Aviation Program Admission

The Aviation Pilot Program is a new and unique educational experience at RCTC. This page outlines the steps necessary to begin and complete the application and enrollment process for the Aviation Pilot Program.

High school students interested in taking Aviation courses as a part of the Post-Secondary Education Option (PSEO) Program should speak with their high school counselor.

1. APPLY TO RCTC

2. APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID

When filling out the FAFSA, please use RCTC’s school code: 002373. When you receive your award letter, schedule an appointment immediately with an RCTC financial aid representative. The representative will explain your award letter and provide you with alternative loan options.

3. GATHER THE REQUIRED FAA DOCUMENTATION

After applying to RCTC and applying for Financial Aid, the following FAA requirements should be completed.

Obtain a First-Class FAA Medical Certificate

  1. If you have medical questions or are concerned about a medical condition or prescription that may complicate your medical certificate please visit clearapproach.mayoclinic.org to create an account or log in with Mayo Clinic Online Services account information if already a Mayo Clinic patient. Use RCTC Coupon Code: RCTC24. Mayo Clinic Clear Approach to Medical Certification is an interactive website providing RCTC students with resources to make informed decisions about pilot health and FAA flight medical certification. It is built on a secure and encrypted platform to ensure protected health information. This service is free for RCTC students.
  2. Student must complete an online application/medical form on FAA MedXPress.
  3. Once you have completed the online application/medical form, you will receive a confirmation number. You will need that confirmation number when you schedule your First-Class Medical Appointment.
  4. Schedule your First-Class Medical appointment with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). The cost of the appointment is $371.
  5. RCTC will need a copy of your First-Class Medical Certificate.  Either scan or take a picture of your First-Class Medical and email to the Academic Advisor for Aviation, Samantha Schendzielos at samantha.schendzielos@rctc.edu. Or bring your medical certificate with you to your RCTC registration appointment and Samantha can make a copy.

4. COMPLETE THRIVE IN THE HIVE ORIENTATION (required for all new RCTC students)

All new students must complete the new student orientation course through D2L called Thrive in the Hive. This orientation session will introduce students to RCTC policies, procedures, and software used to manage your enrollment.

5. REGISTER FOR CLASSES

Once you have completed your Thrive in the Hive orientation, you will be able to schedule an advising appointment to register for classes. Samantha Schendzielos is the Academic Advisor for the Aviation Pilot Program. At your registration appointment please bring the following FAA documentation. Samantha will need to make copies of the following documents to have on file and to forward to Great Planes Aviation.

FAA requirements Samantha will need to make copies of at your registration appointment:

  • FAA First-Class Medical Certificate
  • Verification of Citizenship. Bring original copies of any of the accepted documents to your registration appointment listed below.
    • Valid, unexpired United States Passport; OR
    • Original U.S. Birth Certificate AND Driver’s License; OR
    • Original U.S. Naturalization Certificate with raised seal AND Driver’s License

6. ASSEMBLE REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS

  • Purchase tablet (preferably an iPad).
  • Purchase the textbooks and additional aviation materials. You can purchase the Jeppesen textbooks either at the RCTC Bookstore or through an online retailer. The additional aviation materials for the ground and flight labs can be purchased from either the Great Planes Aviation Pilot Shop or through any online retailer. A list of materials for your aviation courses can be found in the Additional Resources section below or in the RCTC Aviation Pilot Program Handbook link to the left.
  • Ensure finances are available and make full payment prior to the first day of pilot courses. Please visit www.rctc.edu/financialaid or call 507-285-7271.
  • Refer to RCTC Payment options and timelines to ensure course enrollment is maintained.

7. ATTEND MANDATORY ORIENTATION FOR THE AVIATION PILOT PROGRAM IN MAY.

Additional Resources