Aviation Majors
Overview and Aviation Programs Offered
Lewis University’s commitment to quality aviation programs began in 1932 when aviation studies first were offered. The Harold E. White Aviation Center, which includes a multi-million dollar high-tech flight complex, is one of the most modern aviation education centers in the Midwest. The facility includes a flight planning room, a flight simulator room, a computer laboratory, and a dispatch center, as well as classrooms.
The department’s facilities reflect the spirit of aviation education at Lewis, with the front door opening to the Lewis University campus and the back door opening to the airport. Students spend ample time in both locations as they receive a solid liberal arts foundation in addition to advanced technical training. Today, Lewis is an acknowledged leader in aviation education, preparing professionals to serve the aviation community and aviation-related industries on a worldwide basis. Aviation students come to Lewis from across the United States and abroad.
At Lewis, aviation students may select one of several tracks. These programs include bachelor’s degrees in Air Traffic Control Management, Aviation Administration, Aviation Flight Technology, Pre-Aviation Flight Technology, Aviation Maintenance Technology, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems; the associate’s degrees in Air Traffic Control, Aviation Flight or Maintenance; and the certificate in Aviation Maintenance Technology. Minors are available in Aviation Administration, Aviation Flight, Aircraft Dispatch, Aviation Maintenance Technology, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Students requesting to change their major to Air Traffic Control Management must have a 3.00 (B) grade point average and receive permission from the Chair of the department.
Air Traffic Control Management majors may also major in Aviation Administration or Aviation Flight Technology provided they successfully complete 12 credit hours in upper-division courses that differentiate the two majors (that is, are not simultaneously applied to both majors). Air Traffic Control Management majors may minor in Aviation Flight Technology but not in Aviation Administration.
Students have many opportunities for co-curricular involvement, such as Alpha Eta Rho (National Aviation Fraternity), Flight Team (National Intercollegiate Flying Association), and the student chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).
Strong emphasis is placed on preparing the graduate for the challenges of life and the aerospace industry in the twenty-first century. Particular areas of emphasis throughout the program include oral and written communications, critical thinking and problem solving skills, interpersonal relationships, and professional and personal ethics.
Special Consideration as a Result of FAA Requirements
Some programs within the Department of Aviation and Transportation Studies include courses which have been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). These programs include
Part 65: Approved Dispatcher Program
Part 141: Approved Flight School
Part 147: Approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School
The courses which meet the FAA requirements are reviewed on a regular basis by the FAA. The FAA approved courses which meet the requirements under Title 14 are noted under the course descriptions section of this catalog. Enrollment in any FAA-approved course requires that students comply with all FAA rules and regulations. Academic success alone, however, does not guarantee FAA certification in these programs. Reasons for disqualification include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Alcohol abuse or addiction;
2. Drug abuse, addiction, possession, or sale;
3. Conviction of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
In addition, some occupations within the aerospace industry are closed to individuals with prior felony convictions. Additionally, appropriate medical exams are required for various certificates.
FAA Testing Authority
Students authorized to take FAA knowledge exams for flight or maintenance ratings may do so by computer. The aviation computer lab is an approved FAA knowledge test center. Additionally, aircraft maintenance oral and practical exams are administered by department faculty who are FAA designated mechanic examiners while Private Pilot and Instrument rating practical exams are administered by the chief or assistant chief flight instructors. These FAA exams are by appointment only and fees are in addition to tuition costs.
Challenge Exams / Transfer Credit / Residency Requirement / Licenses
Challenge examinations are permitted for students with documented work or military experience in an area of specialization which conforms to FAA regulations. Passing a challenge examination may permit a student to either (1) waive a required course on a no-credit basis, or (2) obtain credit toward a degree by paying the requisite University fee.
Students who have previously obtained an FAA rating or certificate may receive credit for courses and labs that correspond to these ratings. Prior training gained through an accredited college may be granted transfer credit upon approval from the department chair. Students who have certificates and/or ratings obtained through a non-accredited source may request both course and lab credit. A challenge examination may be required to demonstrate adequate knowledge and proficiency.
All of the above credits must be requested no later than six weeks into the initial semester at Lewis, regardless of the student's declared major.
Students pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in an Aviation program fulfill a residency requirement by completing the last 32 credit hours and the last semester of their degree program in Lewis University courses, taking 4 courses (12-16 credit hours) at the 300 or 400 level at Lewis University and completing at least 2 of the 4 required Mission-related courses (6 credit hours) at Lewis University.
Students pursuing an Associate Degree in an Aviation program fulfill a residency requirement by completing the last 24 credit hours of their degree program in Lewis University courses, taking 12 of these 24 credit hours in courses pertinent to the associate degree program and completing at least 2 Mission-related courses (6 credit hours) at Lewis university. One Mission-related course completed at Lewis University must be in Theology.
Students entering a major in Aviation Maintenance Technology who have completed an Airframe license will receive 38 credit hours on their Lewis University transcript. Students entering a major in Aviation Maintenance Technology who have completed a Powerplant license will receive 34 credit hours on their Lewis University transcript. Students entering a major in Aviation Maintenance Technology who have completed both licenses will receive 58 credit hours on their Lewis University transcript.
Entering students with one or the other license may not transfer in more than 72 credit hours earned through a combination of community college credit hours and PLA (Prior Learning Assessment) credit hours awarded for the completion of either the Airframe or the Powerplant Certificate.
Entering students with both licenses completed may not transfer in more than 84 credit hours earned through a combination of community college credits hours and PLA (Prior Learning Assessment) credit hours awarded for the completion of both the Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certificates. In any case, the student should complete 56 credit hours of four-year college/university courses.
Attendance
Students enrolled in an approved FAA curriculum must meet FAA requirements regarding the minimum number of hours. The maximum number of absences allowed in each course is the number of times the lecture/lab meets per week. For example, if a class meets 4 hours for that class per week, a student is allowed to miss only 4 hours during the entire class term. Being late three times is equivalent to one absence. All absences from either lecture or laboratories must be made up prior to the end of the semester. If a student knows in advance that an absence will occur, the instructor should be informed.
Declaration and Change of Major
It is important to recognize that most aviation programs are highly technical in nature and require substantial laboratory coursework. Flight and maintenance training is sequential, requiring several consecutive semesters to complete. Additionally, because of its technical nature, aviation has limited electives. Therefore, in order to graduate in the traditional four years, a student must declare a major as early as possible during his or her academic career.
It is important to note that required courses vary among different majors. Students are advised to carefully evaluate the effect that changing majors might have with respect to future course requirements and the required time to complete the degree. When applying for graduation, however, the student must have successfully completed all the requirements for the declared major.
Students wishing to change from one department program to another must obtain approval from the chair of the department. Those students who entered the two-year aviation program will be admitted to the five-semester or four-year degree programs only if they have maintained a 2.00 (C) grade point average and have completed the two-year certificate program.
Minimum Grade Point Average
First semester students who receive a grade of “F” in any major course may be dismissed from the Department of Aviation and Transportation Studies regardless of their grade point average. The department requires that all students maintain a minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average in the major. At the conclusion of each semester, each student’s grades are reviewed to assure success in the program. Students whose grade point average has fallen below the minimum 2.00 (C) in the major will be dropped from the program. Those who are dropped may apply for re-admission under the terms of the University re-admission policy.
In cases in which circumstances warrant, the department may agree to approve a contract between a student and the university in lieu of being dropped from the program. The contract will specify appropriate goals that must be met during the succeeding semester. At the end of the contract period, the student’s performance will be evaluated under the contract, and a decision on retention or dismissal will be made.
Students entering all aviation department programs will sign a statement of understanding which states they will comply with all policies of the department. These policies further outline all requirements of each program. Students who do not comply with aviation department policy may be dismissed from the program.
Safety
Safety is the primary concern in all aviation programs. Students who violate established safety rules or display a lack of safety awareness may be dismissed from the department.