Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most often asked questions about participating in the flight team.
How do I become a member of the team?
To become a member of The Metropolitan State College Of Denver
Precision flight team, all that is required is to sign up for the course AES 2330 "Precision Flight and
Navigation", and be accepted by the current team members according to the
bylaws of the team.
Prerequisite:
AES1100 or any other Private Pilot ground school course to assure that the student
has a working knowledge of aviation and safety procedures in and around aircraft.
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Who can compete?
- You need not be an Aerospace Science major in order to join the club and compete!
- No pilot license is required to
compete in any of the ground events, nor is one needed to be the navigator in the VFR Navigation event or the bombardier
in the message drop event. Join early and grow with the team!
- To take part in the landing events, or as pilot in the VFR Navigation or Message Drop event,
a Private Pilot Certificate issued by the FAA is required.
- To take part in either of the IFR events, an instrument rating
is required.
- To compete in a Regional or National Competition a team member must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA and be
signed up for at least 6 credit hours of course work at MSCD unless it is the students last semester prior to graduation.
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What is the time commitment?
In addition to the normal commitment to a 3, 2, or 1 credit hour course, there will be practices held typically on
Saturday mornings at the flight team designated airport from 7:45 AM till noon. There will also be time spent toward
fund raising and club
advertising and recruiting. You must plan on approximately 4 days out of the Fall semester for the Regional competition
and a week out of the Spring schedule for National competition. There will also be scheduled times for practice on
preflight and simulator events, typically on Fridays.
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Will there be a financial cost to be part of the team?
First is the cost of the courses:
AES2330 Precision Flight & Navigation - 3 credits
AES3330 Intermediate Precision Flight & Navigation - 2 credits
AES3340 Advanced Precision Flight & Navigation - 1 credit
AES2330LAB - Precision Flight & Navigation Lab - 0 credits
Secondly, depending on the amount of money we raise and the amount we are able to receive from club funding, student
travel and other sources, there may be a cost in attending the competition. Funds received will first go to entrance
fees, then lodging, then ground transportation, and finally flying time for competition followed by flying time for
travel and practice. Meals while away will always be the responsibility of the competitor.
Lastly, club members competing for spots in the flying events are responsible for the rental of their aircraft used
for practice. Also, to really be ready to win in competition in one of the landing or the VFR Navigation events will
require at least two additional practices a week. For those competing in ground events only, the extra cost should be
minimal.
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Can Flight Instructors be team members and compete?
Yes, just recently there has been a rules change allowing certified flight instructors to compete in a maximum of
2 Regional and 2 National meets, however the 1500 hr. flight time rule still stands. The flight instructors can also
participate by signing up for directed studies in the area of Aerospace Education (AES4760). They will also be given
charge to lead and organize certain ground events for which they will get a chance to enhance their teaching techniques.
It is hoped that all team members will receive their instructor certificate and return to work with the younger members
of the team when they are upper classmen.
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How are competitors chosen for each event?
The Advisor for the team chooses the competitors for each event usually with input from the flight instructor-helpers
participating in the club. New competitors for each event are chosen each semester without regard to prior event standings.
The course grades are calculated based on specific criteria listed in the course outline handed out at the beginning of the
semester and are separately determined without consideration of the event selections. Students are not required to compete
if they feel their course work in other areas might suffer or if they have other commitments.
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What are the advantages of being on the Flight Team?
- There is the opportunity to form friendships with a good group of students and develop a camaraderie with them
as you work together toward a common goal.
- There is an opportunity to develop leadership skills as you become an
Officer for the team and take on certain responsibilities.
- There is an opportunity to develop new skills and improve
your current skills in the area of aviation.
- There are scholarship opportunities associated with membership on the
team and participation at Regional and National competitions.
- There are opportunities for instructors to add
experience to their resume and improve their chances for employment and internships.
- Participation and success in events will improve your resume.
- There are opportunities, especially at the National level to win scholarships,
cash awards, aircraft training awards from the major airlines, etc.
- It’s just plane fun!!!
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Where can I find out more?
Contact Professor Christian
PHONE: (303) 556-3675
FAX: (303) 556-6331
E-mail: christib@mscd.edu
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