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prospective Students
you're on
your way
The Minnesota State University, Mankato program continues to have one of the newest and most technologically advanced aircraft fleets in the region.
The Mankato Regional Airport offers easy access to flight training with ample runway length. There is a new, state-of-the-art terminal facility.
Students are able to gain experience in the busiest airport in Minnesota,
outside of the Twin Cities.
b.s. professional FLIGHT
REQUIRED TO BEGIN FLIGHT & PILOT TRAINING
The following checklist will guide you through the requirements which must be completed prior to beginning your first semester at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Completing this checklist will ensure you have completed all the initial steps required for you to begin flight training.
01.
02.
Complete your FAA
Medical Exam
Bring identification
03.
Have a financial plan
04.
Identify the right ground
school and flight lab
05.
Purchase your flight
training equipment
06.
07.
Purchase a device to access electronic
flight charts
Secure reliable transportation
08.
Submit your semester schedule to North Star Aviation
09.
International students, all required TSA paperwork must
be submitted and approved
certificates & ratings
private
pilot
learning objectives
STAGE 1
Learn to fly solo by yourself
STAGE 2
Fly passengers once Private Pilot Certificate is received
ESTIMATED duration
4-10 months
instrument
pilot
learning objectives
STAGE 1
Learn instrument procedures to fly through clouds
STAGE 2
Learn to fly instrument cross-countries, as well as precision instrument approaches during poor weather
ESTIMATED duration
3-8 months
commercial
pilot
learning objectives
STAGE 1
Learn how to navigate long distances through solo and dual cross-countries
STAGE 2
Fly aircraft with commercial pilot maneuvers
STAGE 3
Learn how to fly a multi-engine aircraft in our Seminole
Single engine add-on
Complete after Seminole checkride, adding Single Engine Airplane to Commercial Certificate
ESTIMATED duration
4-10 months
mei, cfi,
cfii
learning objectives
MEI (multi-engine instructor)
First Flight Instructor rating, completed in the Seminole
CFi (Certified flight instructor)
Add-on checkride for single-engine airplane instruction
CFIi (certified flight instructor instrument)
Add-on checkride for Instrument flight instruction
ESTIMATED duration
5-10 months total to receive all three Flight Instructor ratings
student FAQ
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Do I need prior flight experience before enrolling in flight training at Minnesota State University, Mankato?No. The majority of our entering students do not have flight experience prior to entering our flight training program.
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How many hours will I have when I'm done with my ratings?When you finish your ratings, you will have between 215-230 hours.
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How do I get the rest of my hours?You can apply to be a flight instructor at North Star Aviation. This is what the majority of our students do to obtain the rest of their hours.
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Will I be able to fly my first year?Students entering the Professional Pilot concentration are currently able to fly their first year at Minnesota State Mankato.
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Will I get credit for pilot FAA certificates if I have already earned them?The aviation program at Minnesota State Mankato accepts a private pilot certificate. Students entering the program with an FAA private pilot certificate will receive three (3) credit hours toward their degree. Students will need to complete a Credit-by-Exam paperwork after completing their first stage check on campus. There is a nominal fee associated with that process.
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What is a Restricted ATP, and how does it benefit me?The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted authorization for graduates of institutions of higher education to obtain a restricted Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate, provided their academic record meet the criteria set forth by the FAA. The restricted ATP Certificate provides graduates an opportunity to enter the airline industry with as few as 1,000 flight hours versus the 1,500 flights hours typically required.
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Who performs the maintenance and inspection on the aircraft?Our aircraft are inspected and maintained by North Star Aviation and its in-house professional maintenance team.
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Does Minnesota State University, Mankato offer flight training year-round?Yes, flight training if offered and conducted year-round. Many students take advantage of the great weather and aircraft availability in the summer months to get ahead in their flight training. Minnesota State Mankato also offers flight training during winter session, but students can complete our degree in four years without summer flying.
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Who can I reach out to with additional questions?Our staff is here to provide assistance and support. Contact the Department of Aviation by phone at (507) 389-6116 or by email at aviation@mnsu.edu.
b.s. aviation management
aviation management
The Aviation Management program focuses on the business aspect of the aviation industry, with the coursework covering aviation law and airport management. Our graduates are employed in the aviation industry as airport, airline and fixed based operation
(FBO) managers.
