Lehigh-Carbon Community College

Located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Lehigh-Carbon Community College offers two associate-degree tracks for both future aviators and management professionals in the aviation industry.

Program Highlights

Lehigh-Carbon Community College hosts an FAA-approved Part 141 pilot school to provide ground and pilot training. Flight training occurs at the Lehigh Valley International Airport (KABE). The aviation department is located directly on the airfield.

Programs that Lehigh-Carbon Community College offer are:

• Associate of Applied Science
  • Professional PIlot
  • Aviation Science

Students who pursue the aviation tracks at Lehigh-Carbon Community College can transfer to one of three four-year partner schools to continue their education and gain a bachelor’s degree:
● Bloomsburg University
● Penn College of Technology
● Thomas Edison State University

Value

Lehigh-Carbon Community College’s base tuition is affordable. In-state tuition will run approximately $8,000 a year. Out-of-state tuition will be slightly higher at about $11,000 a year. This is base tuition and does not include flight expenses.

Flight students should expect to pay around $55,000 to finish the professional pilot program. The program will progress students up to and including multiengine and certified flight instructor rating.

The college offers many aviation scholarships for students to reduce costs even more, including the:

● AAA East Penn Scholarship
● Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation Scholarship
● Elmer Gates Scholarship

The school also accepts veteran’s benefits such as the GI Bill.

Lehigh-Carbon Community College has a partnership agreement with ExpressJet Airlines. This partnership allows students to gain access to resources and potentially gain conditional job offers while still in school.

Fleet and Facilities

A traditional fleet for training is used at Lehigh-Carbon Community College and includes:
● Cessna 152s
● Piper Cherokees
● Mooneys
● Beechcraft Duchess

Graduates will be eligible for a R-ATP.

The Bottom Line

Lake Superior College stands out from other community colleges with the addition of a helicopter program. Both helicopter and fixed-wing degree paths accept VA benefits. Fixed-wing students have the benefit of eligibility for an R-ATP.