Professional Flight

 
 
 

Join us for Mside Madness IX, as we come together to support our students on March 19 through March 20 GIVE TODAY

Out of an abundance of caution and for the safety of our community, offices will be closed today, Wednesday, March 19. We hope to resume normal business hours tomorrow, March 20.

 

 

 

THE SKY'S THE LIMIT

The Professional Flight program is designed for individuals who wish to obtain a bachelor’s degree while earning pilot ratings to work as a professional pilot eventually. You will spend a significant amount of time immersed in the technical aspects of aviation while earning your Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ratings through flight training. Flight training will take place at Morningside’s state-of-the-art facility at the Sioux Gateway Airport, located in Iowa and just across the border from Nebraska and South Dakota. Morningside is currently going through the process of being certified by the FAA as a Part 141 program to provide pilot ratings.

Degrees

Professional Flight BS

Major

A Great Fit For

  • Those with an interest in becoming a pilot for a commercial, private, or government entity.
  • Individuals interested in a high-demand career field with job opportunities around the world.
  • People looking for opportunities to travel around the globe.
  • Anyone with attention to detail, situational awareness, excellent communication skills, and self-confidence.

THE MORNINGSIDE DIFFERENCE

Regional Partnerships

We have partnered with Oracle Aviation out of Omaha, NE and the Sioux City Gateway Airport to ensure you'll receive hands on experiences.

Externship Program

Our externship program allows you to participate in a paid, semester-long externship in Sioux City, greater Iowa or beyond and work side-by-side with management and production teams doing real agriculture in the real world.

Experts in the Field

Our aviation program has brought in experts throughout the industry to help develop the curriculum that prepares you to face the challenges facing the industry.

LEARN BY DOING

MORNINGSIDE AVIATION DEPARTMENT

In partnership with Oracle Aviation and the City of Sioux City, students in aviation will have access to a state-of-the-art facility located at the Sioux City Gateway Airport.

Student Sitting In Morningside Plane Cockpit

INFORMATION ABOUT PROFESSIONAL FLIGHT

  • Individuals interested in the Professional Flight program must apply and be accepted to Morningside University.
  • Acceptance to Morningside does not guarantee admission to the Professional Flight Program.
  • To be accepted to the Professional Flight program, you must
    • Read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
    • Be at least 16 years of age at the time of your first solo flight, and at least 17 years old at the time of initial pilot certification.
    • Pass an FAA-approved flight physical.
    • Participate in the TSA screen program.

You may earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation – Professional Flight from Morningside University. It may be possible to add an additional major or minor depending on your interests. Your academic advisors can assist you in finding the path that best works for you.

Major
Aviation – Professional Flight

VIEW FEE STRUCTURE BELOW FOR 2025-26 ACADEMIC YEAR

PRIVATE PILOT RATING: Up to 60 hours of flying and ground instruction
FLHT 101 Private Pilot 1 (4 credits, fall semester): $15,000
FLHT 102 Private Pilot 2 (2 credits, spring semester): $7,000
TOTAL: $22,000

INSTRUMENT RATING: Up to 50 hours of flying and ground instruction
FLHT 201 Instrument 1 (4 credits, fall semester): $14,350
FLHT 202 Instrument 2 (2 credits, spring semester): $6,650
TOTAL: $21,000

COMMERCIAL RATING: Up to 100 hours of flying and ground instruction
FLHT 320 Commercial Pilot 1 (4 credits, fall semester): $21,350
FLHT 323 Commercial Pilot 2 (2 credits, spring semester): $10,150
TOTAL: $31,500

Completion of one of the following Ratings is required (student may choose to complete both):

CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR (CFI) RATING: Up to 20 hours of flying and ground instruction
FLHT 301 Certified Flight Instructor 1 (2 credits, fall semester): $5,125
FLHT 302 Certified Flight Instructor 2 (2 credits, spring semester): $4,125
TOTAL: $9,250

MULTI-ENGINE RATING: Up to 20 hours of flying and ground instruction
FLHT 330 Multi Engine 1 (2 credits, fall semester): $8,125
FLHT 332 Multi Engine 2 (2 credits, spring semester): $7,125
TOTAL: $15,250

Flight course fees cover the rental of a Cessna 172 (or better), the instructor, flight time and fuel, and associated ground school. Fees also cover a renter’s insurance policy for each student up to $75,000 of hull coverage, $500,000 liability, and $50,000 per passenger Any flight hours that exceed those allocated for each Rating will be billed directly to the student by Oracle Aviation. Refund Policy: Refunds of course fees associated with Flight Lessons (FLHT courses) will be pro-rated, based on the number of flight hours completed at the time the student withdraws, priced at the current per hour rate. For more information regarding the refund policy contact the Business Office: busnoffice@morningside.edu.

You may frequently interact with professionals throughout the industry developing relationships and building skills. Opportunities include:

  • Industry-leading speakers
  • Club meetings and college-wide seminars
  • Interviews
  • Internships
  • Travel to conferences

  • Salary: The median annual salary for commercial airline pilots is around $115,000/year. Entry-level pilots at regional airlines can expect to earn around $65,000/year.
  • Ample Jobs: The aviation industry is experiencing a pilot shortage due to a high number of pilots retiring, which makes jobs plentiful.
  • Travel Opportunities: In addition to traveling as part of your work, many airlines offer generous air travel discounts for pilots and their families.
  • Great Variety: Pilots are in demand not only for commercial airlines, but within a variety of private and public companies and in many different settings.

WHY STUDY AT MORNINGSIDE?

13:1

student/faculty ratio so you’re assured a quality education focused on you

99%

employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation

65+

majors & pre-professional programs available

Still looking for the right fit? Check out some additional program options that we think might interest you or are often paired with this program. You can also view the programs page to keep exploring your options.

MEET THE FACULTY

Thomas Paulsen Professor & Dean of Agriculture and Aviation Applied Agriculture & Food Studies

Thomas Paulsen

Professor & Dean of Agriculture and Aviation

Thomas’s Profile
headshot of Brian Miller

Brian Miller

Director of Aviation Program

Brian’s Profile

Larry Brockshus

Assistant Professor

Larry’s Profile

Next Steps

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Financial Aid

Financial aid is available. Learn how you can qualify.

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Take the next step towards building your future.

Contact Us

Our admissions team is eager to answer your questions about this program and how to apply.

Lewis Hall Illustration