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Department of Aviation Technology

Bailey College of Engineering & Technology

About the Department 

The mission of the Department of Aviation Technology (AVT) is to prepare students for a career in the dynamic and challenging world of aviation. The Department has been recognized for the excellence of its facilities, faculty, and graduates. 

The Department of Aviation Technology is part of the Bailey College of Engineering & Technology. We offer Bachelor of Science degrees in Aviation Management and Professional Aviation Flight Technology, along with minors in Aviation Technology and Unmanned Systems. Our state-of-the-art Flight Academy, located at the Terre Haute Regional Airport, features a multi-million-dollar fleet of aircraft and advanced flight simulators, providing students with top-tier flight training.

An aerial view of a small white aircraft taxiing on a wide runway. The gray tarmac has visible tire marks, white guiding lines, and a large runway number. Green grass borders the runway, from all sides. In the distance, intersecting taxiways and signage mark the airport's layout.

Our Programs

Travis Eckert, '19

“I worked with my instructors to make sure I could complete all of my coursework while I was deployed [in Afghanistan]. I don’t think that’s very common for people to go overseas and work on homework. Classes went on without me, but when I came back to Indiana State, the instructors made it very easy for me to transition. I have learned a lot about aviation management and unmanned systems. I think I’ll have a step up in the fighter pilot community.” 

– Travis Eckert, ’19, Aviation Management and Unmanned Systems

A smiling white man with short dark hair stands outdoors with greenery visible behind him. He wears a blue zip-up jacket that says “Indiana State University” and holds in both hands a white drone with three propellers on it.

Flight Operations

The Department of Aviation Technology's Flight Academy, located at the Terre Haute Regional Airport, is a 20-minute drive from campus. With a recently renovated facility and a multi-million-dollar fleet of aircraft, students receive quality flight training that ensures they are sought after by employers. The fleet consists of Diamond DA-20, DA-40, DA-42, and a Piper Arrow. 

Training at the Academy is exclusive to students who are enrolled in the Professional Aviation Flight Technology degree program. The Flight Academy is an FAA Part 141-approved training facility.

Laboratories

The Department of Aviation Technology features an unmanned systems mobile laboratory that provides hands-on experiences for students. The mobile lab complements classroom learning by allowing students to plan and execute drone missions. With the aid of faculty members, students in the program have completed several projects in support of local government and private agencies.

Flight simulation is a crucial component in reducing the overall cost of obtaining any given certificate or rating. Additionally, it allows for simulating emergency situations that would not be acceptable in an aircraft. 

The Department of Aviation Technology has invested in several technically advanced flight simulators. The simulation lab has two fixed Redbird trainers, one full-motion Redbird trainer, and a new Precision Flight Controls Simulator that can simulate multiple aircraft including a light jet. In addition to the simulators in the flight simulator lab on campus, there are two additional Redbird flight simulators located at the Flight Academy.

Flight Academy Flight Fees      2025-2026 

A view of the airplanes used for the flight academy.

Operational expenses are primarily funded by flight fee income realized through the assessment of flight fees. These fees are non-refundable unless (1) the student drops the respective course for the certification being pursued, or (2) the student completely withdraws from the University. Under these circumstances, unused flight fee income will be refunded as determined by the flying time that was logged. Extenuating circumstances can exist, as may be determined by the Chairperson of the Aviation Department that would allow a student to pay hourly flight fee rates based on aircraft type. An example of an extenuating circumstance would be when a student would need to fly more hours, than provided by the semester rate, for the purpose of correcting deficiencies. Students enrolled in the ISU Professional Pilot Degree Program must accomplish all flight training at the ISU Flight Academy. Additional financial aid that has been granted for flight students through university approved flight courses must be spent for flight training at the ISU Flight Academy.

Indiana State University Flight Academy Payment Website

Freshman AVT 142 & AVT 144 students are required to pay the full semester rate. (Not eligible for installments)

Certificate TypeSemester 1 Rate Semester 2 Rate
Private PilotAVT 142   $9,617AVT 144   $7,018
InstrumentAVT 242   $2,640AVT 244   $11,271
CommercialAVT 342   $9,010AVT 344   $18,660
Multi-EngineAVT 367  $3,850N/A
Certified Flight Instructor 1AVT 442 CFI   $3,050N/A
Certified Flight Instructor 11AVT 442  CFII  $4,691N/A
Multi-Engine InstructorAVT 446  $5,570N/A

Note:  Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial and Multi-Engine Certificates are the only required certificates for PAFT degree.  Additional Certificates listed above are optional electives.

Aircraft Type Solo Flight Rate/HourDual Flight Rate/Hour
DA20$182$223
DA40$233$274
DA42$303$344
PA28$233$274

Ground School

Hourly Instructional Rate$41