certificate will be required. Contact the Aviation program coordinator for details.

Graduates of the program often return to take a flight-training course toward the certified flight instructor rating.