Launch your career through our College of Aviation

If you have a passion for aviation and want to work in an industry where the sky is the limit, you’ve come to the right place! Whether your dream is to pilot an aircraft or help guide it through stormy skies, Academy College offers the career training for you. Our graduates secure exciting jobs such as: aircraft dispatcher, airline pilot, corporate pilot, air charter pilot, fire watch pilot, test pilot, fixed-base operations manager, airline manager, customer service representative, aircraft sales, aircraft insurance, airport security and airport management.

Real-world training at the highest level

At Academy College, we provide comprehensive aviation programs geared toward real-world airline and general aviation hiring needs. We are proud to be the exclusive provider of Minnesota’s one-and-only FAA-approved Aircraft Dispatch Training Program. Combine this with the Twin Cities’ largest Collegiate Professional Pilot Flight Training Program as well as an impressive Aviation Business Program, and you’ll soon realize why Academy College is the premier aviation school in the Metro area.

From Thunderbird, a 50-year leader in aviation

Flight training is conducted in Cessna and Piper aircraft delivered by Thunderbird Aviation. This intense and exhilarating instruction is complemented by select simulator training and structured ground-school training that prepares graduates for competitive careers in aviation.

Thunderbird Aviation has been the Upper Midwest’s leader in general Aviation since 1962. Thunderbird offers full FBO services, including aircraft maintenance, the state’s largest flight training fleet, aircraft fuel, on-demand charter, pilot shop, aircraft parts, and pre-owned aircraft sales and brokerage. Thunderbird is located at Minnesota’s Flying Cloud (KFCM) and Crystal (KMIC) Airports.

To show our commitment to the industry, Academy College and/or Thunderbird Aviation and their employees are members of the following professional organizations that promote professional aviation and aviation interests.

Aviation Logos