
Learn the basic and advanced skills required to pursue a commercial multi-engine pilot license in this immersive program. Gain industry knowledge with aviation and ground school classes being taught by RCTC instructors. Then, take to the skies with highly trained and FAA-certified flight instructors at Great Planes Aviation located at the downtown Rochester International Airport.
Upon completion of the RCTC Aviation Pilot program, students receive an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aviation Pilot and will have a private pilot’s license, instrument rating, commercial pilot’s license, multi-engine rating, and a certified flight instructor certificate. Completion of this program is the initial step in becoming a commercial airline pilot.
After graduating from our program, aspiring airline pilots can elect to use their flight instructor certificate to build flight experience quickly to meet airline and corporate hiring minimums. Graduates of our two-year degree program are eligible for a Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate at 1,250 flight hours. Also, after graduating from our program, those interested in continuing their aviation education can choose to transfer to Minnesota State University, Mankato for the completion of a Bachelor of Science in Aviation degree.
Our next cohort to fly starts July 10 – enroll now and get flying! Flight training courses start in the summer semester.
Program Options
RCTC’s two-year Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Pilot degree program is designed to educate students who plan a career as a pilot in commercial aviation. Our program is designed to prepare students with the technical knowledge and skills required for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) written and practical examinations for private, instrument, commercial, multi-engine, and flight instructor certificates. Upon successful completion of our program, students will be an FAA certified commercial multi-engine pilot and certified flight instructor.
Samantha Schendzielos, Program Advisor
SS 135 • samantha.schendzielos@rctc.edu • 507-285-7469