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Learn the basic and advanced skills required to pursue a commercial pilot certificate 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 Rochester International Airport.

Upon completion of RCTC’s Aviation Pilot Program, students receive an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Aviation Pilot and a private pilot certificate, instrument rating, commercial pilot certificate, and multi-engine rating. A certified flight instructor certificate can also be pursued for those interested in teaching others to fly. Completion of this program is a path to becoming an airline transport 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 privileges Airline Transport Pilot (R-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.

Attend the Upcoming Event

Spend part of your evening discovering the opportunities available through the Aviation Pilot AAS program. Get an inside look at what you can expect as an RCTC aviation student and learn how you can take your first steps toward a career in the skies!