College of DuPage offers basic aviation courses this fall

Explore the topics of aerodynamics, types of aircraft, maneuvering, certificates and ratings available to pilots, and navigating the U.S. airspace system this fall as part of two new basic aviation classes offer this fall through the College of DuPage Continuing Education department.

Basic Aviation I will run from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 10 to Oct. 9.

Basic Aviation II will run from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 22 to Nov. 19.

All classes meet on the college's Glen Ellyn campus, 425 Fawell Blvd

Led by College of DuPage Associate Professor of Engineering Alyssa Pasquale, the noncredit courses will cover a broad range of topics and are designed to cover "ground school" concepts. Courses do not include flight time.

Pasquale said that in addition to providing an educational experience for people who are interested in aviation, the classes provides an opportunity for prospective pilots to learn the basics close to home.

"I want to help people realize that flying airplanes is for everyone," Pasquale said. "You don't have to have a million dollars and you don't have to know a pilot. While we won't actually do any flight instruction in the class, I'll teach students how to find a flight school, how much they can expect to spend, what kinds of questions to ask of their possible instructors and what kind of pilot certificates there are."

The fee for Basic Aviation I and Basic Aviation II is $125 each and registration is required.

Lifelong Learners, age 55 or older, pay a reduced fee of $99.

For more information, call (630) 829-2208. Registration also is available online at myaccess.cod.edu.

With classes designed for personal development, professional advancement and life enhancement, Continuing Education at College of DuPage provides a wide variety of learning experiences, including credit and noncredit courses, and offerings for learners of all ages.