Aviation & Airport Management

Are you looking for a great career that is fun and pays well too? Then our Aviation & Airport Management program may be a great fit for you. Whether you choose to work as an airline pilot, corporate or charter pilot, ag pilot, flight instructor, or airport manager, you will earn the skills, knowledge, and credentials needed to succeed right here at Iowa Lakes.

The Aviation & Airport Management program is one of the best flight training values in the country. Your flight path to success includes Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, Multi-Engine Rating, and may also include Certified Flight Instructor, Instrument Flight Instructor, and Multi-Engine Flight Instructor. With these credentials, you will be cleared for takeoff in your new career!

With the demand for pilots on the rise, there is a huge need for new pilots to enter the workforce each year. Not only will you earn your Associate in Applied Science degree and FAA licenses and ratings, but with our great industry connections, we’ll help place you in an entry-level job and your dream career! If you want to continue to earn your four-year degree, we will show you how to do it while being paid to build hours toward your dream career. We’re here to help you succeed!

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Ranked #1 Aviation Community College by Flying Magazine.

Faculty Contact

Tim Busch
Director of Aviation Program & Chief Flight Instructor
712-362-7961 | tbusch@iowalakes.educreate new email

Program Details

PROGRAM LENGTH: 5 terms

DEGREE: Associate in Applied Science (69 credits)

CAMPUS: New Students Fall 2024 - Spencer Campus New Students Fall 2025 - Estherville Campus

Internship/Practicum

Did You Know?

Starting Salary: $55,640

Average Salary: $118,700

Last Dollar Scholarship Program

Curriculum

Term 1

Credits: 4

This course prepares students for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Private Pilot Knowledge Exam (PAR).

Prerequisite: Instructor Permission Required

Corequisite: AVI 180 – Private Pilot Flight Lab I

2023-2024 Fees (Average): Additional ground training (25 hrs @ $45/hr): $1125, FAA Knowledge Test Fee: $175.


Credits: 3

This course prepares the student for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Private Pilot Practical Test, resulting in an FAA Private Pilot certificate.

Prerequisite: Instructor Permission Required.

Corequisite: AVI 140 – Private Pilot Ground School

2023-2024 Fees: (Average) Airplane & Instructor Dual (45 hrs @ $210/hr): $9450, Airplane Solo (10 hrs @ $150/hr): $1500, Simulator Dual (5 hrs @ $75/hr): $375, Ground Instruction (20 hrs @ $45/hr): $900, FAA Practical Test Fee: $700.


Credits: 3

CSC-110 is an introductory course that surveys a variety of topics to include history, hardware, software, terminology, com­munications, computer ethics, and societal impact of computers. In addition to computer literacy, students will complete hands-on modules using operating systems, word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; such as Microsoft Office programs.


Credits: 3

Emphasis on expository and argumentative writings including a review of usage and mechanics.

Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on the ACT, Accuplacer, ASSET,COMPASS as determined by Iowa Lakes policy


Credits: 3

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


Credits: 3

An applied mathematics course dealing with mathematics related to most academic disciplines .It provides introduction to matrices, linear programming, combinations, permutations, statistics, mathematics of finance.

Prerequisites: MAT 110 – Math for Liberal Arts, MAT 120 – College Algebra, MAT 121 – College Algebra, or MAT 127 – College Algebra and Trig


Choose MAT 110 or MAT 140

Term 2

Credits: 4

This course prepares the student for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Instrument Pilot (IRA), FAA Instructor Ground Instrument (IGI) and FAA Flight Instructor Instrument Airplane Knowledge Exams (FII).

Prerequisite: AVI 140 – Private Pilot Ground School

Corequisite: AVI 245 – Instrument Rating Flight Lab

2023-2024 Fees: (Average): Additional ground training (25 hrs @ $45/hr): $1125, FAA Knowledge Test Fee: $175.


Credits: 3

This class prepares the student for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Instrument Rating Practical Test, resulting in an FAA Instrument Rating certificate.

Prerequisites: Student must hold an FAA Private Pilot certificate and AVI 180 – Private Pilot Flight Lab I

Corequisite: AVI 212 – Instrument Ground School

2023-2024 Fees (Average): Airplane & Instructor Dual (55 hrs @ $210/hr): $11550, Simulator Dual (20 hrs @ $75/hr): $1500, Ground Instruction (25 hrs @ $45/hr): $1125, Pre/Post Briefings (20 hrs @ $45/hr): $900, FAA Practical Test Fee: $700.


Credits: 3

The fundamentals course develops the basic skills involved in a variety of communication situations, including oral presentations and interpersonal speaking.  Emphasis is placed on organization, audience analysis, vocal and physical delivery, listening, nonverbal communication, critical thinking, and methods of dealing with communication apprehension through class discussion and activities.


Credits: 3

This course examines both the theoretical and practical basis of speech communication, particularly public speaking. Emphasis is placed on speech preparation, organization, support, delivery, and audience analysis.


Credits: 3

Examines how humans communicate in one-on-one situations through personal and professional relationships.


Choose either SPC 101, SPC 112, or SPC 122
Math: 3 credits
Science: 4 credits

Term 3

Credits: 3

This class prepares the student for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Pilot Knowledge Exam (CAX).

Corequisite: AVI 248 – Commercial Pilot Flight Lab

2023-2024 Fees (Average): Additional ground training (25 hrs @ $45/hr): $1125, FAA Knowledge Test Fee: $175.


Credits: 5

This course prepares the student for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Rating Practical Test, resulting in an FAA Commercial Pilot certificate.

Prerequisites: Student must hold an FAA Private Pilot certificate with Instrument Rating and AVI 180 – Private Pilot Flight Lab I

Corequisite: AVI 261 – Commercial Pilot Ground School

2023-2024 Fees (Average): Airplane & Instructor Dual (80 hrs @ $210/hr): $16800, Airplane Solo (40 hrs @ $150/hr): $6000, Ground Instruction (25 hrs @ $45/hr): $1125, Pre/Post Briefings (30 hrs @ $45/hr): $1350, FAA Practical Test Fee: $700.


Credits: 1

This class 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.

2023-2024 Fees (Average): Airplane & Instructor Dual (20 hrs @ $340/hr): $6800, Ground Instruction (20 hrs @ $45/hr): $900, Pre/Post Briefings (20 hrs @ $45/hr): $900, FAA Practical Test Fee: $700.


Term 4

Credits: 3

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

2023-2024 Fees (Average): Additional ground training (50 hrs @ $45/hr): $2250, FAA Knowledge Test Fee: $350.


Credits: 3

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

2023-2024 Fees (Average): Airplane & Instructor Dual (25 hrs @ $210/hr): $5250, Ground Instruction (50 hrs @ $45/hr): $2250, Pre/Post Briefings (25 hrs @ $45/hr): $1125, FAA Practical Test Fee: $1400.


Credits: 3

Principles of Management provides the student with a conceptual framework for understanding the basic theories of management. Emphasis is placed on the internal and external environment, ethics, planning, goal setting, decision making, organizational structure, motivation and group dynamics, and effective control mechanisms for establishing and accomplishing business objectives.


Credits: 3

Students are given the opportunity to apply human relations concepts and evaluate experience and observations. Social skills required in various occupational settings will be developed, emphasizing how appropriate personal attitudes lead to social and business success.


Credits: 3

An introduction to the scientific study of behavior; a brief history of psychology as a science, and topics fundamental to human behavior including developmental issues, sensory abilities, cogni­tive performance, social and emotional factors in behavior, and abnormal behavior and therapies.


Credits: 3

A survey course applying basic sociological concepts, theories, and methods to examine society, culture, cultural institutions, cultural diversity, and cultural stability and change.


Choose either BUS 161, PSY 111, or SOC 110

Term 5

Credits: 1

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.

2023-2024 Fees (Average): Airplane & Instructor Dual (20 hrs @ $210/hr): $4200, Ground Instruction (25 hrs @ $45/hr): $1125, Pre/Post Briefings (20 hrs @ $45/hr): $900, FAA Practical Test Fee: $700.


Credits: 1

This course prepares the student for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Multi-Engine Practical Test, resulting in an FAA Multi-Engine Rating.

Prerequisite: Student must hold an FAA Commercial Pilot certificate.

2023-2024 Fees (Average): Airplane & Instructor Dual (20 hrs @ $340/hr): $6800, Ground Instruction (20 hrs @ $45/hr): $900, Pre/Post Briefings (20 hrs @ $45/hr): $900, FAA Practical Test Fee: $700.


Credits: 1

The course prepares students for the careers in the aviation industry.

2023-2024 Fees: $100


Credits: 3

This course is designed to give students a clear understanding of the elements of the marketing mix (4P’s) and explanation of environmental issues that are employed in business to gain a competitive edge in the global economy. Includes identification of consumer and organizational needs and an understanding of the basic consumer behavior components.


Credits: 3

Continuation of ENG 105 with emphasis on research and docu­mentation as well as literary analysis.

Prerequisites: ENG 105 – Composition I


Credits: 1, 3, 5

This course gives students practical experience in aviation-related activities, and airport or aviation-related business.

2023-2024 Fees: None


† indicates a course that fulfills the diversity requirement. This course may also fulfill another general AA requirement.