Propelled by the expansion of local airports and increased air travel, aviation fields are in high demand in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Rising to meet this demand, the Aeronautics department at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) is expanding with a number of new and exciting programs.
Demand for aircraft mechanics, avionics technicians, pilots, and air traffic controllers is experiencing substantial growth in the Inland Empire/Desert region, explained Francisco Gonzalez, Aeronautics Faculty Chair and Director of Aircraft Maintenance at SBVC. Aircraft mechanics alone are expected to see a 9% shortage this year in North America, rising to 20% by 2028 (Aviation Technician Education Council).
“Our programs are designed to meet this demand by equipping students with the necessary skills and certifications sought by employers in the region,” says Gonzalez.
The department’s comprehensive curriculum, covering a wide range of aviation disciplines, provides students with a holistic understanding of the aviation industry. Degrees and certificates offered include:
• Airframe Maintenance Technician, Certificate of Achievement
• Aviation Maintenance Technician, Associate of Science degree
• Aviation Maintenance Technician, Certificate of Achievement
• Flight Operations, Certificate of Achievement
• Flight Operations, Certificate of Completion
• Flight Operations and Management, Associate of Science degree
• Powerplant Maintenance Technician, Certificate of Achievement
New programs are being rolled out in Flight Operations and Air Traffic Control (ATC).
“These additions provide students with comprehensive training and multiple career pathways in aviation,” Gonzalez says.
A new Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree and Certificate in Flight Operations – Professional Pilot is currently pending final state approval and will provide students the skills to pursue a career and gain the certifications needed to be a professional pilot. The program is designed to be completed in two years and will include both ground school courses and flight lab training. The latter will be provided in partnership with Riverside Flight Academy.
“Our program emphasizes safety, academic excellence, and career readiness,” says Dr. Shannon Millen, a pilot and Aeronautics instructor who is developing the new Flight Operations programs at SBVC. “[We are] preparing graduates to pursue employment as commercial pilots, flight instructors, or continue their education toward advanced aviation careers.”
The newly launched FAA AT-CTI (Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative) program has received full approval from the FAA as a “basic” approved school, positioning SBVC among a select group of about 30 colleges nationwide offering such programs. The program is expected to launch in Fall 2026.
“This program provides students with the academic credentials needed to qualify for the FAA Air Traffic Control Academy in Oklahoma. We plan to expand this offering to include both a certificate and a degree in Air Traffic Control, creating a clear pathway for students pursuing careers in this critical field,” Gonzalez says.
The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) recognition and approval of the aircraft maintenance school and new air traffic control program “underscores the quality and industry relevance of our training,” Gonzalez says.
Responding to the growing importance of unmanned aerial systems, the department is also developing an interdisciplinary drone program that will encompass introductory courses and applications in fields such as geography, media, and art.
Offering hands-on work experience and job placement opportunities, the department maintains a number of industry partnerships, including collaborations with SkyWest and United Airlines. See video on another partnership to train aviation mechanics.
The SBVC Aeronautics department is not only growing its programs; student enrollment and completion rates are also growing. The department is set to graduate its largest class to date, with about 50 students completing the programs, a substantial increase from previous years. “This reflects both the quality of our offerings and the increasing interest in aviation careers,” says Gonzalez.
