The Aviation Program is a comprehensive five-semester program designed to prepare students for careers in aviation. Combining classroom instruction at NIACC with hands-on lab and flight training at the Mason City Airport, the program provides a balanced approach to learning. Delivered in partnership with North Iowa Air Service, students gain practical experience in real-world aviation settings, covering topics such as aerodynamics, flight operations, navigation, and aviation safety. Graduates are well-equipped with the skills and certifications needed to pursue opportunities in the aviation industry.

Program Goals

The goal of the Aviation Professional Pilot AAS degree program is to prepare students for careers as skilled, safety-conscious, and knowledgeable professional pilots. The program provides comprehensive training in aviation theory, flight operations, and industry-standard practices, equipping graduates with the technical and professional skills required to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification requirements. Students will develop expertise in flight planning, navigation, aircraft systems, and decision-making to excel in dynamic aviation environments.

Admissions Requirements

NIACC Admission:

• NIACC Application for Admission
• High school transcript or HSED scores
• ACT, SAT, Accuplacer, or ALEKS, and the NIACC writing assessment
• Other college transcripts

FAA Medical Certificate or BasicMed Compliance:

• Obtain an FAA Medical Certificate or meet BasicMed requirements prior to NIACC registration.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship:

• Provide a U.S. passport, original birth certificate, and government-issued photo ID. International students must meet TSA validation requirements.

Career Opportunities

Pilots who graduate from the Aviation Program will have the opportunity to be employed as:

• Commercial Pilot
• Agricultural Pilot
• Survey Pilot
• Aerial Mapping Pilot
• Search & Rescue Pilot
• Flight Instructor

Program Achievement

Upon successful completion of all 5 semesters of the Aviation Professional Pilot curriculum with a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 (C) or higher, the student is awarded an Associate in Applied Science Degree.