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Should You Earn Your Helicopter Aviation Degree During Flight School?

While not all employers require an aviation degree, it does open the door to many exciting pilot career opportunities. It also shows a level of commitment and education greater than those without an aviation degree. 

The COCC Aviation Program provides a practical, supportive environment to start your career as a professional helicopter pilot. You’ll have the opportunity to earn private through certified flight instructor certificates, while also earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aviation Science. Enrollment in the COCC degree program also allows students access to low-rate federal financial aid, Pell grants, and other financing options.

COCC’s program allows most students to earn their AAS along with all their flight certificates in two years. Students wishing to obtain a bachelor’s degree can transfer to either Oregon Institute of Technology or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University upon completing the COCC program. 

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Helicopter Training

Aviation Professional Pilot Helicopter Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

The Professional Pilot Helicopter Associate of Applied Science trains individuals to work as professional pilots in the air transportation industry. 

Students in the helicopter track will be eligible to earn the following FAA ratings/certificates: 

  • Private Pilot- Rotorcraft
  • Instrument – Helicopter
  • Commercial Pilot – Rotorcraft
  • Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) – Rotorcraft
  • Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument Helicopter (CFII)

You can learn more about the program’s entrance requirements, program requirements, and learning outcomes by reading the helicopter aviation degree course description in COCC’s course catalog.

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FEATURED STUDENT

LEVI ROGERS

COCC Leading Edge Helicopter Program Graduate

Levi Rogers chose the COCC and Leading Edge helicopter training program because of the variety of career options available to graduates. During his time at LEFA, Levi obtained his Private certificate, Instrument rating, and Commercial certificate. We went on to obtain his CFI/CFII, flying as an instructor and running Part 91 tours through the end of his training program. By the time he graduated, Levi was interested in using his experience to pursue a few different career paths. From Grand Canyon helicopter tours to working off-shore and gas or utility operations, the sky is truly the limit for COCC/LEFA graduates. 

 

“This is an inclusive program, anybody could do it. It just depends on your work ethic… It takes hard work and you’ve gotta apply yourself.” — Levi

FEATURED STUDENT

WILL LAWRENCE

Air Ambulance Pilot for Air Methods Corporation

Air Methods Corporation provides advanced air ambulance services as a flying ICU (Intensive Care Unit). The crew consists of one nurse, one paramedic, and the pilot. We respond at the request of EMS to rural scenes, and also transfer patients between hospitals. The helicopter is ready to fly 24/7 365 days-a-year, staffed by four pilots, a mechanic, and a handful of medical personnel. Our base in located in Osage Beach, Missouri. Air Methods has over 330 bases in 48 states.

The education I received from Leading Edge and COCC prepared me in all aspects of flying, from air traffic controlled environments to rural off-airport operations in the Cascade Mountain range. Flying in the mountains of Oregon prepared me perfectly to be an air ambulance pilot (now) and a bush pilot in Alaska (my previous 4 years experience). I also received an Associates degree in Aviation Sciences through COCC which makes my resume stand-out to employers.

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FEATURED STUDENT

JORDAN KUNHMUENCH

Fire & Short Haul Helicopter Pilot

Jordan works for JR Helicopters as an OAS-carded fire and short haul helicopter pilot flying AS-350b3 Astars. In that role, he fights fires and does search-and-rescue for Sequoia National Park in California. Over the winter months, he’s on-call for Part 135 commercial work. When asked about his experience at Leading Edge Flight Academy and COCC, he reports he couldn’t have asked for better training. According to Jordan, his time with LEFA prepared him to go above-and-beyond with both his flight training and knowledge-base for a career in aviation. 

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“My instructor was very thorough during the End Of Course check. I was beyond prepared for my checkride and went into it with all the information I needed to pass.”

Josiah Stranberg

Josiah Stranberg
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“Training at Leading Edge Flight Academy was key to preparing me for a successful career flying helicopters in Alaska’s oil and gas industry. The school’s location in Bend gave me the opportunity to learn how to handle the fast-changing weather conditions typical of Alaska, with a strong focus on quick decision-making and situational awareness. The chiefs are always approachable and have their office doors open, creating a supportive learning environment. The instructors’ vast experience, combined with the school’s strong network of alumni and industry connections, played a major role in helping me land my job. I’m incredibly grateful for the skills and opportunities that Leading Edge Flight Academy provided, which set me up for success in such a demanding and dynamic environment.”

Jackson Howery

Jackson Howery
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“After attaining my 1000hrs, I took a job in the New York City region at first flying tours and charters. The off airport and cross country experience I gained at Leading Edge proved vital to help me fly in this area due to all of the right waterfront and hospital rooftop helipads we often land on as well as the random off airport pickups or drop offs we have. Following that job, I took a position with an ENG company doing the news. I’m having a great time flying!”

Robert Rodgame

Robert Rodgame
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“Over the past few years I have had the opportunity to fly a variety of utility work to include Alaska Heli Ski and Power Line Construction. Attending Leading Edge Flight Academy built my foundation and provided me with tools that I use on a daily basis to fly safely in challenging environments.”

Tori Palmer

Tori Palmer
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“What would you have liked different in training? Nothing comes to mind, compared to the previous school where I did my primary training, Leading Edge is on such a higher scale of professionalism with safety a top priority, I have no complaints!”

David Cloutier

David Cloutier
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“I really enjoy the culture, professional atmosphere, and how welcoming and friendly everyone is from the top down. There is so much to learn, and I haven’t asked a question and gotten anything other than an answer or help finding one, and friendly chats and conversations are easy to come by.”

Nick Clements

Nick Clements
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“Currently, I am a pilot with Air and Marine Operations as an Air Interdiction Agent with US Customs and Border protection. Leading Edge set the foundation for my career goals. The wealth of knowledge I learned while at LEFA is still with me till this day.”

Mario Armendariz

Mario Armendariz
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“Leading Edge prepared me for my career in many ways. The high standards of proficiency taught me persistence and instilled a sense of pride in giving 110 percent every day. The experience and backgrounds of each instructor and supervisor were invaluable in providing crucial insight and honesty I needed to choose the career path best for me outside of school. I felt at home at Leading Edge. There was always an open door, a listening ear, and at times a shoulder to cry on. I strongly urge that anyone interested in this program not only attend for its high standard of training but for its support and camaraderie.”

Sy Murdoch

Sy Murdoch
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Air Methods Corporation provides advanced air ambulance services as a flying ICU (Intensive Care Unit). The crew consists of one nurse, one paramedic, and the pilot. We respond at the request of EMS to rural scenes, and also transfer patients between hospitals. Our base in located in Osage Beach, Missouri. Air Methods has over 330 bases in 48 states. The education I received from Leading Edge and COCC prepared me in all aspects of flying, from air traffic-controlled environments to rural off-airport operations in the Cascade Mountain range. Flying in the mountains of Oregon prepared me perfectly to be an air ambulance pilot (now) and a bush pilot in Alaska (my previous 4 years experience). 

Will Lawrence

Will Lawrence