MCCC Aviation Program Receives Prestigious Five-Year Reaccreditation

The Aviation Flight Technology program at Mercer County Community College has earned a five-year reaccreditation from the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) of the University Aviation Association. 

According to MCCC Aviation Program Coordinator Joan Jones, the accreditation, which was announced at the AABI’s Annual Meeting, follows an exhaustive self-study report, a multiple-day site visit by AABI representatives, and interviews with faculty, staff and students from the program.

Jones notes that until recently the AABI accepted only four-year institutions as members.  MCCC was the first two-year program in the country to receive this prestigious accreditation and remains one of only three two-year schools nationally to have it.

“AABI standards are extremely high.  We are proud to be included in this distinguished group of accredited aviation programs,” Professor Jones said. 

Mercer’s comprehensive curriculum enables students to obtain ground and flight certificates to fill positions with airport service operators at numerous airports in the United States and its possessions.  Those pursuing careers with major airlines usually continue their studies at four-year colleges to complete their bachelor’s degree.

To earn an associate degree in Aviation Flight Technology, students must pass the Federal Aviation Administration’s Private, Commercial, and Instrument computer examinations and be certified as a commercial pilot with instrument rating.  According to Jones, 97 percent of Mercer’s students have passed the examinations on the first attempt.

Classroom and laboratory instruction is carried out on MCCC’s West Windsor campus and flight training takes place at a fixed base operation at Trenton-Mercer Airport in partnership with Royal Karina Air Service.  Approximately 45 flight students are currently enrolled, with additional students expected to join the program after completing prerequisite courses.