***In-Person Program Seminar Is June 13th at 12pm at Quad Cities Aero Flight School, located at 3100 69th Ave, Moline, IL 61265 ***
Overview:
Embark on an exciting new career journey with our comprehensive Professional Aeronautics Program (PAC) designed for individuals seeking a career change into aviation. This program is available through Black Hawk College and Quad Cities Aero. Over the course of three semesters you will earn you Professional Pilots License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Rating and an optional Multi-Engine Rating. These ratings are granted through the FAA and will enable you to become employable by the commercial airline industry as a Commercial Pilot where an average airline Captain earns an average salary of $300,000+.
Semester 1: Private Pilot License (PPL)
- Earn FAA Private Pilot License (single-engine)
- Train for safe flight under visual flight rules (VFR)
- 60-70 flight hours + 5-10 simulator hours
Semester 2: Instrument Flight Rating
- Earn FAA Instrument Flight Rating
- Learn to fly in clouds and low-visibility conditions under instrument flight rules (IFR)
- 50-60 flight hours + 20-30 simulator hours
Semester 3: Commercial License (CPL)
- Earn FAA Commercial Pilot License (single-engine)
- ~200 total flight hours + ~50 simulator hours (minimum combined experience)
- Eligible for paid commercial flying positions
Multi-Engine (Optional)
- Multi-Engine rating and optional Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) certification
- One-on-one instruction with flexible scheduling
Training Format and Weekly Commitment
PAC (Professional Aeronautics Certificate) is structured as either a part-time or full-time professional program
Part-Time Commitment: 15–20 hours/week for 12–16 months
- 3–4 hours of structured classroom instruction (typically evenings)
- 5–7 hours of flight training (typically three days per week)
Career path after graduation
Upon earning their CPL (~250 total flight hours), graduates typically build time as:
- Certified Flight Instructors (CFI/CFII)
- Charter or cargo Pilots
- Corporate flight crew
- Aerial survey or specialized operators
Once pilots reach 1500 total hours and obtain an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate,
they are eligible for positions at airlines and advanced corporate and cargo operations.
PAC is structured to produce competitive applicants prepared for long-term aviation
careers, not simply certificate completion.
- 5–10 hours of independent study and flight preparation
Full-Time Commitment: 30-40 hours/week for 6-9 months
- 6–8 hours of online learning + one-on-one ground instruction
- 10–14 hours of flight training (typically 5-6 days per week)
- 10–20 hours of independent study and flight preparation
Flight schedules require flexibility due to weather, maintenance, and resource availability.
Return on Investments & Career Outlook
This hiring environment is widely considered one of the strongest in aviation history.
- Strong pilot shortage projected for the next 10-20 years
- First officers enter regional airports at ~$80,000-$100,000 annually
- Rapid upgrade timelines compared to previous decades
- Mid-career salaries often exceed $300,000 annually, working 13-15 days per month
PAC requires less time and often less total investment than most bachelor’s degree programs while offering access to a high-income professional career path.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be at least 17 years old during their first semester
- Obtain a FAA First-Class Medical Certificate
- Demonstrate academic discipline and professional commitment
Because FAA medical standards are strict, applicants are strongly encouraged to CONTACT US prior to scheduling their exam to avoid preventable delays.
Estimated cost is $66,137 from zero hours to Commercial Pilot License, and total cost varies depending on hours in aircraft type, individual proficiency and certifications pursued
***In-Person Program Seminar Is June 13th at 12pm at Quad Cities Aero Flight School, located at 3100 69th Ave, Moline, IL 61265 ***
Pay: $300,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
