About Aviation Technology
Start Your Career in Aviation Technology at GRC
Green River designed its Aviation Technology program to provide students with a real-world education and competitive advantages in the job market.
Advanced technology, exceptional instructors, and specialized Federal Aviation Administration-approved programs prepare students of every experience level with a foundation in aviation weather, air transportation, air traffic control, English and Math.
Equipment
Redbird Motion Simulator
Log training and classroom hours in this full-motion flight simulator. Five wraparound
screens combine with an electric motion platform and a customizable instrument deck
for realistic training.
Air Traffic Control Lab
Green River Aviation houses the only air traffic control lab in the Pacific Northwest.
Advanced computer software simulates real-life air traffic so students gain exposure
to the air traffic environment in the classroom.
Wind Tunnel
Learn the aerodynamics of aircrafting right on campus with a wind tunnel that simulates
the movement of air around an aircraft in flight
CTI Program
Green River Aviation is one of 36 institutions selected by the FAA for the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program.
The CTI program establishes an official partnership between the FAA and select aviation education programs. Green River recommends its students to the FAA for hire as air traffic controllers, granting students an advantage in the extremely competitive hiring process. Successful program completion and selection by the FAA can potentially feed directly into air traffic controller training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma.
There are additional requirements students must meet beyond acceptance to Green River's Aviation Technology program to participate in the CTI program.
Contact Us
Aviation Technology is located at Green River College's Auburn Center at 1221 D Street NE, Auburn, WA 98002
- Tad Henry
Commercial Pilot Advisor/Aviation Faculty
253-931-6514
tahenry@greenriver.edu
Have Questions About Registration?
- Welcome Desk: 253-333-6000, welcomedesk@greenriver.edu
- Office of the Registrar: 253-288-3383, otr@greenriver.edu
Veteran Friendly
Green River Community College is a vet-friendly institution and Aviation Technology provides remarkable assistance and accommodation to U.S. veterans. Contact Veterans Services to find out exactly how you can benefit from the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. At this time, GRC is not accepting the Post-9/11 GI Bill® for any flight training program. This funding may be used for non-flight aviation AAS degrees.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Bachelor and Associate Degree Options
Aeronautical Science, BAS
The Bachelor of Applied Science program in Aeronautical Science is designed for students
pursuing non-flight careers in the field of aviation, such as Air Traffic Control,
Aviation Management, and Airline Dispatch, or any other non-flight related aviation
career.
Length of Program: 180 Credits
Average Salary: $138,155
Unmanned Aerial Systems, AAS
This degree will introduce the student to the world of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and will allow them to learn about the regulatory environment, licensing
requirements for an operator, operational issues, and commercial uses and limitations
of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Length of Program: 92 Credits
Average Salary: $99,686
Aviation Technology, AAS-Commercial Pilot Track
Commercial Pilot Fixed Wing - Throughout the commercial pilot program students will
be required to get their Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, and Commercial
Pilot License.
Length of Program: 94 credits
Average Salary: $201,355
Aviation Technology, AAS-Air Traffic Control Track
Air Traffic Control - Green River Aviation is one of 36 institutions selected by the
FAA for the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program. The CTI program establishes
an official partnership between the FAA and select aviation education programs.
Length of Program: 96-103 credits
Average Salary: $116,355
Aviation Technology, AAS-Airline Dispatch Track
Administered under CFR Title 14, Part 65, students completing this track will be eligible
to test for the FAA Aircraft Dispatchers Certificate.
Length of Program: 96-103 credits
Average Salary: $55,356
Aviation Technology, AAS-Aviation Management Track
This option track prepares students for entry level jobs at airports or airlines of
all sizes across the United States.
Length of Program: 96-103 credits
Average Salary: $77,500
Certificate Options
Aviation Technology - Aviation Operations Management Certificate
This certificate provides an introduction and basic foundation of the roles, responsibilities,
and aviation career opportunities including airport management, aviation management,
and other jobs in the aviation industry.
Length of Program: 40 credits
Aviation Technology: Air Traffic Controller Certificate
This certificate program prepares students for direct-hire into a Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) operated air traffic control tower. The certificate follows the
FAA approved academy course.
Length of Program: 44 credits
Ready to Enroll in Automotive Technology?
- Complete GRC Application
- Complete placement assessment - you must show college-level reading skills as measured by GRC placement test
- Meet with an advisor to build your education plan
- New students must show proof of a valid driver's license
We provide personal protective equipment and uniforms.
Second-year students are required to buy a tool set - estimated cost $1,400 to $5,000
If you took automotive training in high school, you may be eligible to get GRC credit for these classes. Contact us to confirm credit transferability.
Career Outlook
With a degree in Aviation Technology, you can start an exciting career in the world of flight. Planes and helicopters need skilled workers to keep them flying safely—and that means there are many job opportunities.
The aviation industry is growing, and many workers are getting ready to retire. This means companies are looking for new, trained technicians to take their place.
With this degree, you can work as:
- An aircraft mechanic
- An avionics technician (working on airplane electronics)
- A maintenance inspector
- Or even move into management later in your career
These jobs are in high demand and often pay well. You can work at airports, for airlines, or for private companies. Some people even work around the world!
If you like working with your hands, solving problems, and being part of something big—aviation technology could be the right path for you.