Aviation
20 courses · San Diego Miramar College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
AVIA 101 Private Pilot Ground School
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- Concurrent enrollment in: AVIA 101L and AVIA 133
This course provides an introduction to basic aeronautical science and the field of aviation. Topics include aerodynamics and the principles of flight; airplane instruments, engines, and systems; airports; air traffic control and airspace; Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs); aircraft performance; aeromedical factors and decision making; weather and weather services; navigation; and cross country flight planning. This course, combined with AVIA 133 (Human Factors in Aviation), fulfills all requirements for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Private Pilot Knowledge Test. This course is intended for students majoring in Aviation Operations or those pursuing a private pilot's license.
AVIA 101L Private Pilot Flight Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: AVIA 101 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or FAA-issued Private Pilot Certificate
- Advisory
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: AVIA 133 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
Designed for the beginning pilot, this lab provides a hands-on introduction to basic airplane operations, procedures, regulations, and techniques using an Aviation Training Device (flight simulator). Topics include ground operations, flight maneuvers, airplane control, flight by reference to instruments, navigation, emergency procedures, and communications. This course is intended for students majoring in Aviation Operations or those pursuing a private pilot's license.
AVIA 105 Introduction to Aviation and Aerospace
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course provides an introduction to the aviation and aerospace industry. Topics include an overview of aviation history, regulation, and legislation; U.S. air carriers; aviation operations; aviation employment and career paths; and future developments. This course is intended for students majoring in Aviation Operations or anyone interested in the aviation industry.
AVIA 115 Aviation Weather
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course is an introduction to atmospheric science, including applications to flight. Topics include the composition and structure of the atmosphere, atmospheric pressure, air circulation, winds, turbulence, precipitation, air masses, severe weather, clouds, air stability, and climate. Through examination of these topics, students gain an understanding of the scientific method and the methodologies of scientific investigation used to explain and predict weather phenomena. Other topics include the relationships between meteorology, technology, and economics; global climate change; and the interpretation and use of aviation weather charts, briefs, reports, and forecasts. This course is intended for students majoring in Aviation Operations or anyone interested in weather phenomena.
AVIA 125 Aviation and Airport Management
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course introduces students to the major aspects of aviation and airport management. Topics include the airport-airway system; airport planning and development; aviation operations and management; community relations; governing regulations; security; and careers. This course is intended for students majoring in Aviation Operations or those interested in the aviation industry.
AVIA 128 Group Dynamics for High Risk Teams
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of Team Resource Management (TRM), an error management strategy now applied in a wide array of high-risk industries that is designed for technical teams operating in high-stress environments. In this course, students become familiar with TRM processes as a way to expose and manage team errors as they shape authority relations in a dynamic context thereby honing skills of observation, analytic problem solving, and critical thinking. This course is intended for students majoring in Aviation Operations or anyone interested in leadership and group dynamics.
AVIA 133 Human Factors in Aviation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: AVIA 101 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is about decision-making and the causes of human error. Students learn to identify, assess, and mitigate potential hazards by analyzing the physiological, psychological, and sociological factors contributing to accidents in aviation and other high-risk fields. Topics include human factors theories and models; Crew Resource Management (CRM); flight physiology; health and lifestyle choices; hazardous attitudes, mental, and emotional states; cognitive processes; communication; group dynamics; social norms; organizational culture; leadership; and decision-making. Students integrate these concepts into strategies designed to reduce errors, manage risk, develop safe habits, and make effective decisions throughout their professional and personal lives. This course is intended for students majoring in Aviation Operations or anyone interested in the field of aviation safety.
AVIA 151 Helicopter Ground School
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: AVIA 101 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course provides an introduction to helicopter operations and careers. Topics include the aerodynamic principles of helicopter flight; helicopter instruments, engines, and systems; helicopter performance and operating characteristics; airports, airspace, weather, weather services, and navigation as they pertain to helicopter operations; and additional aeronautical knowledge. This course, combined with AVIA 101 (Private Pilot Ground School) and AVIA 133 (Human Factors in Aviation), fulfills all requirements for the FAA Helicopter Private Pilot Knowledge Test. It is intended for students majoring in Aviation Operations or those seeking helicopter pilot qualification.
AVIA 161 Remote Pilot Ground School
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- Concurrent enrollment in: AVIA 161L; Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: AVIA 101 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course prepares students to meet the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for certification to operate Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) under 55 pounds for commercial purposes. Emphasis is placed on the safety, legal, and ethical requirements of operation in the National Airspace System. Other topics include the core technologies of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) such as optics, sensors, powerplants, control systems, and communications. This course is intended for students majoring in Aviation Operations or anyone interested in unmanned aircraft flight.
AVIA 161L Remote Pilot Flight Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: AVIA 161 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent FAA-issued Remote Pilot Certificate
- Advisory
- AVIA 101L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This lab course provides a hands-on introduction to basic Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles/Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAV/UAS) flight activities. Students practice and optimize essential UAS pilot flight skills by planning and flying simulated for-hire commercial small UAS (sUAS) operations. Flight time in the approved UAV/UAS may be applied toward requirements for both attaining and maintaining Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight ratings. This course is intended for students majoring in Aviation Operations or anyone interested in unmanned aircraft flight.
AVIA 195 Instrument Ground School
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- AVIA 101 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or FAA-issued Private Pilot Certificate
- Advisory
- AVIA 101L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or FAA-issued Private Pilot Certificate and Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in: AVIA 195L and Advisory: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: AVIA 133 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course provides an introduction to basic Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) procedures, regulations, and techniques. Topics include airplane instruments and instrument flying techniques, IFR airspace and air traffic control procedures, pertinent Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), IFR weather and weather services, aeromedical factors and decision making in instrument conditions, and IFR flight planning. This course is intended for students majoring in Aviation Operations or anyone interested in flight training.
AVIA 195L Basic Instrument Flight Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- AVIA 101 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or FAA-issued Private Pilot Certificate and AVIA 101L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or FAA-issued Private Pilot Certificate
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: AVIA 195 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or FAA-issued Instrument Pilot Certificate
- Advisory
- AVIA 133 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This laboratory course provides an introduction to basic Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) procedures, regulations, and techniques through the use of an Aviation Training Device (flight simulator). Designed for the private pilot, this course provides an introduction to airplane instruments and instrument flying techniques; flight into IFR airspace and air traffic control procedures; pertinent Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs); IFR weather and weather services; aeromedical factors and decision making in instrument conditions; and IFR flight planning. It is intended for students majoring in Aviation Operations or anyone interested in flight training.
AVIA 196L Advanced Instrument Flight Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- AVIA 195 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or FAA-issued Instrument Pilot Certificate and AVIA 195L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or FAA-issued Instrument Pilot Certificate
- Advisory
- AVIA 133 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This laboratory course provides advanced study and practice in Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) procedures, regulations, and techniques through the use of an Aviation Training Device (flight simulator). Designed for students seeking instrument flight certification, this course provides advanced practice in airplane instruments and instrument flying techniques, flight into IFR airspace, instrument navigation, and instrument approach procedures. It is intended for students majoring in Aviation Operations or anyone interested in flight training.
AVIA 201 Commercial Pilot Ground School
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- AVIA 101 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent FAA-issued Private Pilot Certificate
- Advisory
- AVIA 133 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course provides an overview of the aeronautical knowledge and job requirements for a commercial pilot. Topics include advanced study of aerodynamics; large and multi-engine aircraft systems; performance and weight and balance; air traffic control and airspace; Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs); aeromedical factors and decision making; weather and weather services; and international flight planning, navigation, and procedures. This course, combined with AVIA 133 (Human Factors in Aviation), fulfills all requirements for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test. This course is intended for students majoring in Aviation Operations or those seeking commercial pilot qualification.
AVIA 211 Flight Instructor Ground School
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: AVIA 195 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent , or FAA-issued Instrument Pilot Certificate
- Advisory
- Concurrent enrollment in: AVIA 211L or AVIA 215L; Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: AVIA 133 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course provides an introduction to methods of flight instruction by integrating learning theory with an in-depth study of aeronautical science. Topics include optimum adult learning environments and instructional techniques pertaining to the principles of flight; aircraft systems and performance; Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs); aeromedical factors; weather; and navigation. When combined with AVIA 133 (Human Factors in Aviation) and AVIA 211L (Basic Visual Flight Instructor Lab) or AVIA 215L (Basic Instrument Flight Instructor Lab), this course fulfills all requirements for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Fundamentals Of Instruction (FOI), Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and/or Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) pilot knowledge tests. It is intended for students majoring in Aviation Operations or prospective flight instructors.
AVIA 211L Basic Visual Flight Instructor Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: AVIA 211 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: AVIA 133 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course provides an introduction to applied methods of Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flight instruction. The course utilizes an Aviation Training Device (flight simulator) lab in which students practice applied flight instruction techniques under the direct supervision of a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). When combined with AVIA 133 (Human Factors in Aviation) and AVIA 211 (Flight Instructor Ground School), this course fulfills all requirements for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Fundamentals Of Instruction (FOI), Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and/or Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) pilot knowledge tests. It is intended for students majoring in Aviation Operations or prospective flight instructors.
AVIA 215L Basic Instrument Flight Instructor Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- AVIA 196L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: AVIA 211 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- AVIA 128 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and AVIA 201 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course provides an introduction to applied methods of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight instruction. The course utilizes an Aviation Training Device (flight simulator) lab in which students practice applied flight instruction techniques under the direct supervision of a Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII). It is intended for students majoring in Aviation Operations or those seeking qualification as a flight instructor.
AVIA 216L Advanced Instrument Flight Instructor Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- AVIA 215L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- AVIA 128 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course provides advanced study of applied methods of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight instruction. The course utilizes an Aviation Training Device (flight simulator) lab in which students practice applied flight instruction techniques under the direct supervision of a Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII). It is intended for students majoring in Aviation Operations or those seeking qualification as a flight instructor.
AVIA 228 Group Dynamics II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- AVIA 128 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This aviation course offers students the opportunity to continue developing "reflective-practitioner" skills, building on learning experienced in Group Dynamics I. Emphasizing an error management strategy called Team Resource Management, students explore further the nature of "roles" and the impact of group processes as a way to expose and manage team errors. The course also addresses how professionals in high-risk fields such as aviation might increase their awareness of the dynamics of authority relations, factors affecting the act of authorizing, and the interdependent nature of leadership in aviation while assisting participants to learn how to manage anxiety and continue to think and function in stressful situations. This course is intended for students majoring in Aviation Operations or anyone interested in leadership and group dynamics.
AVIA 270 Aviation Operations Internship / Work Experience
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 54 - 216 hours other
This course provides on-the-job learning experiences for students employed in an aviation-related job or internship. Students develop workplace competencies, critical thinking skills, and problem solving abilities through the creation and achievement of job-related behavioral learning objectives. This course may be taken up to four times. One unit of credit may be earned for every 54 hours of work experience. A maximum of fourteen credit hours for all work experience subject areas may be earned during one enrollment period. This course is intended for students majoring in Aviation Operations or those interested in the aviation field.