Aviation (BS)
Professional Flight
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 61-136 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.
Current Catalog Year
2024-2025
Degree
Bachelor of Science
Major / Total Credits
66 / 120
Accreditation
AABI
Aviation Accreditation Board International
The MNSU Professional Flight B.S. program prepares you for careers in flight operations in both the general aviation and the air carrier segments of the aviation industry.
Conducted through a partnership with Northstar Aviation, flight training covers the full spectrum of FAA airman certification with:
- Private,
- Instrument,
- Commercial,
- and Multiengine.
Flight training at MNSU is conducted under exacting FAA Part 141 standards using a proprietary syllabus designed to emphasize automation, multiengine, and “real world” operations.
The Professional Flight program is fully accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).
Student Achievement Data
Program
Requirements
Required General Education
MATH 112 or higher is required
Concepts of algebra (real numbers, exponents, polynomials, rational expressions), equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices and determinants, conic sections, sequences and series, probability, and binomial theorem.
Prerequisites:
Satisfy Placement Table in this section, or MATH 098 with grade of P.
Goal Areas: GE-04
A one semester course which covers the basic principles of physics on a conceptual level and with a minimal amount of math. The course provides an understanding of natural processes and their applications. Topics generally include mechanics, simple machines, atomic structure, heat, light and sound. Lecture and laboratory components.
Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas: GE-03
Major Common Core
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
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
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
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. Select 1 course: AVIA 150 or AVIA 240
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
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
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
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:
Select 1 course: AVIA 150 or AVIA 240
An examination of the processes involved in weather formation. Students will be introduced to weather map analysis, simple forecasting and observational techniques, and weather instruments.
Prerequisites:
none
Emphasis Common Core
Provides beginning flight student with the in-flight requirements needed to obtain the FAA Private Pilot's Certificate.
Prerequisites:
none
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
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
Prepares advanced flight students with the in-flight requirements needed to obtain the FAA Instrument Pilot rating.
Prerequisites:
none
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
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
Prepares advanced flight students with the in-flight requirements needed to obtain the FAA Commercial Pilot's Certificate.
Prerequisites:
none
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
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
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 240
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
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
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
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. Must be taken concurrently with AVIA 436.
Prerequisites:
AVIA 253, AVIA 340
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
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
Degree Plan
First Year
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
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
Concepts of algebra (real numbers, exponents, polynomials, rational expressions), equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices and determinants, conic sections, sequences and series, probability, and binomial theorem.
Prerequisites:
Satisfy Placement Table in this section, or MATH 098 with grade of P.
Goal Areas: GE-04
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
Provides beginning flight student with the in-flight requirements needed to obtain the FAA Private Pilot's Certificate.
Prerequisites:
none
Students in this course approach writing as a subject of study by investigating how writing works across a variety of contexts.
Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas: GE-1A
A one semester course which covers the basic principles of physics on a conceptual level and with a minimal amount of math. The course provides an understanding of natural processes and their applications. Topics generally include mechanics, simple machines, atomic structure, heat, light and sound. Lecture and laboratory components.
Prerequisites:
none
Goal Areas: GE-03
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
Second Year
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. Select 1 course: AVIA 150 or AVIA 240
An examination of the processes involved in weather formation. Students will be introduced to weather map analysis, simple forecasting and observational techniques, and weather instruments.
Prerequisites:
none
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
Prepares advanced flight students with the in-flight requirements needed to obtain the FAA Instrument Pilot rating.
Prerequisites:
none
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
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
Third Year
Prepares advanced flight students with the in-flight requirements needed to obtain the FAA Commercial Pilot's Certificate.
Prerequisites:
none
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
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
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
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
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
Fourth Year
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
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 240
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
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:
Select 1 course: AVIA 150 or AVIA 240
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
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
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. Must be taken concurrently with AVIA 436.
Prerequisites:
AVIA 253, AVIA 340
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
