Aviation
Undergraduate Programs
Description
Our goal is to educate students to become professionals responsible for the safe and efficient design, management, and operation of aviation systems. The program combines a substantive university education with professional flight, UAS, and management components to graduate well prepared aviation professionals. Acquisition of airmanship knowledge, skills, and abilities develops professionalism, responsibility, self-reliance, and marketable skills for early career progressions, and provides important experiences which ensure a level of understanding and competency essential to becoming an effective aviation leader.
Flight Hours: The Aviation Professional Flight BS is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to receive the maximum time reduction allowed toward the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. Graduates of these programs are eligible for a Restricted ATP certificate at 1,000 flight hours. Additional information regarding the Institutional Authority program is contained in Advisory Circular 61-139 and in FAA Order 8900.225.
Effective August 1, 2016, the Aviation programs and courses do not qualify for GI Bill® or VA education benefits.
Majors |
Program | Locations | Major / Total Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aviation BS Aeronautics | BS - Bachelor of Science |
|
74 / 120 |
| Aviation BS Aviation Management | BS - Bachelor of Science |
|
62 / 120 |
| Aviation BS Professional Flight | BS - Bachelor of Science |
|
66 / 120 |
| Aviation BS Unmanned Aircraft Systems | BS - Bachelor of Science |
|
74 / 120 |
Minors |
Program | Locations | Total Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aeronautics Minor |
|
18 | |
| Private Flight Minor |
|
18 | |
| Professional Flight Minor |
|
32 |
Policies & Faculty
Policies
Admission to Major. Coordinator for Admission to Major, the College of Education Adviser, 117 Armstrong Hall. All students must submit an unofficial transcript or DARS report (available at the Campus Hub).
Students must meet the following requirements:
- a minimum of 32 earned semester credit hours.
- a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
- a minimum of C+ in the first ground school course (AVIA 150, 240, or 250)
An English language proficiency level as described below:
- TOEFL iBT composite score of 80 or better with at least a score of 22 in both the listening and speaking sections; OR
- TOEFL PBT/iBT composite score of 550 or better with at least a score of 60 on the listening section; OR
- IELTS composite score of 6.0 or better with at least a score of 6.0 in both the listening and speaking sections; OR
- Successful completion of the advanced level of the Intensive English Program (IEP) at Minnesota State University, Mankato, with a B+ average or better and at least a B in each course.
--OR--
Successful completion of the highest level of the Intensive English Program (IEP) at Minnesota State University, Mankato, with a B+ average or better and at least a B in each course.
Students may only enroll in 1xx and 2xx-level aviation coursework prior to admission to the major.
Flight Training. Flight costs are determined on an hourly basis for aircraft and flight instruction. To obtain FAA certificates, it requires FAA exams which may require an additional fee. Students seeking admission to flight training must be examined by an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner and have an FAA medical certificate and student pilot certificate before the start of flight training. Applicants intending to seek a Commercial Pilot Certificate must have 20/20 vision in each eye, or be correctable to 20/20. Medical examinations should be done far enough in advance of flight training to allow any potential problems or questions to be resolved. We recommend obtaining the 1st class FAA medical certificate.
The FAA requires any pilot's license applicant to speak, read, write and understand the English language. Flight students whose home language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. The English language proficiency required to begin any flight lab is outlined below:
- TOEFL iBT composite score of 80 or better with at least a score of 22 in both the listening and speaking sections; OR
- TOEFL PBT/iBT composite score of 550 or better with at least a score of 60 on the listening section; OR
- IELTS composite score of 6.0 or better with at least a score of 6.0 in both the listening and speaking sections; OR
- Successful completion of the advanced level of the Intensive English Program (IEP) at Minnesota State University, Mankato, with a B+ average or better and at least a B in each course.
--OR--
Successful completion of the highest level of the Intensive English Program (IEP) at Minnesota State University, Mankato, with a B+ average or better and at least a B in each course.
In addition, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires U.S. citizen flight students to present a government-issued photo identification document such as a driver's license and an original passport or original (raised seal) birth certificate for U.S. citizenship verification. International flight students must comply with TSA requirements for a security threat assessment as specified in the Alien Flight Student Program. Generally, this process requires approximately 30 days to complete. Refer to www.flightschoolcandidates.gov for details.
Contact Information
328 Armstrong Hall
Main office (507) 389-6116https://ed.mnsu.edu/academic-programs/Aviation/
Faculty
Department Chair
- Jeff Peterson, MS, ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI
Faculty
100 Level
Credits: 1
Required for new students entering the Aviation Program. Course covers academic planning, degree audits, flight lab registration and completion requirements, and tips that students can apply to achieve success in the program.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
A study of how aviation fits into our modern world, relation to business, and contribution to the economy. Study of aviation as a visible alternative in transportation.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Aviation Terminology teaches international students the terms and meanings of airports, aircraft, and aviation in general. The course will also include instruction in proper pilot and air traffic control radio procedures and methods when in flight and on the ground. The course should reduce future difficulties in follow-on aviation management or professional flight courses.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
A study of basic aeronautical knowledge including principals of flight, aerodynamics, aviation regulations, weather, visual and instrument navigation, and emergencies. The course meets, but is not limited to 14 CFR 61.105. Satisfactory completion of this course may result in an endorsement for the FAA Private Pilot written exam.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 2
Provides beginning flight student with the in-flight requirements needed to obtain the FAA Private Pilot's Certificate.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Provides initial flight student with the in-flight training requirements needed to obtain the FAA Private Pilot Helicopter Certificate.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1
AVIA 153, Private Pilot Flight Lab II, continues the flight lab progression in the MSU aviation program to the second stage of the Private Pilot flight lab. The course reviews and expands the classroom knowledge received in the Private Pilot Ground Course as well as the skills developed in AVIA 151. The training flights continue the building block approach to training with student pilots gradually obtaining the skills to fly safely and pass an FAA administered practical examination.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course discusses the Remote Pilot Certification process and the specific rules under which UAS platforms can be operated. Students will gain sufficient knowledge to prepare them for the Remote Pilot Certificate exam and apply that knowledge to operations in the National AirspacePrerequisites: none
Credits: 1
Prepares advanced flight student with the in-flight requirements needed to obtain the FAA Multi-Engine Pilot rating.Prerequisites: AVIA 151, or equivalent
200 Level
Credits: 3
A study of physics and aerodynamic principals of flight and propulsion systems. The nature of aerodynamic forces are explained. Flight principals of lighter-than-Air, airplane, glider, rotorcraft and powered lift are covered in detail.Prerequisites: PHYS 101, MATH 112, AVIA 150
Credits: 3
A study of fundamental air navigation principles and how it is applied to flight. Pilotage and dead reckoning. Great circle navigation. Charts and conformal projections. Celestial navigation. Electronic navigation systems and their operations and use.Prerequisites: AVIA 150
Credits: 3
A study of the aeronautical knowledge including aviation regulations, weather, instrument navigation, and instrument emergencies. The course meets, but is not limited to, FAR part 61.65 (b, 1-4). Satisfactory completion of this course may result in an endorsement for the FAA Instrument Pilot written exam.Prerequisites: AVIA 150, or equivalent
Credits: 2
Prepares advanced flight students with the in-flight requirements needed to obtain the FAA Instrument Pilot rating.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Prepares advanced flight students with the in-flight requirements needed to obtain the FAA Instrument Pilot Helicopter rating.Prerequisites: AVIA 152
Credits: 1
AVIA 243, Instrument Pilot Flight Lab II, continues the flight lab progression in the MSU aviation program to the second stage of the Instrument Pilot flight lab. The FAA requires each pilot to obtain their Instrument Pilot flight certificate to fly in instrument weather conditions. The course reviews and expands the classroom knowledge received in the Instrument Pilot Ground Course as well as the skills developed in AVIA 241. The training flights continue the building block approach to training with student pilots gradually obtaining the skills to fly in all instrument conditions and to pass an FAA administered practical examination.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
A study of advanced aeronautical knowledge, including aerodynamics, aviation regulations, weather, visual and instrument navigation, and emergencies. The course meets, but is not limited to 14 CFR 61.125(b). Satisfactory completion of this course may result in an endorsement for the FAA Commercial Pilot written exam.Prerequisites: AVIA 153, AVIA 240
Credits: 2
Prepares advanced flight students with the in-flight requirements needed to obtain the FAA Commercial Pilot's Certificate.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Prepares advanced flight students with the in-flight requirements needed to obtain the FAA Commerical Pilot Helicopter Certificate.Prerequisites: AVIA 152, AVIA 242
Credits: 2
AVIA 253, Commercial Pilot Flight Lab II, continues the flight lab progression in the MSU aviation program. The FAA requires each pilot to obtain their Commercial Pilot flight certificate to be compensated for work as a pilot. This stage two course of the Commercial Pilot flight lab reviews and expands where required the classroom knowledge received in the Commercial Pilot Ground Course. The training flights use a building block approach to training with student pilots gradually obtaining the skills to fly the more difficult manuvers and to pass an FAA administered practical examination.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Study of Helicopter theory to meet FAA part 141 certification requirements for helicopter.Prerequisites: AVIA 150, AVIA 250, AVIA 260
Credits: 3
This course covers all the knowledge areas required for the FAA helicopter private, instrument and commercial pilot certification at a deeper and more academic level.Prerequisites: none
300 Level
Credits: 1
Orientation to academic and administrative expectations of upper division students including basic academic requirements, conducting aviation research, resources available, professional and personal standards of performance, program progression, APA format, and critical thinking.Prerequisites: ENG 271W or ENG 272W
Credits: 1
This course will teach students to communicate tactical and strategic messages through written and oral means. Students will develop public speaking skills specific to the aviation industry to include aviation interviewing techniques, crisis communication, and passenger communication. Students will develop their professional resume specific to their career choice.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1
Students train for and participate in intercollegiate flight competition as a member of the MSU Flight Team. An additional fee is required during semesters in which the team participates in competition. A maximum of 4 credits can be earned.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Designed to cover the complex area of operation techniques and problems confronting the airlines today. Entails a study of marketing research, passenger trends, feasibility route studies, etc.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Provides an understanding of management and financial techniques related to aviation businesses. Generally accepted and proven business techniques and proven business techniques are applied to the aviation setting.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Aircraft systems for light and medium category general aviation aircraft, includes the study of structure, control, electrical, fuel, environmental, landing gear, and engine systems. Examples of general aircraft category aircraft systems will be discussed from the pilots perspective.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Principles of Avionics is an expanded course on the theory and Applications of Aviation Electronics for future pilots and students of aviation and aeronautics. The course highlights modern synthetic displays, navigation, automatic flight control, FMS, and other essential aircraft equipment.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, pressurization, environmental, and other systems for large-transport category aircraft are covered. Also turbine engines, primary and secondary flight controls, and miscellaneous important systems are examined. Examples of systems in large transport-category jets will be discussed from the pilot operational perspective.Prerequisites: AVIA 201
Credits: 3
The course provides basic principles of operation and components description of the traditional and modern propulsion systems used in atmospheric and space transportation vehicles. Reciprocating engines with propellers, turbine jet engines, and chemical rockets are covered.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
Introduces students to airline training, regulations, and flight management systems (FMS). Students will develop an understanding of airline operations as they experience an FAA Part 121 style basic indoctrination. Students will be trained on procedures, requirements, and limitations for airline operations through all phases of flight and ground in a simulated Advanced Qualifications Program (AQP) style course. Students will also develop technical and procedural knowledge of FMS.Prerequisites: AVIA 153
Credits: 3
Course provides students with an overview of airport management. Studies include the day-to-day operations of air carrier and general aviation airports as well as planning, design, construction, finance and public relations associated with airport management. Students are exposed to many career opportunities in this area. The course includes a case study of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area airport system and several site visits.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course prepares students for the Airport Operations certification. It includes topics required for certification: Airport Layout, Safety, Part 139. Airport Surfaces, Marking, Signs, Lighting, Self-Inspections, Ground Vehicles, NAVAIDs, ATC, Part 77, Hazardous Materials, FOD, Wildlife, ARFF, Winter Operations, and Security.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
A study of the fundamentals of instruction including the learning process, effective teaching evaluation, course development, lesson planning, and instructing techniques. The course meets, but is not limited to 14 CFR 61.185(a). Satisfactory completion of this course may result in an endorsement for the FOI and CFI-A written exam.Prerequisites: AVIA 243, AVIA 250
Credits: 3
Prepares advanced flight students with the in-flight requirements needed to obtain the FAA Certified Flight Instructor certificate, FAA Instrument Flight Instructor certificate, and FAA Multiengine Flight Instructor certificate.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course will help the student determine the UAV platform to use and demonstrate knowledge of the UAS sensors and operating procedures. The student will also use the UAS for data collection.Prerequisites: AVIA 160
Credits: 1
An introduction to all-attitude flying in an aerobatic aircraft, to include maneuvers such as stalls/spins, basic aerobatics, and Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) per ICAO SARP Annex 1, paragraph 2.4.3.2.2 and the FAA AFH. This course is designed to build pilot confidence and skill as a means of enhancing safety of flight. Training consists of three flights, approximately 1.0 hour each, and 10 hours of classroom instruction. Academics include maneuver descriptions, all-attitude aerodynamics and physiology, and accident research involving Loss of Control In Flight (LOCI).Prerequisites: AVIA 253
Credits: 3
This course will provide the student with knowledge of UAS telemetry and communication. The student will apply datalink principles and identify aspects of UAS communication. Students will demonstrate knowledge of issues facing UAS interference.Prerequisites: AVIA 370
Credits: 1
Prepares advanced flight students with the in-flight requirements needed to obtain the FAA Certified Flight Instructor Helicopter Certificate.Prerequisites: AVIA 252
Credits: 1
Prepares advanced flight students with the in-flight requirements needed to obtain the FAA Instrument Helicopter Flight Instructor Certificate.Prerequisites: AVIA 242, AVIA 252
400 Level
Credits: 3
To instruct the student relative to legal implications of aircraft ownership, leases, rentals, and overall aircraft operation. Emphasis is placed on the understanding of liability and negligence from the operator and pilot standpoints.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course will take an in-depth look at several legal topics that touch the aviation industry. The course will use the case study method to look at several aviation-related cases, including commercial airline accidents, pilot certificate actions, airline security violation cases, international aviation law, and several other current legal matters that involve the airline industry.Prerequisites: AVIA 432
Credits: 3
Introduces advanced professional flight students to FAR Part 121 style standardized flight training in a regional jet. Course will include aircraft systems, procedures training, and techniques used in high performance turbine aircraft. Emphasis on standard operating procedures (SOP), crew resource management (CRM), and line oriented flight training (LOFT).Prerequisites: AVIA 340
Credits: 3
The understanding and implementation of safe operating procedures. Assists the student in arriving at proper decisions related to periods of stress when operating as pilot in command. Various FAA regulations and standard and safe operating procedures are also discussed.Prerequisites: AVIA 150
Credits: 3
To provide the student with the basic knowledge of ATC as a career and the fundamentals necessary for FAA certification.Prerequisites: AVIA 240
Credits: 3
Introduces the workings of the complex system of air control in the US and abroad. Covers such subjects as radio communications, airspace classification, radar control, and operation as well as aircraft separation. Looks at present and future air traffic control systems.Prerequisites: GEOG 217, AVIA 250, AVIA 340
Credits: 3
Preparation for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate through an in-depth understanding of regulations, meteorology, navigation, aircraft systems, communications, air traffic control, emergency and abnormal procedures and practical dispatch applications. At the completion of the course, students will be prepared for the Federal Aviation Administration Aircraft Dispatcher oral examination.Prerequisites: AVIA 443
Credits: 3
A study of various techniques designed to enhance management and leadership methods. Emphasizes decision-making and judgment skills as well as methods to improve effective communication and skills to develop a productive work environment for flight crew and other airline personnel.Prerequisites: AVIA 150
Credits: 3
This course is designed to develop students technical understanding of information and knowledge required for Air Transport Pilots. Students will participate in a capstone research project and present their findings in a research paper and oral presentation. Course completion requirements will include preparation for the FAA ATP written exam.Prerequisites: AVIA 253, AVIA 340
Credits: 3
Prepares students who desire careers as professional pilots. Emphasizes complete ground tutoring and flight instruction relating to instrument maneuvers, SOP's, regulation interpretation, pilot discipline, and professional procedures. Crew resource management, LOFT, and turbine-transition flights in an advanced jet flight simulator are used. This course is taken in conjunction in the same semester as AVIA 450.Prerequisites: AVIA 253
Credits: 3
This is a stand-alone course designed for the person who is not an MSU aviation major. The course offers a complete jet aircraft transition training program.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
The fundamental principles and calculation of the performance in various phases of flight: takeoff and land, climb and descent performance, maximum-range and maximum-endurance cruise, single-engine performance in multi-engine aircraft, standard atmosphere and basic subsonic and supersonic aerodynamics is covered.Prerequisites: AVIA 338
Credits: 3
Covers aeromedical factors that are essential for high-altitude flying aircraft. Hypoxia, hyperventilation, dysbarism, basic gas laws. Armstrong line, vision in flight, day and night. Pressurization systems, pressurized suits, danger of loss of cabin pressure, future HSCT and LEO commerical flights.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 3
This course will provide the student with knowledge of advanced UAS operations to include a mapping project from proposal through implementation to completion. It will identify security requirements and develop threat models and risk assessment.Prerequisites: CIS 350, AVIA 375
Credits: 4
This course will review and expand on knowledge that has been taught in the program. The student will demonstrate UAS concepts with a meaningful research project using the skills and knowledge learned from the program. They will apply these skills to real world scenarios.Prerequisites: AVIA 470
Credits: 1-10
.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1-12
Supervised experience in business, industry, state or federal institutions.Prerequisites: none
Credits: 1-6
Allows the student an individual course of study on an aviation topic to be arranged with the department.Prerequisites: none
