Aviation Admissions Policies

Disqualifying Medical Conditions
According to the FAA, the following medical conditions are disqualifying:

Diabetes Mellitus
Angina Pectoris
Coronary Heart Disease
Myocardial infarction
Cardiac valve replacement
Permanent pacemaker
Heart replacement
Psychosis
Bipolar Disorder
Personality Disorder
Substance Abuse
Epilepsy
Unexplained unconsciousness
Temporary loss of nervous system function

In some rare cases, special issuance can be obtained for the above conditions. This requires considerable time and medical documentation (additional tests and expenses may be incurred.

The following conditions can usually be approved with little difficulty, but additional tests may be required or Statement of Demonstrated Ability:

Monocular vision (blind in one eye)
Amputation
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) which is well controlled. Most medications are approved, but some medications are not approved.

Cancer which is in remission

Applicants should be aware that Second Class medical certificates require 20/20 vision (glasses or contacts OK), so it is wise to make sure vision is up to this standard prior to taking the medical exam. If you wear glasses or contacts and want a Second Class medical certificate see your Ophthalmologist or Optometrist before scheduling your medical exam.

Northwest Arkansas FAA Approved Doctors
All students must possessed FAA 2nd class Medical and Student Pilot License before starting a flight program.
FAA Aviation Medical Examiners
Steven C. Wilson, M.D.
194 Centennial ( HWY 71)
P.O.BOX 819
West Fork, AR 72774
479-839-2296

Lawerence J. Schemel, M.D.
1215 South Thompson
Springdale, AR 72764
479-751-8440

Robert E. Holder, M.D.
306 NE Blake
Bentonville
AR, 72712
479-273-9056

Joe P. Rouse, MD
767 W. North Street
Fayetteville, AR 72701
479-443-0500

Aviation Scholarships

The Aviation Department is providing the following information as a service and makes no claims as to whether the information is accurate, complete, and up-to-date. Please check with each organization for current information. Also, there are many other sources for aviation related scholarships so please do further research if you do not have success at these organizations.

COMPENSATION & FINANCIAL AID CONSIDERATIONS

Earning a degree in either the aviation pilot or maintenance field is expensive. The cost of an “out of district” AAS in Maintenance will exceed $14,700. The professional pilot option with the AS degree may top out at nearly $27,700. Financial aid will be a necessity for most students involved in these programs. It is very important for students to carefully assess their financial resources, and make contact with the NWACC Financial Aid office to begin the application process. Although Pell Grants and Stafford Student Loans are very helpful, in most cases, aviation students will have to have alternative funding support.

Family funds, scholarships (see our listing), and other loans may be required to allow normal progress towards a degree. For students living outside the united States (non U.S. citizens), it is important to contact NWACC International Student Admissions to insure appropriate information is utilized.

The costs of an aviation degree can be high, but these costs are more than balanced by potential future incomes. Certified Airframe and Powerplant technicians can expect to earn $14 to $24 per hour for a starting wage. During a pilot’s early years (building experience and flight time), pay is relatively low (starting annual salary with a regional airline as low as $16,500). Once hired by a major airline, a professional pilot could expect to be earning more than $100,000 per year after ten years (maximum salary for 30 year captains may be in excess of $300,000).