1.  How experienced are the Lake Superior College Center for Advanced Aviation Flight Instructors?

Our staff of Instructor Pilots range in experience from recent graduates of our program to over 30 years in the aviation industry including airline pilots, corporate pilots and general aviation pilots. In terms of flying experience, our instructors have over 50,000 hours of combined experience.

2.  How long has the LSC flight training program been in existence?

LSC ventured into aviation training in 2001.  In 2006 Lake Superior College turned to industry experts to assist in reinventing and greatly enhancing the flight training program.  The program was updated and tailored to keep pace with the latest industry trends and demands with the 2008 launch of the Lake Superior College Center (LSC) for Advanced Aviation (CAA).  LSC has placed the CAA in the hands of a strong aviation leadership team with strong industry ties and recruited an outstanding cadre professional, experienced FAA Certified Flight Instructors.

3.  Which aircraft are used in the flight training program?

Our fleet of airplanes includes full glass cockpit, technologically advanced single engine Cirrus SR20, Cessna C-182RG aircraft and the multi engine fleet is comprised of Piper PA-44 Seminole aircraft.  The helicopter fleet consists of Schweizer 300C and Robbinson R-44 helicopters.

4.  How old are the aircraft in the training fleet?

The CAA’s  training fleet consists of late model, technologically advanced Cirrus SR20 aircraft with an average fleet age of 2 years old.  The SR20 fleet is supplemented with “special purpose” aircraft including Cessna C-182RG complex single engine trainer as well as a twin engine Piper Seminole.

5.  What certificates and ratings can I earn through Lake Superior College's Center for Advanced Aviation?

Student pilots of the CAA’s Professional Pilot program can begin with zero flight time with no aviation experience and over the course of training finish with professional pilot credentials as well as a significant amount of experience piloting technologically advanced “glass cockpit” aircraft.  The route to becoming a professional pilot starts here.  You can earn your FAA Private and Commercial pilot certificates, Instrument and Multi-Engine ratings, Certified Flight Instructor, Instrument Flight Instructor and Multi-Engine Flight instructor.  We can also provede training for the Airline Transport Pilot certificate.

Our Personalized Training program provides new and existing pilots the opportunity to create a training program as simple or as comprehensive as you wish.  These Personalized Training programs can include "rust removal" flights, biennial flight reviews, or new FAA ratings and certifications, among others, at your desired pace.

6.  What certificates and ratings will I have when I finish the Professional Pilot program?

Graduates of the fixed wing program will have accumulated approximately 265 hours of flight time and have earned their FAA pilot certificates and ratings including: Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot and Multi Engine Rating.  In addition, students will have attended Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) ground school and will have passed the FAA knowledge exams for the Certified Flight Instructor and Instrument Flight Instructor ratings with the option of completing the flight training required for the initial CFI, Instrument Instructor and Multi Engine Instructor ratings. 

Refer to these pages for more information about our two programs:  Professional Pilot Degree and Professional Pilot Diploma.

7.  How much will it cost for me to complete the airplane training program?

The cost of flight training with the CAA is approximately $65,000.00.  This is a considerable value considering the experience and qualifications of our instructors, the smaller class sizes allowing more personal attention as well as the late model, glass cockpit aircraft fleet.

Please contact us to find out about the cost of the other services we offer.

8.  Why Duluth?

There are several advantages of learning at the Duluth International Airport (KDLH) in Duluth, Minnesota.  We enjoy a fine air traffic control facility and have a nice mix of traffic including general aviation, military, commercial airline, air freight and helicopter traffic. It’s a busy, but controllable flying environment.  The 148^th Fighter Wing of the Minnesota Air National Guard, flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon, also calls Duluth home.  The airport is also home to the Cirrus Aircraft Company, manufacturers of the Cirrus SR20, SR22 and the Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet.  We have the distinct advantage of being based at the same airport as the manufacturer of our training aircraft where we enjoy unprecedented access and Cirrus factory support.

9.  Is there financial aid available to help fund my education and flight training?

Financial Aid is available to students through grants and student loans from traditional government sources as well as non-traditional collegiate student loans through commercial lenders.  GI Bill benifits can also be used.  Scholarships are also available.  More information about LSC scholarships and financial aid is available here.

Please contact: Kevin Kortuem, Director of Lake Superior College's Center for Advanced Aviation, at k.kortuem@lsc.edu or at (218) 733-7737 for more information or to begin the enrollment process.

You can also visit Lake Superior College's main website at www.lsc.edu to learn more about the College.