Minnesota's Flight Training Centers: Exploring Your Aviation Education Choices

Minnesota's Flight Training Centers: Exploring Your Aviation Education Choices

Every year, the number of flight schools in Minnesota continues to grow, offering a wider range of opportunities for aspiring pilots to attain their wings. With over forty training centers, the state is a prime location for those seeking to embark on a career in aviation.

This hub of aviation provides options for individuals with various financial capabilities, scheduling preferences, and geographic choices. While there are numerous impressive programs to choose from, we have selected seven outstanding flight schools to meet the varying objectives of aspiring pilots. Let's delve into the options that best suit your unique needs and get you up in the air as quickly as possible.

Seven Notable Flight Schools in Minnesota

A Comprehensive Option: Minnesota State University-Mankato

Minnesota State University (MSU) is a well-respected institution, providing a four-year degree in Aviation Science. Situated approximately an hour and a half southwest of the Twin Cities, MSU offers one of the most technologically advanced fleets in the region. Students conduct their flight operations at the Mankato Regional Airport (KMKT) NorthStar Aviation FBO, just twenty minutes from campus. MSU offers five pathway programs for prospective professional pilots, boasting a flawless placement rate for students who opt to become flight instructors. Beyond the cockpit, MSU offers all the conveniences of a four-year institution, such as Division 1 sports.

Learn more about Minnesota State University's professional pilot certification program through our website's Flight School Guide.

• Location: Mankato
• Tuition and Fees: $32,288 in-state or $68,504 out-of-state annually for tuition, with flight costs estimated at $81,000, totaling an estimated program cost of $210,152 in-state or $355,016 out-of-state
• Financial Assistance: Yes
• Accreditation: Yes
• Program Length: 4 years
• Endorsements: Private Pilot License (PPL), Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License (Single-Engine and Multi-Engine), Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII), and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)
• Fleet: Piper Archer, Piper Seminole, Cessna 152, and Extra 300L
• Job Placement: Partnerships with airlines like Delta, Sun Country, Endeavor, Republic, and SkyWest
• Reduced ATP: Yes
• Virtual Learning: No

An Affordable Option: Lake Superior College

For an economical choice with some of the most breathtaking views in the country, consider Lake Superior College (LSC). This two-year program is based at Duluth International Airport (KDLH), where students share the airfield with Cirrus Aviation and F-16s from Minnesota's Air National Guard. With its lower student enrollment rate compared to other colleges and universities, students benefit from personalized one-on-one training in the airplane as they glide along the northern shoreline of Lake Superior. LSC offers both helicopter and fixed-wing training and is VA friendly.

Learn more about Lake Superior College's professional pilot certification program through our website's Flight School Guide.

• Location: Duluth
• Tuition and Fees: $5,600 per year for tuition, with flight costs estimated at $150,000, totaling an estimated program cost of $161,200
• Financial Assistance: Yes
• Accreditation: Yes
• Program Length: 2 years
• Endorsements: Private Pilot License (PPL), Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License (Single-Engine and Multi-Engine), Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII), and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)
• Fleet: Cirrus SR20, Piper Seminoles, and American Champion Citabrias
• Job Placement: Partnerships with airlines like Delta
• Reduced ATP: Yes
• Virtual Learning: Yes, for certain portions of ground school offered by companies such as FLY 8MA

A Flexible Option: Academy College

Academy College offers budget-friendly and flexible flight training options through Thunderbird Aviation. Flight training takes place at Flying Cloud Airport (KFCM) and Crystal Airport (KMIC), about a 25-minute drive from the main campus. With flights primarily conducted under the Class Bravo airspace of Minneapolis-St. Paul in beautiful landscapes over Lake Minnetonka or the Minnesota River Valley, aspiring pilots can swiftly hone their piloting skills. Academy College and Thunderbird Aviation are among the oldest flying institutions in the upper Midwest, providing top-notch flight instruction to inspire the next generation of pilots.

Learn more about Academy College's professional pilot certification program through our website's Flight School Guide.

• Location: Bloomington
• Tuition and Fees: $24,000 per year for tuition, with flight costs estimated at $115,000, totaling an estimated program cost of $211,000
• Financial Assistance: Yes
• Accreditation: Yes
• Program Length: 2-4 years
• Endorsements: Private Pilot License (PPL), Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License (Single-Engine and Multi-Engine), Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII), and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)
• Fleet: Cessna 172s, Piper Warriors, Piper Arrows, Piper Archers, and Piper Seminoles
• Job Placement: Partnerships with Cape Air, SkyWest Airlines, and Go Jet Airlines
• Reduced ATP: Yes
• Virtual Learning: Yes, for certain portions of ground school offered by companies such as Pilot Institute

An Accelerated Option: ATP Flight School

ATP Flight School is the largest flight training establishment in the U.S. ATP's extensive network of 81 training centers in 33 states enables more efficient scheduling and instructor and examiner availability. The flight school's Airline Career Pilot Program is one of the quickest professional pilot programs in the country, with a completion time of as little as nine months, depending on prior experience. ATP's Minneapolis flight schools are in the Twin Cities area at Anoka County-Blaine Airport (KANE) and Flying Cloud Airport (KFCM).

Learn more about ATP Flight School's professional pilot certification program through our website's Flight School Guide.

• Location: Minneapolis and Eden Prairie
• Tuition and Fees: Total estimated program cost ranges from $86,995 to $108,995, depending on prior experience
• Financial Assistance: Yes
• Accreditation: None
• Program Length: 9-12 months, depending on prior experience
• Endorsements: Private Pilot License (PPL), Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License (Single-Engine and Multi-Engine), Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII), Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI), ATP CTP
• Fleet: Cessna 172, Piper Archer, and Piper Seminole
• Job Placement: Partnerships with ATP's 38 airline partners like American, Delta, and United
• Reduced ATP: No
• Virtual Learning: Yes, for certain portions of ground school offered by companies such as Gold Seal

An Experienced Option: Inflight Pilot Training

Inflight Pilot Training has a wealth of experience equipping aspiring pilots with the necessary education and certifications to feed their passion for flying. With Minnesota's largest training fleet and seasoned flight instructors, students can becomes commercial pilots in just six months. Inflight Pilot Training is a proudly certified Cirrus Training Center that offers flight training at Anoka County-Blaine Airport (KANE). Furthermore, the flight school has partnered with Purdue University Global, allowing students to earn an online bachelor's or associate degree while concurrently completing their flight training at their local flight school.

• Location: Eden Prairie
• Tuition and Fees: $53,000-$60,000 for the Pro Pilot Program; contact Inflight Pilot Training at (952) 698-3000 for a personalized quote
• Financial Assistance: None
• Accreditation: None
• Program Length: 6-12 months
• Endorsements: Private Pilot License (PPL), Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License (Single-Engine), Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII)
• Fleet: Cessna 152s, Cessna 172s, Cirrus SR20s, Cirrus SR22s, and Beechcraft Bonanzas
• Job Placement: None
• Reduced ATP: None
• Virtual Learning: Yes, for certain portions of ground school offered by companies such as Sporty's Pilot Shop

A Customer-Focused Option: Twin Cities Flight Training

Twin Cities Flight Training takes pride in its customer-focused approach to flight instruction. The flight school focuses on delivering the best personalized service to each client. Twin Cities Flight Training offers additional services such as airplane rentals and maintenance. The flight school operates out of Anoka County-Blaine Airport (KANE).

• Location: Blaine
• Tuition and Fees: $75,000 for the Professional Pilot Program; contact Twin Cities Flight Training at 763-780-4375 for a personalized quote.
• Financial Assistance: None
• Accreditation: None
• Program Length: 1-2 years
• Endorsements: Private Pilot License (PPL), Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License (Single-Engine and Multi-Engine), Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII), and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)
• Fleet: Cessna 150s, Cessna 172s, and Piper Senecas
• Job Placement: None
• Reduced ATP: None
• Virtual Learning: Yes, for certain portions of ground school offered by companies such as Aviation Supplies & Academics

A Diverse Option: Lake Elmo Aero

Lake Elmo Aero has a diverse training fleet and an array of services in the Twin Cities region. This variety of aircraft and simulators empowers students to customize their training while managing costs effectively. Additionally, services such as aircraft rentals, maintenance, and FBO amenities supplement the flight school's offerings. At Lake Elmo Aero, students can sit next to skilled instructors and soar over the St. Croix River as they progress in their flight training. Lake Elmo Aero is a proudly certified Cirrus Training Center that offers flight training at Lake Elmo Airport (KLVN).

• Location: Lake Elmo
• Tuition and Fees: Contact Lake Elmo Aero at 651-777-1399 for a personalized quote.
• Financial Assistance: None
• Accreditation: None
• Program Length: 1-2 years
• Endorsements: Private Pilot License (PPL), Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License (Single-Engine and Multi-Engine), Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII)
• Fleet: Cessna 152s, Cessna 172, Piper Arrows, Piper Archers, Cirrus SR20s, Piper Senecas, and Champion Citabrias
• Job Placement: None
• Reduced ATP: None
• Virtual Learning: Yes, for certain portions of ground school offered by companies such as WifiCFI

Minnesota Flight School Statistics

Number of Schools:

Minnesota boasts more than 40 flight schools, many of which are located in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. Several universities offer aviation programs, including Minnesota State University-Mankato, Lake Superior College, and Academy College.

Number of Students per Class:

While flight training at Minnesota flight schools varies between one-on-one settings and classroom instruction, the typical classroom has approximately 15 to 20 students per instructor. However, as virtual classrooms become increasingly common, the number of students per class can fluctuate.

Tuition Rates:

The costs of flight training in Minnesota may depend on factors such as the type of institution and specific programs. For example, attaining a Private Pilot License at a specialized flight school like Twin Cities Flight Training could cost around $19,000. A four-year aviation degree, including all available licenses and ratings from a university like Minnesota State University-Mankato, could total approximately $210,000 for a Minnesota resident.

Loan Availability:

Federal and private student loans are available to students enrolled in accredited aviation programs at universities or colleges, such as Lake Superior College or Academy College. Flight schools without university affiliation offer only private loans to cover flight training expenses.

Scholarships:

Numerous Minnesota-based and national organizations grant scholarships to aid students in financing their flight training. While scholarships usually come with specific application requirements, they can significantly reduce the financial burden of attending flight school.

Job Placement:

Many flight schools in Minnesota have established partnerships with airlines to help aspiring pilots achieve their career aspirations in aviation. Several airlines provide partial tuition reimbursement to qualified pilots.

1. The state of Minnesota hosts over forty training centers that offer flight schools, making it an ideal location for those seeking to embark on a career in aviation.
2. Minnesota State University (MSU) provides a four-year degree in Aviation Science, boasting technologically advanced flight operations at the Mankato Regional Airport (KMKT).
3. MSU offers five pathway programs for prospective professional pilots with a flawless placement rate for students who opt to become flight instructors.
4. Lake Superior College provides an economical flight training option with varying programs, and stunning views of Lake Superior.
5. Academy College, in partnership with Thunderbird Aviation, offers budget-friendly and flexible flight training options, mainly at Flying Cloud Airport (KFCM) and Crystal Airport (KMIC).
6. ATP Flight School's Airline Career Pilot Program is one of the fastest professional pilot programs in the country, with a completion time of as little as nine months, depending on prior experience.
7. Inflight Pilot Training, a proudly certified Cirrus Training Center, offers personalized flight training at Anoka County-Blaine Airport (KANE) and has partnered with Purdue University Global for online degree programs.
8. Twin Cities Flight Training takes pride in its one-on-one approach to flight instruction, focusing on delivering personalized experiences for aspiring pilots.
9. Lake Elmo Aero boasts a diverse training fleet and offers various services in the Twin Cities region, enabling students to customize their training while managing costs effectively.
10. The state of Minnesota's educational institutions offer various aviation programs, including private pilot licenses for specific flight schools like Twin Cities Flight Training, and four-year aviation degrees like those offered at Minnesota State University-Mankato.
11. Several flight schools in Minnesota have established partnerships with airlines to help aspiring pilots achieve their career aspirations in aviation, while many also offer reduced Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) programs.

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