Aviation Technology

Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences

About our Aviation Programs

The mission of our Aviation Management and Aviation Technology programs is to prepare students for a career in the dynamic and challenging world of aviation. The Aviation programs at Indiana State have been recognized for the excellence of our facilities, faculty, and graduates.

Our Aviation programs are part of the Department of Engineering & Applied Sciences in the Bailey College of Engineering & Technology. They include 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

Watch Travis Eckert’s story.

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 2026 – 2027

A view of the airplanes used for the flight academy.

How Flight Fees Work

Flight fees cover the operational costs of training at the ISU Flight Academy. These fees are charged by semester and are non-refundable, unless the student drops the course associated with the certificate or fully withdraws from Indiana State University. When a refund is allowed, it is based on unused flying time.

All students in the Professional Aviation Flight Technology program must complete flight training exclusively at the ISU Flight Academy. Any financial aid awarded for flight training must be used here.

Indiana State University Flight Academy Payment Website

Certificate Fees

The rates below are listed by semester for each certificate. The certificates that are required for the PAFT degree are indicated by an *. Other certificates are optional electives.

Note: First-semester Private Pilot students (AVT 142 & 144) must pay the full semester rate and are not eligible for installment plans.

Certificate Type	Semester 1 Rate	Semester 2 Rate
Private Pilot*	AVT 142 $10,483	AVT 144 $7,650
Instrument*	AVT 242 $2,878	AVT 244 $12,285
Commercial*	AVT 342 $9,821	AVT 344 $20,339
Multi-Engine*	AVT 367 $4,196	N/A
Certified Flight Instructor 1	AVT 442 CFI $3,325	N/A
Certified Flight Instructor 11	AVT 442 CFII $5,113	N/A
Multi-Engine Instructor	AVT 446 $6,071	N/A
Estimated Certificate Fees Total	All Certificates	$82,161

Note:
1. Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial and Multi-Engine Certificates are the only required certificates for PAFT degree. Additional Certificates listed above are optional electives.
2. All flight fees must be paid in full by the end of the third week of the semester. Students who fail to meet this deadline will be removed from the Master Flight Schedule beginning the fourth week.

Aircraft Hourly Rates

If hourly billing is approved under extenuating circumstances:

Aircraft Type	Solo Flight Rate/Hour*	Dual Flight Rate/Hour*
DA20	$198	$243
C152	$198	$243
DA40	$254	$299
PA28	$254	$299
DA42	$330	$375

*Solo Rate/Hour is the amount a student pays to fly one of our airplanes by themselves (without an instructor on board).

**Dual Rate/Hour is the cost to fly with a certified flight instructor (CFI) on board.

Instruction & Ground School

$45 hourly instructional rate (required for PAFT degree)

Want a More Predictable Way to Budget?

Our semester-based fee structure helps you plan ahead while ensuring you have the flight time needed to succeed. Advisors can walk you through course sequencing and financial planning.