GET TO KNOW THE SCHOOL
A closer look.
South Dakota State's aviation degree offers a flight-training sequence in Brookings, including an education specialization for prospective instructors. The 2026–2027 course schedule covers private, instrument, commercial single- and multi-engine, CFI, CFII and MEI training with advanced training-device sessions. School-wide aircraft information names American Champion 7KCAB Citabria and Piper PA44-180 Seminole. Programs and aircraft are supported by the current academic-year flight-charge schedule; course registration follows the university's degree requirements.
- Aviation degree and Private pilot — published options
- Airplane training
Published training options.
The school’s published options are summarized below. Each note explains the training type and what to clarify when comparing the school’s exact course.
Aviation degree
An academic pathway with its own entry and graduation requirements. Compare the flight qualifications, academic credits and flight fees included in your chosen track.
Private pilot
A private-pilot training path. Compare the aircraft used, ground-school arrangements and how lessons progress from initial skills to practical-test preparation.
Instrument rating
Training focused on instrument flying, procedures and planning. Compare aircraft and simulator use, scheduling and the preparation expected before flight lessons.
Commercial pilot
A commercial-pilot training option. Ask which aircraft category, prerequisites, experience-building flights and practical-test preparation are included.
Multi-engine
Training in multiengine aircraft. Confirm whether the course is an initial rating, an add-on or a transition, and which aircraft will be available.
Certified flight instructor (CFI)
Training in teaching, lesson preparation and instructional flying. Ask which instructor qualification is included and how practice teaching is assessed.
Instrument flight instructor (CFII)
Preparation for instrument-instruction responsibilities. Confirm the required existing instructor qualification and whether simulator work is part of the course.
Multi-engine instructor (MEI)
Preparation to teach in multiengine aircraft. Ask about entry qualifications, aircraft availability and the ground and flight preparation included.
Simulator training
Practice using a training device. Ask which device is used, whether an instructor is included and how the sessions support your particular course.
Aircraft & training scope
Aircraft categories: Airplane
Published aircraft models: American Champion 7KCAB Citabria, Piper PA44-180 Seminole
Programs and aircraft are supported by the current academic-year flight-charge schedule; course registration follows the university's degree requirements.
Listed aircraft and costs do not guarantee a particular airframe's availability. Confirm prerequisites, capacity and the current curriculum with SDSU.
Training framework & verification
Part 141: Matched to the FAA roster dated 2026-10-19. Confirm the approved course and training location with the school. The workbook does not list individual course approvals or establish training quality.
FAA reference: faa.gov. Confirm the approved course and training location with the school.
PART 141 SOURCE CHECK
FAA roster information.
This listing is matched to the supplied FAA Part 141 roster record. Confirm the approved course and training location with the school; the roster does not list course approvals or establish training quality.
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY AVIATION PROGRAM
Certificate U72S863KLocation designator U72S
Address as recorded: 201 W 2ND ST SOUTH, AIRPORT, BROOKINGS, SD 57006
Use the faa.gov facility dashboard for future cross-reference. The dated record above reflects the FAA workbook used for this directory update. How we check records
TRAINING FIT
Our school review.
The published progression through additional certificates and ratings is relevant to students planning more than an initial private certificate. Compare each stage separately: required prerequisites, aircraft charges, ground instruction and progress checks can materially affect the total plan. The published aircraft models make equipment comparisons easier; ask which aircraft is assigned to your course and what backup is available. Confirm the campus before relying on a school-wide program or fleet description.
An AI-assisted editorial assessment of the school’s published information. This is separate from student feedback. We have not attended or inspected this school.
WHAT THE AVAILABLE FEEDBACK TELLS US
Student review evidence.
BestAviation shows one September 2023 review of South Dakota State's flight program. The author praises the curriculum and faculty background, but writes as someone who would consider sending grandchildren there, rather than identifying a completed personal student experience. This is an outside opinion about the program, not a representative account from enrolled pilots. A single older endorsement cannot establish current instructional consistency, scheduling, or student outcomes.
4 / 51 review
Provider-wide
Single 2023 endorsement; the author does not identify personal participation as a flight student.
Source snapshot: 2026-10-23What reviewers appreciated
- One outside reviewer praises the program's curriculum and faculty background. [1]
How to read this evidence
Single 2023 endorsement; the author does not identify personal participation as a flight student.
Follow up with the school
- Can I speak with students who completed a full course, beyond an introductory flight or other service?
- How are training progress, lesson availability and total costs communicated to students?
Read the review sources
- BestAviation — South Dakota State University Aviation Program Third-party source
The matching page was read during this review.
AI-assisted summary of the cited material. Public comments are individual experiences; the sample may be small, selective, or dated.
How we prepare review summariesMAKE YOUR NEXT CONVERSATION COUNT
Questions for South Dakota State University Aviation Program.
- Which flight qualifications are included in my degree or certificate track, and which require separate enrollment?
- Which of these courses and aircraft are actually available at the Brookings location?
- How do flight fees, testing and additional proficiency hours fit into the complete academic budget?
- How is instructor-course practice teaching scheduled, and which instructor qualifications are covered?
Sources & listing information.
School facts are compiled from the source material below. Imported record identifiers are retained for traceability and are not presented as proof of current certification.
- South Dakota State University — aviation program
- SDSU — 2026–2027 aviation flight courses and costs
- SDSU — aviation education specialization
- Source-record reference: checkrides.ioReference retained from the supplied spreadsheet; current content not rechecked for this import.
- faa.gov — Find a FacilityFAA pilot-school facility reference. Part 61 instruction is not a separate FAA school certification.
View source record references
U72S863K
Part_141_Flight_School_Websites (1).csv; faaverifiedp141.xlsx