Space Pilots

High School

Some high schools offer aviation classes, or even a complete aviation STEM curriculum, provided by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Check with your school to see if aviation-related educational opportunities are available. Other recommended classes include science (especially physics), mathematics, computer science, engineering, English, speech, and social studies.

Postsecondary Education

Approximately 600 civilian flying schools are certified by the FAA, including some colleges and universities that offer degree credit for pilot training. The AOPA offers information on training at https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/learn-to-fly/flying-for-a-career/sky-high-options-for-flying-careers. Some people learn how to fly in the armed forces. Visit TodaysMilitary.com to learn more.

Some companies seek candidates who have completed a Society of Experimental Test Pilots–recognized test pilot course.

Certification

Certificate programs are available from colleges and universities, professional associations, and online learning platforms (OLPs). These should not be confused with flight certificates, which are awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration and other aviation regulatory bodies. Certificate programs allow aspiring and current pilots to become familiar with aviation- and especially aerospace-related topics. For example, Pennsylvania State University offers a certificate in space systems engineering. Students take classes such as Spacecraft Design; Space Propulsion and Power Systems; Satellite Communications Systems; Orbit and Attitude Control of Spacecraft; Astronautics; Fundamentals of Remote Sensing Systems; and Manufacturing Methods in Microelectronics. Contact postsecondary institutions, associations, and other providers for more information on educational offerings.

Other Education or Training

Continuing education opportunities are provided by colleges and universities, OLPs (such as Udemy, Coursera, and edX), and professional associations. The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) offers instructor-led, Web-based, and home study training; correspondence courses; conference sessions; and webinars. Courses have included Spacecraft Design, Development, and Operations; Flight Vehicle Guidance, Navigation, and Control Systems; Human Spaceflight Operations: Lessons Learned from 60 Years in Space; and Design of Space Launch Vehicles. Additionally, the AIAA offers an aerospace recruitment webinar series that provides an introduction to aerospace employers and advice on landing an internship or job. Recent employers discussed include SpaceX, The Aerospace Corporation, and Ball Aerospace. Visit https://www.aiaa.org/events-learning for more information.