Launch Your Flight Career Through Our College of Aviation

If you have a passion for aviation and want to work in an industry where the sky is the limit, you’ve come to the right place! Whether it’s sitting in the captain’s seat of an airliner, working on a corporate flight crew or flying air charter…as an Academy College grad your dreams will become a reality!

Commercial Pilot > ATP Certificate!

Academy College has been awarded FAA authorization to certify graduates of our
Commercial Pilot program for reduced aeronautical experience. Call today to discuss this fantastic opportunity and what it means for you!

Graduates of our Commercial Pilot AAS program secure exciting jobs such as:

  • Airline Pilot
  • Test Pilot
  • Cargo Pilot
  • Crop Pilot
  • Corporate Pilot
  • Fire Watch Pilot
  • Air Charter Pilot
  • Certified Flight Instructor

Real-world training at the highest level

Partnering with Thunderbird Aviation-the Upper Midwest’s leader in general aviation since 1962, Academy College offers a robust pilot training program centered around hands-on skill development. Our FAA Part 141 approved curriculum allows flight students the opportunity to step into ground and flight training courses as soon as their first day of enrollment!

As Academy College flight students continue to advance through the Jeppesen flight training curriculum, they will complete approximately 250 flight hours while earning the following certificates:

  • Private Pilot Single Engine
  • Instrument Pilot Single and Multi-Engine
  • Commercial Pilot Single and Multi-Engine
  • Flight Instructor Single Engine
  • Flight Instructor Instrument
  • Multi-Engine Flight Instructor (optional)

Personal scheduling choices both on campus and at the flight facility

Understanding the pressures of today’s busy adult, Academy College offers a range of flexible scheduling choices including day, evening and online classes with half-time and full-time enrollment options. Students may elect from online, residential and hybrid academic courses offered on campus and through the online learning platform.

Flight training is conducted at Thunderbird Aviation morning, afternoon and evening. Academy flight students will reserve an aircraft three to seven days per week… the number of days in a week is up to the student. The more you fly, the quicker you will make it through the flight program!

Flight training is conducted in a broad range of aircraft including:

  • Cessna 172
  • Piper Warrior
  • Piper Archer
  • Piper Arrow
  • Piper Seminole

You always knew that learning to fly would take you places…
how far you go is up to you

Career focus is priority one at Academy College! Our Career Services team works diligently with newly enrolled students to locate aviation specific employment opportunities while in school. Although, you may not be ready to be employed as a pilot six months into your program, you certainly have the skills to step into line crew, ramp agent, de-icing, baggage handler or customer service positions within the aviation industry. These opportunities in both the General Aviation and Airline industries are critical in providing industry related experiences and aid in strengthening your future Pilot resume.

Upon graduation, the typical first position for a Pilot is Certified Flight Instructing. As an Academy College Professional Pilot graduate, you’re in luck!! All Academy grads are provided a guaranteed Certified Flight Instructor interview with Thunderbird Aviation. You may also be interested in taking your training and experiences and moving beyond Minnesota. If so, go for it! Our graduates have secured key CFI positions with a variety of employers throughout the country.

The majority of aircraft pilots work in a CFI position for 1 to 3 years gaining leadership experience and logging hours towards the goal of 1000 to 1500 total hours. Once achieved, the opportunities are endless, which pilot career path you select from here is up to you!

It’s time to get started

Now that you understand a bit more about flight training through Academy College, what else is there to consider…how about the following?

  • Academy College offers year-round, quarter based programs
  • Academy College courses begin approximately every 7 weeks
  • Academy College is a Military Friendly School
  • Academy College is a Yellow Ribbon School
  • Academy College offers free tutoring services
  • Academy College provides an on-site testing facility for the completion of all FAA written exams
  • Academy College has financial aid for those who qualify
  • Academy College offers alternative flight funding options for those who qualify

Good Luck &
GO SOAR!!
Commercial Pilot ~ AAS Degree Gainful Employment Disclosure
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