Award Type: Highest Honors
License holders: CPL and CFI
Qualification: Zero failures
Introduction
The Summa Cum Laude award traditionally signifies the highest level of academic excellence and is typically conferred upon students who graduate with exceptional grades, usually within the top percentile of their class. The Latin phrase translates to "with highest honor," emphasizing distinguished performance.
Awarding Summa Cum Laude in aviation training highlights an individual who has surpassed rigorous standards in both the intellectual and technical dimensions of aviation, reflecting their readiness for excellence in the field. It represents not only academic intelligence but also the hands-on capability and professionalism required to succeed as an aviator, passing all the rigorous practical tests first time, without failures.
Qualification Requirements
To qualify for the Summa Cum Laude distinction in flight training, candidates must meet stringent performance and professional standards. This includes successfully obtaining both the Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certification without any failures on FAA check rides, commonly referred to as "pink slips." Additionally, candidates must maintain a clean Pilot Records Improvement Act (PRIA) file, free of any incidents, accidents, or disciplinary actions. This honor is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional skill, discipline, and professionalism throughout their training, embodying the highest standards of aviation excellence at this entry level of their aviation career.
Qualification Process
Applicants are required to submit a short application form certifying that their FAA training record (as part of PRIA) contains no failures 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 Summa Cum Laude distinction, you can still apply for other prestigious honors, such as Magna Cum Laude, 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.