Department of Applied Aviation Sciences

Mr. David Tesser, Chair

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Major and Concentrations	Aircraft Dispatch Certificate
Aviation Maintenance Science	Aviation Management Major and Concentrations
Aviation Maintenance Science and Mission Aviation	Aviation Studies
Aviation Maintenance Science Major and Concentrations

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Major and Concentrations:

This degree is designed for students interested in working in the rapidly growing unmanned aircraft systems (also called drones or UAVs) industry. Graduates from this program will have a solid foundation of theoretical and applied coursework designed to prepare the student for success in this exciting new industry. All Unmanned Aircraft Systems degrees provide the student with the knowledge to earn the FAA Small Unmanned Aircraft System certificate by taking the FAA’s UAG knowledge exam.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems, A.S. (AUAS) This associate degree contains the foundational knowledge and skills a student needs to become a part of the rapidly growing unmanned aircraft systems industry. Individuals that graduate with this degree will be ready for an entry level position in the industry or to continue on toward a Bachelor of Science degree in the field of unmanned aircraft systems. All the course work completed for the AUAS degree will apply toward any of the Bachelor of Science Unmanned Aircraft Systems degrees that LeTourneau University offers, including, AUVS, AUVE, and AUVT.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems, B.S. (AUVS) This degree contains the core of courses that all the Unmanned Aircraft Systems degrees with various concentrations are built on. The student will benefit from a program that includes a solid theoretical base that also incorporates significant lab and operational experiences in unmanned aircraft systems.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems, B.S., Electronics Concentration (AUVE) This concentration is designed for students who want to design and program unmanned aircraft control systems. The student will benefit from a program that includes a solid theoretical base that also incorporates significant lab and operational experiences in aircraft systems, electronics, and unmanned aircraft systems.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems, B.S., Technician Concentration (AUVT) This concentration is designed to prepare the student for the unique challenges of maintaining and repairing unmanned aircraft. The student will benefit from a program that includes a solid theoretical base that also incorporates significant lab and operational experiences in piloted aircraft systems and unmanned aircraft systems. The student will also earn the Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic Certificate qualifying the graduate to work on any US registered, manned or unmanned aircraft.

Aviation Maintenance Science:

The Aviation Maintenance Science curriculum is math-science based and is designed to give students a thorough understanding of the increasingly complex systems found in aircraft. This Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved curriculum leads to certification as an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic.

Included in the FAA approved curriculum are the following courses, ENGR 1311 , DSTC 1203 , MATH 1203 , and all AVTC courses. To satisfy FAA requirements, each of the approved curriculum courses must be successfully completed. Lecture courses have sectional tests that must be passed with a minimum score of 70%, and laboratory courses have required projects that must be completed to passing standards. Additionally, students must score a minimum of 80% on a comprehensive exam during the last semester of AVTC courses. Upon successful completion of the comprehensive exam and all FAA approved courses, students will receive a certificate of completion and will be authorized to take FAA oral, practical, and knowledge examinations leading to the A&P certificate.

Successful completion of one of the following: MATH 1203 - College Algebra With Applications , MATH 1503 , MATH 1603 , or MATH 1903 is a prerequisite to all AVTC courses except AVTC 1001 /AVTC 1003 Foundational Concepts Of Aviation Studies , and AVTC 1401 /AVTC 1403 Aircraft DC Electricity which can be taken as corequisites. In addition, a minimum grade of C is required in AVTC 1001 /AVTC 1003 and AVTC 1401 /AVTC 1403 before taking any other AVTC courses. Additional prerequisite/ corequisite requirements are listed with each course description. Course sequence and prerequisite requirements are strictly enforced due to FAA requirements.

Aviation Maintenance Science and Mission Aviation:

LeTourneau University has a long heritage of preparing students for service as missionary pilots and technicians. Mission aviation organizations visit the campus regularly, meeting with students and providing input into the A&P mechanic training program. Students interested in working with a missionary organization in an aviation maintenance capacity may enroll in the Mission Aviation, B.S. (AAMM) degree plan. The coursework provides students with the knowledge and skill base that is needed to earn their FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate (see the section concerning Aviation Maintenance Science). Additionally, students also take courses that provide insight into cross cultural missionary work and Christian ministries in general. Students interested in serving as a missionary pilot - mechanic should refer to the Flight Science Department section for more information about our Mission Aviation, B.S. (AAMM) degree and our Mission Aviation, Flight Concentration, B.S. (AFMI) degree.

Transfer of A&P Certificates:

Students who hold an A&P certificate and wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree at LeTourneau are encouraged to do so. However, to ensure that the Aeronautical Science graduate is a product of our program, transfer students who already hold an A&P certificate must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours of AVTC courses with a grade of C or better. The specific AVTC courses that will be required are determined on an individual basis by the Department of Applied Aviation Sciences after a personal interview. In each case, the courses selected are those that will be the most beneficial to the student. In some cases, testing may be required to document knowledge and skill requirements. After completing the 15 credit hours of AVTC courses, students who have obtained their A&P certificate through formal training (FAA approved school) in a college level* program will be granted transfer credit for the remaining AVTC courses. Students who have obtained an A&P certificate through other means will be allowed to bypass the remaining AVTC courses. The credit hours from bypassed courses do not count toward the minimum credit hour requirement for the various degrees. Transfer students who have completed some but not all of the requirements for the A&P certificate at another institution are evaluated on an individual basis.

* College level is determined by one or more of the following: 1) The institution is accredited by a regional accrediting association; 2) College level entry requirements are met by all students; and 3) The institution offers a broad selection of course work in general studies involving liberal arts, math, and science. We cannot grant college credit for course work which is offered at the vocational level.

Aviation Maintenance Science Major and Concentrations:

Aviation Maintenance Science, B.S. (AAAS) This major is designed for students interested in obtaining the FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic certificate. This high level program of study will prepare students for a leadership role in a number of different aviation related fields. By combining this in-depth study of aircraft systems with the disciplines found in the five concentrations listed below, students can tailor their education to fit their particular interests and career goals. With the exception of the Design Technology concentration, these programs can be completed in eight regular semesters and one summer session.

Aviation Maintenance Science, Computer Science Concentration, B.S. (AACS) This concentration emphasizes use of the computer as a management tool and provides a valuable foundation for those desiring to move into systems development. Graduates of this program will understand how to implement computer technology into real world situations.

Aviation Maintenance Science, Electrical Technology Concentration, B.S. (AAET) This concentration prepares students for a career in the rapidly changing field of aircraft electronics. This program provides a strong aircraft systems curriculum combined with selected Electrical Engineering Technology courses. Graduates from this program typically work as production and systems engineers in the aviation industry.

Aviation Maintenance Science, Maintenance Management Concentration, B.S. (AAMG) This concentration prepares students interested in maintenance management and other leadership positions in the field of aviation. This program combines a strong technical curriculum with business courses selected to provide key competencies required of managers and those interested in pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) degree.

Aviation Maintenance Science, Mechanical Technology Concentration, B.S. (AAMT) This concentration is designed to give students a strong background in aircraft systems, coupled with a solid foundation in Mechanical Engineering Technology. Graduates of this program are prepared to work as engineering technologists in the aviation industry.

Students may combine selected aviation maintenance science AVTC courses with a major in Engineering Technology. The course requirements are listed in the Engineering Technology section of this catalog. (Engineering Technology degree programs do not lead to the A&P certificate.)

Aircraft Dispatch Certificate

LeTourneau University has an FAA approved Aircraft Dispatch certificate program. Students who earn the Aircraft Dispatch certificate can work as an aircraft dispatcher with an airline or corporate flight department. The role of an aircraft dispatcher is to work together with the pilot to ensure the successful outcome of each flight while staying within the rules that the FAA has set forth. As part of their job the aircraft dispatcher will collect and analyze data needed for each flight, perform weight and balance calculations, determine fuel needed, evaluate weather, identify appropriate routes and alternative airports, and monitor each flight while in progress. Not only does this certificate provide the needed background to have a great career as an aircraft dispatcher, but it also provides a solid aviation background for someone wanting to pursue an Air Traffic Control position with the FAA. A large percentage of the courses needed to obtain this certificate are part of any degree containing the flight curriculum and thus the student would only need to take two elective courses (Aircraft Dispatch 1 and 2) to be eligible to take the FAA Aircraft Dispatch practical exam. The Aviation Management, Aircraft Dispatch Concentration, B.S. (AVMD) degree contains all the courses that are needed to take the FAA exam. Due to FAA regulations, a student must have reached the age of 21 before taking the Aircraft Dispatch 1 and 2 courses to earn their FAA Aircraft Dispatcher certificate.

Aviation Management Major and Concentrations:

Aviation Management, A.S. (AVAM) This associate’s degree provides the student with foundational level knowledge and skills in the area of aviation management. Individuals that graduate with this degree will be ready for an entry level aviation management career or to continue on toward a Bachelor of Science degree in aviation management. All the course work completed for the AVAM degree will apply toward the 4 year AVMM degree.

Aviation Management, B.S. (AVMM) This degree is designed for the student who wants to pursue a management and/or leadership role in one of the thousands of airports or aviation businesses worldwide.

Aviation Management, Professional Pilot Concentration, B.S. (AVMF) This concentration combines a strong management foundation with the courses and skills needed to become a professional pilot. This degree would be of particular interest to students wishing to combine flying with owning or operating an aviation business.

Aviation Management, Maintenance Concentration, B.S. (AVMT) This concentration is designed for the student who already has an Aircraft Mechanic Certificate (A&P) but is interested in a leadership position in the Aviation Maintenance industry.

Aviation Security, A.S. (AVAS) This associate’s degree provides the student with foundational level knowledge and skills in the field of aviation security. Individuals that graduate with this degree will be ready for an entry level aviation security career or to continue on toward a Bachelor of Science degree in aviation or homeland security. All the course work completed for the AVAS degree will apply toward the 4 year AVMS degree.

Aviation Management, Homeland Security Concentration, B.S. (AVMS) This concentration combines a select group of security focused criminal justice courses with the Aviation Management core for those students that have a distinct interest in the security side of the aviation industry.

Aircraft Dispatch, A.S. (AVAQ) This associate’s degree provides the student with foundational level knowledge and skills in the field of aircraft dispatch. Individuals that graduate with this degree will be ready for an entry level aircraft dispatch career or to continue on toward a Bachelor of Science degree in aviation management. LeTourneau University’s Aircraft Dispatch courses and their pre-requisites are included in this two year degree. Due to FAA regulations, a student must be 21 prior to completing the Aircraft Dispatcher courses. All the course work completed for the AVAD degree will apply toward the 4 year AVMD degree.

Aviation Management, Aircraft Dispatch Concentration, B.S. (AVMD) This concentration adds the course work necessary for a student to test for their FAA Aircraft Dispatcher certificate to the core Aviation Management courses. Due to FAA regulations, a student must be 21 prior to completing the Aircraft Dispatcher courses.

Aviation Studies:

Aviation Studies, B.S. (AAST) This major is designed to provide a path to degree completion for students who have already earned significant credit in an aviation field. To be eligible, students must have completed a minimum of 15 hours of aviation-specific credit before enrolling. This is especially helpful for students who have served in the military, taken aviation courses as part of that service, and who desire to go to the next level and earn a bachelor’s degree. The flexibility of the program makes it very transfer friendly. Students will study both aviation and business management. Aviation courses include aviation law, aviation safety, and human factors. Business management courses include organizational behavior, financial analysis, and human resource management.

Majors

Associate of Science

An Associate of Science degree may be granted in the following areas:

Bachelor of Science

A Bachelor of Science degree may be granted in the following areas:

Minor

A Minor may be selected from the following areas: