Introduction
The Aviation Cum Laude award is a distinguished honor recognizing flight school graduates who have successfully completed the rigorous Commercial Pilot License (CPL) curriculum without any failures in their training or FAA check rides. This achievement signifies a level of dedication and competence that is way above average, highlighting the graduate's commitment to excellence in both theoretical knowledge and practical flight skills. The Cum Laude distinction not only celebrates the graduate's exceptional performance but also serves as a testament to their professionalism, discipline, and readiness to excel in the competitive aviation industry.
Qualification Requirements
To qualify for the Cum Laude distinction in flight training, candidates must adhere to high performance and professional standards. This requires successfully obtaining Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with instrument rating, single-engine and/or multi-engine rating certification with zero failures on any FAA check ride, commonly referred to as a "pink slip." Furthermore, candidates must maintain a clean Pilot Records Improvement Act (PRIA) file, free from incidents, accidents, or disciplinary actions. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who exhibit outstanding skill, discipline, and professionalism throughout their training, exemplifying the highest standards of aviation excellence at this critical entry level of their career.
Qualification Process
Applicants are required to submit a short application form certifying that their FAA training record (as part of PRIA) contains zero failures in license and rating certification practical exams. Additionally, applicants must confirm that their safety records are free of accidents and violations during their flight training period. Applicants must also provide logbook entries documenting their training progress from zero hours to the completion of their CPL and CFI certifications. If necessary, AALS reserves the right to request the applicant's training and accident/violation records directly from the FAA through a PRIA disclosure. To facilitate this, applicants must sign a consent form authorizing AALS to verify their records as needed.
Qualification Steps
- Fill out AALS award application form.
- Submit a one-time $150.00 USD admin processing fee.
- Allow 3-5 weeks for verification and processing.
- Receive your award in the mail, and have your name added to the verifiable online award holders database.
Similar Awards
If you are a pilot who does not meet the strict requirements for this Cum Laude distinction, you can still apply for other prestigious honors, such as Merit Award, and Honorable Mention Award. These awards are designed to recognize and celebrate excellence in flight training at various levels of achievement. Each award highlights your dedication, skill, and professionalism, serving as a testament to your accomplishments. They provide an excellent way to showcase your training success and commitment to aviation excellence to prospective employers, enhancing your career opportunities in the competitive field of aviation.