Community College Offers Multiple Training Pathways With 18 Aircraft

Iowa Lakes Community College’s Aviation and Airport Management Program has reached a key milestone, completing its 300th FAA check ride since a program reorganization in January 2020. The check ride was completed on May 27, 2025, by now-CFI Andrew Barbee of Dubuque, Iowa.

“This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work of our students, the commitment of our instructors and the strong support from college leadership,” expressed Tim Busch, Director of Aviation and Chief Flight Instructor. “Every check ride represents a student reaching their next level in aviation, and hitting 300 shows the momentum and excellence of our program.”

The program offers training toward a full range of FAA pilot certifications, including Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, Multi-Engine Rating, Certified Flight Instructor, and specialized instructor ratings. Alongside these certifications, students earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Aviation & Airport Management, preparing them for careers across airline, corporate, charter, agricultural, and instructional aviation sectors.

Students train on a fleet of 18 single and multi-engine aircraft from the Estherville Municipal Airport (EST) in Emmet County, Iowa. In 2023, the school began standardizing its 11 Cessna 172 Skyhawks with Dynon SkyView HDX avionics using the Six Pack Aero Legacy XL Panel Kit. This FAA-approved retrofit replaced the aircraft’s stationary panel to accommodate larger displays while preserving structural integrity.

The program is structured for hands-on learning with access to aircraft, flight simulators, and experienced instructors. Class sizes remain small, and the college emphasizes affordability and career relevance. According to Iowa Lakes, the aviation program’s graduates are already working in fields ranging from aerial application and medevac operations to airline flight decks and instructional roles.

Since its founding in 1967, Iowa Lakes Community College has expanded to five campuses across northwest Iowa. The aviation program’s recent achievements are a testament to its continued investment in quality CTE and dedication to the industry.

FMI: https://iowalakes.edu