Award Type: Great Honors
License holders: CPL and CFI
Qualification: One failure
Introduction
The Magna Cum Laude award traditionally signifies a remarkable level of academic achievement, second only to Summa Cum Laude, and is typically bestowed upon individuals who graduate with outstanding grades, often within the top percentile of their class. The Latin phrase translates to "with great honor," underscoring distinguished performance.
In aviation training, earning the Magna Cum Laude distinction recognizes an individual who has excelled in both the intellectual and technical aspects of their training. It reflects exceptional readiness for the demands of the field, showcasing not only academic aptitude but also superior practical skills and professionalism. This honor is reserved for those who have successfully passed all rigorous practical examinations on their first attempt, demonstrating consistent excellence, with not more than one check-ride failure.
Qualification Requirements
To qualify for the Magna Cum Laude distinction in flight training, candidates must adhere to high performance and professional standards. This requires successfully obtaining both the Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certification with no more than one failure 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 not more than one failure in license or 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 Magna Cum Laude distinction, you can still apply for other prestigious honors, such as Cum Laude, 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.