New Student Checklist

In order to make sure you are ready to begin flying right away when you arrive to campus, we have prepared the following checklist.

Flight Student Checklist

• Medical Certificate: Bring your aviation medical certificate (class I or class II). The FAA website provides a listing of approved aviation medical examiners and includes information about aviation medical exams and other health-related information that may affect your ability to fly. We recommend you review this information before your exam.

• Identification: Bring your driver's license or other government-issued photo I.D.

• Proof of Citizenship: Bring your original, current passport, your original birth certificate, or a certified copy of your birth certificate. We will need to inspect the original document and take copies of them. The original documents will be returned to you.

• Log Book: Bring your log book if you have already started one. If you have not yet logged any flight time, we will provide you with a log book as part of your training kit. 

• Headset: You are welcome to purchase any type of aviation headset from any source. For the convenience of our students, we have a few AvComm headsets in stock at the Flight Operations Center for $115.00. We are also a David Clark dealer and can order your choice of David Clark headsets. Two recommended models include a standard $325 version or a noise canceling version for $775. Let Dispatchers Cate or Jordan know of your preference. Students may borrow a "loaner" (AvComm) headset for a week or two as they begin flight training, but are expected to have their own headset after that time.

• Flight Lab Registration: Make sure you have registered for the correct flight lab by consulting the START Center. Early Start students should be registered for AVFL 121, AVFL 122A, and AVFL 122B. Fall Start students who are beginning their flight training should be registered for AVFL 121, AVFL 122A. Students with previous flight experience will be advised by our Director of Flight Education regarding appropriate lab placement.

• When Are You Available to Fly? Provide us with your schedule of availability (when you can fly). For your convenience, we have prepared this handout for you to fill out and return. Alternatively, if you only need to schedule flights around your academic schedule, let us know that and we will schedule you accordingly. Expect to fly two to four times per week. The Flight Operations Center is open seven days a week.

• Transportation: The flight operations center is about nine miles from the main campus. If you anticipate having transportation challenges, please let us know when you submit your schedule of availability. We will do our best to assist with carpool or other arrangements.

• Flight Account: Deposit the appropriate amount of money into your flight account in order to be placed on the flight schedule. Beginning flight students in the Early Start program need to deposit a minimum of $12,000. Contact the Cashier's Office for information about ways you may deposit funds. Fall Start and transfer students need to deposit a minimum of $6000. For more detailed information about estimated flight costs, consult our Estimated Flight Costs Handout. 

• Flight Lab Supplies: Students will receive books and other flight supplies during the first day of class for all AVFL classes. They are not available in the College Bookstore.

• As you are packing for college, make sure to bring warm weather and professional clothing. When temperatures drop towards the end of the semester we require students to bring hat, gloves, and a heavy jacket on all flights. During stage check flights, students are required to demonstrate professionalism by wearing "business casual".

Things to Know

Flight Funding: Students will not be assigned to a flight instructor or placed on the flight schedule until

1. The appropriate amount of money is deposited into their flight account, or
2. We are notified (and can verify) that a loan is in process or is expected to be dispersed during the first week of classes, or 
3. Special payment arrangements have been made with the Director of Aviation Student Support (Gail Avendano 801.832.2671 or gavendano@westminstercollege.edu)  

Transfer Students: If you have previous flight experience, contact Julie Paasch, the Director of Flight Education, as soon as possible in order to place you in the appropriate flight lab. She may be reached at jpaasch@westminstercollege.edu.

International Students: If you are not a United States citizen, we will guide you though a special approval process. Contact Cate Wade, Dispatcher, at 801.832.2910 for information about this process.