ERAU, Santa Fe Community College Approve Aeronautical Science
Credit Transfer
Under a new agreement, students who
earn a two-year Associate of Science degree in Aviation Science
from Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) may transfer all their
credits to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to count as the
first two years toward a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in
Aeronautical Science.
The pact applies to students earning a Professional Pilot
specialization at SFCC's Institute for Public Safety in
Gainesville, FL, who want to pursue an Airline Pilot specialization
at Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach campus.
"This arrangement with Embry-Riddle speaks to a need in the
economy for professional pilots and fosters a definite bridge for
our students to proceed to a very technical and lucrative
profession," said Capt. Jim Murphey, SFCC's Aviation Science
program director. "This is a fabulous fit with Embry-Riddle for
students interested in aviation careers."
Dave Esser, professor and associate chair of Embry-Riddle's
Aeronautical Science Department, is also enthusiastic about the
coordinated efforts of the two schools. "This is a win-win
situation because students know their credits will transfer when
they complete their A.S. degree, and Embry-Riddle knows it is
getting good students with proven academic records," he said.
"We'll put the final polish on these students before they go
forward in the industry as aviation professionals carrying the
Embry-Riddle banner."
SFCC's A.S. degree program in Aviation Science with a
Professional Pilot specialization prepares students for careers
with the airline industry, charter services, the military, and
police departments. The curriculum integrates the flight program
prescribed by the FAA into a comprehensive program covering all
aspects of aviation science, including aerodynamics, aeronautical
navigation, aviation safety, and meteorology. Besides the A.S.
degree in Aviation Science, graduates earn FAA Certificates for
Private Pilot and Instrument Ratings, with an option for a
Multi-Engine Rating.
After the transition to
Embry-Riddle's B.S. degree program in Aeronautical Science with an
Airline Pilot specialization, students receive flight training in a
combination of Cessna Skyhawks and Piper Seminoles. Those same
aircraft are replicated by flight-training devices (FTDs) in the
university's Advanced Flight Simulation Center, which also houses a
Canadair Regional Jet FTD, giving the student experience in the
multi-crew glass flightdeck environment of a modern regional
jet.
By training students with FTDs that simulate the jet aircraft
used by regional airlines as well as the smaller planes used in
flight education, Embry-Riddle's program allows students to become
better pilots faster and at a lower cost than before.
At graduation from Embry-Riddle, the student will have earned an
FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine and Instrument
Ratings, with optional Certified Flight Instructor and Certified
Flight Instrument Instructor Ratings.