The Professional Pilot Diploma program is an accelerated aviation training track that includes all of the same aviation classes and flight training as our AAS degree minus the general education requirements.  This program is designed to meet the needs of the individual who is interested in earning the FAA certificates and ratings but doesn't have a need for the degree.  This program is ideal for those who already have a college degree or are in a career change transition.  As with all of our training, individual flexibility in scheduling makes achieving your aviation goals attainable. 

If you want to become a professional pilot in one year, then this Professional Pilot program is for you. You will take ground classes and fly "glass cockpit" airplanes or helicopters at the Lake Superior College Center for Advanced Aviation at the Duluth International Airport. Opportunities in aviation are awaiting you in a variety of pilot positions. All you need to start is LSC's flight plan for success.

Professional Pilot
35 credit Diploma program

Program Description: The Professional Pilot diploma is designed to meet the needs of students who plan a career as a pilot in aviation. The program leads to FAA certification as a commercial pilot with an instrument rating. Graduates may also transfer to a four-year school to complete a B.S. Degree.

Program outcomes include:

• Pass the FAA Knowledge and Flight tests for a particular FAA Pilot Certificate or Rating
• Understand the historical developments of the aviation industry
• Be familiar with the various mechanical systems found on typical light aircraft that graduates will likely be operating
• Conduct safe flight operations as it pertains to human factors, aircraft design, environmental factors, industry practices and procedures, evolving technologies, accident investigations and conclusions
• Understand and define the elements of airport operations and their importance to the success, stability and future of the business, community and the aviation industry

Course ID/Name/Credits

AVIA1400 Introduction to Professional Aviation 2
AVIA1410 Private Pilot: Ground 4
AVIA1411 Private Pilot: Airplane Single Engine Flight Lab I 1
AVIA1412 Private Pilot: Airplane Single Engine Flight Lab II 1                1411/1412 (airplane) 1415/1416 (helicopter)
AVIA1415 Private Pilot: Helicopter Flight Lab I 1
AVIA1416 Private Pilot: Helicopter Flight Lab II 1
AVIA1420 Instrument Pilot: Ground 3
AVIA1421 Instrument Pilot: Airplane Single Engine Flight Lab I 1
AVIA1422 Instrument Pilot: Airplane Single Engine Flight Lab II 1     1421/14211 (airplane) 1425/1426 (helicopter)
AVIA1425 Instrument Pilot: Helicopter Flight Lab I 1
AVIA1426 Instrument Pilot: Helicopter Flight Lab II 1
AVIA1430 Commercial Pilot: Ground 2
AVIA1431 Commercial Pilot: Airplane Single Engine Flight Lab I 1

AVIA1432 Commercial Pilot:Airplane Single Engine Flight Lab II 1
AVIA1433 Commercial Pilot: Airplane Single Engine Flight Lab III 1
AVIA1434 Commercial Pilot: Airplane Single Engine Flight Lab IV 1
AVIA1435 Commercial Pilot: Helicopter Flight Lab I 1
AVIA1437 Commercial Pilot: Helicopter Flight Lab III 1
AVIA1440 Aircraft Systems and Power Plant 2
AVIA1442 Aviation Safety 2
AVIA1444 Management of Aviation Services 2
AVIA1446 Crew Resource Management 1
AVIA1448 Flight Instructor: Ground 3
AVIA1449 Flight Instructor: Flight Lab 1
AVIA1450 Commercial Pilot Certification and Multiengine Rating Flight Lab 1
ENSC1300 Meteorology 3
FYE1000 Intro to College 1

Other Course Requirements:

SEMESTER I
AVIA1411 AIRPLANE OR AVIA1415 HELICOPTER
AVIA1412 AIRPLANE OR AVIA1416 HELICOPTER
SEMESTER II
AVIA1421 AIRPLANE OR AVIA1425 HELICOPTER
AVIA1422 AIRPLANE OR AVIA1426 HELICOPTER
AVIA1431 AIRPLANE OR AVIA1435 HELICOPTER
AVIA1433 AIPLANE OR AVIA1437 HELICOPTER
NOTE AVIA1450 NOT REQUIRED FOR HELICOPTER STUDENTS

TECHNICAL ELECTIVES AVIA1449 FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR FLIGHT LAB (AVIA1448 OR CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT OR INSTRUCTORS CONSENT)

Pre-Program Requirements:

Successful entry into this program requires a specific level of skill in the areas of English and reading. Program entry will depend, in part, on meeting the prerequisites listed below:

English:
• A score of 86 or higher on the Sentence Skills portion of the CPT, OR
• Completion of ENGL0460 or its equivalent transfer course or higher.
• If required, ENGL0460 may be taken concurrently with Semester I coursework.

Reading:
• A score of 78 or higher on the Reading Comprehension portion of the CPT, OR
• Completion of READ0465 or its equivalent transfer course or higher.
• If required, READ0465 may be taken concurrently with Semester I coursework

Aviation Course Descriptions are available here.  

All Lake Superior College Course Descriptions are available here.