Take Off with an Aviation & Airport Management AAS Degree
Ready to turn your passion for flying into a high-demand career? The Aviation & Airport Management AAS Degree at Iowa Lakes offers hands-on training in flight operations, aircraft systems, navigation, and FAA certifications, preparing students for exciting careers as professional pilots, flight instructors, and aviation managers.
This two-year Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree provides students with in-depth aviation knowledge and hands-on flight experience. Train with highly skilled instructors, access advanced aircraft and flight simulators, and develop critical aviation skills needed for commercial and private aviation careers.
The Aviation & Airport Management AAS degree program at Iowa Lakes ensures students graduate ready to earn key certifications, including Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certifications. With a growing demand for commercial, corporate, and agricultural aviation pilots, this program offers a direct path to an in-demand and rewarding career.
Flight training costs are outlined upfront—click here to view program flight fees and plan your path to earning your wings.
Explore career opportunities and wage projections through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Airline and Commercial Pilots Outlook. Ready to launch your career in aviation? Connect with an enrollment coach today!
Find Your It!
Hands-On Flight Training & Career Pathways
Gain Real-World Experience in Aviation
The Aviation AAS program at Iowa Lakes is designed to provide students with practical flight training and technical aviation knowledge. Coursework includes:
- Flight Operations & Safety – Master aerodynamics, navigation, and meteorology
- Aircraft Systems & Maintenance – Learn about powerplants, avionics, and performance
- FAA Regulations & Air Traffic Control – Gain a deep understanding of industry standards
- Multi-Engine & Instrument Training – Develop advanced piloting skills for commercial career
The Aviation & Airport Management AAS Degree program graduates are prepared for various careers, including airline and commercial pilots, corporate and charter pilots, agricultural pilots, flight instructors, and airport management and operations. With the rising demand for professional pilots, Iowa Lakes equips students with the hands-on training, industry certifications, and real-world experience needed to launch a high-paying career in aviation.
Program Details
Length
5 terms
Degree
Associate in Applied Science (60 credits)
Campus
New Students Fall 2026 - Spencer Campus New Students Fall 2027 - Estherville Campus
Additional Information
Term 1
AVI 134 – Private Pilot Ground Training School
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and knowledge assessed on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Private Knowledge Exam.
2025-2026 Fees (Average): $400, Practical Test Fee: $175
AVI 144 – Private Pilot Lab
This course is taken concurrently with AVI-134: Private Pilot Ground Training School. The course provides flight instruction in the application of concepts and regulations assessed on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Private Pilot Practical Test.
2025-2026 Fees (Average): Airplane & Instructor Dual (45 hrs @ $230/hr): $10350, Airplane Solo (10 hrs @ $165/hr): $1650, Ground Instruction (20 hrs @ $45/hr): $900, FAA Practical Test Fee: $800.
MAT 110 – Math for Liberal Arts
This is a general survey course which includes sets; number systems; elementary algebra; exponents; equations and inequalities; fractions; ratios; proportion and variation; probability and statistics; elementary graphing; consumer mathematics; and an introduction to geometry.
Prerequisites: appropriate placement score or MAT 054 – Math Strategies
Term 2
AVI 214 – Instrument Ground Training School
This course provides ground school instruction in instrument procedures and operations.
2025-2026 Fees (Average): $400, FAA Practical Test Fee: $175
AVI 224 – Instrument Rating Lab
This course is taken concurrently with AVI-214: Instrument Ground Training School. The course provides flight instruction in the application of concepts and regulations assessed on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Instrument Rating Practical Test.
2025-2026 Fees (Average): Airplane & Instructor Dual (55 hrs @ $230/hr): $12650, Simulator Dual (20 hrs @ $105/hr): $2100, Ground Instruction (25 hrs @ $45/hr): $1125, Pre/Post Briefings (20 hrs@ $45/hr): $900, FAA Practical Test Fee: $800.
BUS 102 – Intro to Business
The basic fundamentals of business. Basic business and economic concepts and terminology; management, marketing, finance, human resource management, accounting and other business areas.
COM 753 – Technical Communications†
This course is designed to prepare students for the oral and written communication situations in the working world. The major areas of study include technical communication principles, oral communications, composing technical documents, and using Standard English. Writing projects require the use of a word processing program; therefore, computer experience is recommended.
COM 723 – Workplace Communications†
Developing skills in reading, writing and listening as they apply to students’ vocational needs.
Choose either COM 753 or COM 723
Term 3
AVI 262 – Commercial Pilot Ground I
The course prepares students for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Pilot Knowledge Exam.
Corequisite: AVI 248 – Commercial Pilot Flight Lab
2025-2026 Fees (Average): $100, FAA Knowledge Test Fee: $175.
AVI 265 – Commercial Pilot Lab
This course prepares students for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Pilot Practical Test.
2025-2026 Fees (Average): Airplane & Instructor Dual (130 hrs @ $230/hr): $29900, Airplane Solo (40 hrs @ $165/hr): $6600, Ground Instruction (25 hrs @ $45/hr): $1125, Pre/Post Briefings (35 hrs@ $45/hr): $1575, FAA Practical Test Fee: $800.
Term 4
AVI 129 – Employment Prep for Aviation Careers
The course prepares students for the careers in the aviation industry.
2025-2026 Fees: $100
AVI 300 – Flight Instructor Ground School
This class prepares the student for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) and Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA) Knowledge Exams.
Prerequisite: AVI 248 – Commercial Pilot Flight Lab
Corequisite: AVI 350 – Flight Instructor Flight Lab
2025-2026 Fees (Average): $275, FAA Practical Test Fee: $350.
AVI 301 – Instrument Instructor
This class prepares the student for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Instrument Flight Instructor Rating Practical Test, resulting in an FAA Instrument Flight Instructor certificate.
Prerequisite: Student must hold an FAA Certified Flight Instructor certificate.
2025-2026 Fees (Average): Airplane & Instructor Dual (20 hrs @ $230/hr): $4600, Ground Instruction (25 hrs @ $45/hr): $1125, Pre/Post Briefings (20 hrs @ $45/hr): $900, FAA Practical Test Fee: $800.
AVI 350 – Flight Instructor Flight Lab
This class prepares the student for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certified Flight Instructor Practical Test, resulting in an FAA Certified Flight Instructor certificate.
Prerequisites: Student must hold an FAA Commercial Pilot certificate with Instrument Rating and AVI 248 – Commercial Pilot Flight Lab
Corequisite: AVI 300 – Flight Instructor Ground School
2025-2026 Fees (Average): Airplane & Instructor Dual (25 hrs @ $230/hr): $5750, Ground Instruction (50 hrs @ $45/hr): $2250, Pre/Post Briefings (25 hrs @ $45/hr): $1125, FAA Practical Test Fee: $1600.
PHS 113 – Intro to Physical Science
A survey of the basic concepts of astronomy and physics, recommended for students who have not had high school physics. Lecture, demonstration and laboratory.
Term 5
AVI 215 – Aviation Safety
This course provides the student with a detailed introduction to aspects of aviation safety as well as the associated components of flight human factors, aircraft technology, weather related accidents and accident investigation.
2025-2026 Fees (Average): $125
AVI 220 – Aviation Meteorology
Aviation Meteorology is a study of current aviation weather concepts and modeling as applied to flight. Topics considered include the evolution of weather theory, computer modeling systems, and weather data collection. In preparation for flight application pre-flight weather briefings, weather hazards, and in route weather reports are also studied. Applying the above concepts will facilitate appropriate decision making in flight-based operations.
2025-2026 Fees (Average): $125
AVI 249 – General Aviation Operations Management
An introduction to the managerial and operational principles involved in airport and other flight operation facilities. This course provides insight into the growing field of general aviation management and provides foundational managerial training to students.
2025-2026 Fees (Average): $125
AVI 406 – Multi-Engine: Flight Instructor Flight Lab
This course prepares the student for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Multi-Engine Instructor Rating Practical Test, resulting in an FAA Multi-Engine Instructor certificate.
Prerequisite: Student must hold an FAA Certified Flight Instructor certificate.
2025-2026 Fees (Average): Airplane & Instructor Dual (20 hrs @ $365/hr): $7300, Ground Instruction (20 hrs @ $45/hr): $900, Pre/Post Briefings (20 hrs @ $45/hr): $900, FAA Practical Test Fee: $800.
AVI 407 – Multi-Engine: Commercial Rating Flight Lab
This class prepares the student for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Multi-Engine Practical Test, resulting in an FAA Multi-Engine certificate.
Prerequisite: Student must hold an FAA Certified Commercial Pilot certificate.
2025-2026 Fees (Average): Airplane & Instructor Dual (20 hrs @ $365/hr): $7300, Ground Instruction (20 hrs @ $45/hr): $900, Pre/Post Briefings (20 hrs @ $45/hr): $900, FAA Practical Test Fee: $800.
AVI 941 – Practicum
This course gives students practical experience in aviation-related activities, and airport or aviation-related business.
2025-2026 Fees: None
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
In the Aviation & Airport Management program at Iowa Lakes, you will learn:1
- Demonstrate proficiency in FAA certification standards for a selected certificate, such as:
a. Private Pilot
b. Instrument Rating
c. Commercial Pilot
d. Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
e. Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII)
f. Multi-Engine Rating
g. Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) - Demonstrate comprehensive aeronautical knowledge including FAA regulations, meteorology, navigation, aerodynamics, aircraft systems, or aviation safety fundamentals.
- Apply proactive Safety Risk Management (SRM), Crew Resource Management (CRM), or Threat and Error Management (TEM) principles.
- Employ sound Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM) and problem-solving skills to evaluate changing conditions, maintain situational awareness, and respond effectively in normal, abnormal, and emergency environments.
- Exhibit ethical, responsible, and respectful behavior consistent with professional aviation standards.
- Communicate ideas clearly and effectively in both written and oral forms across aviation training and operational contexts.
- Demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and career preparedness through practical experience, collaboration, and professional engagement.
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining an Aviation & Airport Management Associate in Applied Science degree from Iowa Lakes Community College.
Earn Industry-Recognized FAA Certifications
The Aviation program at Iowa Lakes ensures students are prepared for FAA certification exams, with opportunities to earn:
- Private Pilot Certification
- Commercial Pilot Certification
- Instrument Rating Certification
- Multi-Engine Rating Certification
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Certification
Ranked #1 Aviation Community College by Flying Magazine
Iowa Lakes is proud to be recognized as the #1 Aviation Community College by Flying Magazine, a testament to our top-tier flight training, expert instructors, and state-of-the-art facilities. This ranking highlights our commitment to excellence in aviation education, ensuring that students receive high-quality flight instruction and career-ready training.
Our FAA-certified program provides students with hands-on experience in private, commercial, and multi-engine flight training, preparing them for successful careers as pilots, flight instructors, and aviation professionals. Whether you aspire to fly for major airlines, corporate aviation, or agricultural operations, Iowa Lakes offers the knowledge, skills, and certifications to help you achieve your goals.
Affordable Flight Training with Transparent Costs
We believe in making aviation education accessible and affordable. To help students plan their education, we provide clear and upfront flight fee details so there are no surprises. Click here to view program flight fees.
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Opportunities, Earnings & Growth
Projected Employment Growth
1.6%
Potential Careers
Military, Airline, Corporate, Charter, Medical, or Ag Pilot, Flight Instructor, Airport Manager
Projected Earnings
Iowa Workforce
$114,900
Average Salary
US Bureau of Labor
$250,050
Average Salary
START YOUR LAKER JOURNEY IN 4 STEPS!
Questions? Let's Talk
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Tim Busch Director of Aviation Program 712-362-7961 | tbusch@iowalakes.edu |
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Dwayne Hoss Chief Flight Instructor 712-362-8371 | dhoss@iowalakes.edu |