Black Hawk College and Quad Cities Aero are partnering to offer a Professional Aeronautics Certificate (PAC). This certificate program is designed for students who seek a fast-track pathway to a pilot career in the aviation industry. Specifically, this non-degreed program is three consecutive semesters in length whereby students will attend one class per semester to earn progressively higher pilot licenses:
An optional fourth semester will allow graduates to become certified flight instructors (CFIs) in semester four.
Each license will be issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and all educational materials and activities will be regulated by the FAA. This is a cooperative program with Black Hawk College providing aviation theory via ground-school courses on campus and Quad Cities Aero providing practical training via their flight school.
Classes are facilitated and taught by Quad Cities Aero in cooperation with Black Hawk College.
PAC graduates will complete the program with 250-300 total flight hours, and they can expect to be immediately employable by private or charter aircraft operators or by flight schools as instructors. Some graduates will finish after earning their commercial pilot license in the third semester and enter the workforce flying commercial charter or corporate aircraft, but most graduates will complete the fourth and final semester to become instructor pilots then build their hours as instructors before applying for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, which requires 1500 hours of total flight time. Â
Through the Business Training Center, we offer many learning opportunities and specialized training for both businesses and individuals.
After serving four years in the United States Marine Corps, Thomas Servantes Mayo enrolled at Black Hawk College to continue his path toward law enforcement. With support from faculty and hands-on internship experience, he built confidence, gained practical skills and prepared for the next chapter of his career.
After putting college on hold to raise her family, Jessica Torrence returned to Black Hawk College to pursue her goals in business and real estate. With support from faculty and hands-on experience, she built confidence, earned her degree and launched a growing career—all while balancing life as a busy mom.
Congratulations to the new members of Alpha Beta Gamma, Delta Alpha Pi, Psi Beta and Sigma Kappa Delta honor societies at Black Hawk College!
