North Dakota State University

Aviation Program

The State Board of Higher Education authorized North Dakota State University to initiate an aviation program in 1972. The Department of Mechanical Engineering was assigned the administrative responsibility for the operation and coordination of this program.  Michael Jesse Paulson, Chief Flight Instructor of Fargo Jet Center, Inc., at Fargo Hector International Airport, has been the instructor for this program since 1989.

Aviation Program PDF

Only students who are enrolled at North Dakota State University or one of the other four Tri-College institutions and are pursuing an academic program are entitled to enroll in the aviation program.

ME 311 Introduction to Aviation (three credits)

This course provides a general introduction to aviation and serves as a preparation for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examination for a private pilot’s license. Topics covered include aerodynamic theory, aircraft systems, FAA regulations, aircraft performance, weight and balance computations, weather conditions, radio navigation, flight safety and emergency procedures. 

ME 312 Introduction to Flight (two credits)

Instruction is given in pre-flight procedures, airplane operation procedures, fundamental maneuvers, operating limitations, flight safety, traffic control, communications procedures and preparation for solo flight. To receive academic credit for this course, a student must also complete 15 hours of dual flight instruction and three hours of pre-flight preparation and post-flight briefing. A student desiring to fulfill the FAA requirements for a private pilot’s license must acquire additional hours of flight experience, but no additional academic credit will be granted. Prerequisite or corequisite: ME 311  Introduction to Aviation.

ME 313 Commercial Instrument Ground School (three credits)

This course provides a general introduction to instrument flying and complex aircraft systems serving as preparation for the FAA instrument rating license and commercial pilot’s license. Topics covered include flight instruments, instrument attitudes, partial panel, radio navigation, instrument departure, en route approach procedures, FAA regulations, aircraft performance, weight and balance computations, and complex aircraft systems.

ME 494 Introduction to Instrument Flight (two credits)

Instruction is given in instrument pre-flight procedures, airplane operating procedures under instrument conditions, communication procedures, instrument attitude work and radio navigation. To receive academic credit for this course, a student must complete 15 hours of dual instruction and three hours of pre-flight preparations and post-flight briefing. A student desiring to fulfill the FAA requirements for an instrument rating license must acquire additional hours of flight experience but no additional academic credit will be granted. Prerequisite or corequisite: ME 313- Commercial Instrument Ground School.

In addition to the normal tuition and fees, extra costs are as follows:

A student who wishes to acquire additional flight experience beyond the 15 hours of required dual instruction in order to satisfy the requirements for an instrument rating license or a private pilot’s license may continue under this program with Fargo Jet Center, Inc., at the same rates listed above.

For Course Registration Information Contact:
Department of Mechanical Engineering
North Dakota State University
Dept #2490
PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND  58108-6050
Phone: (701) 231-8671

For Course Content Information Contact:
Michael Jesse Paulson, Chief Flight Instructor
Fargo Jet Center, Inc.
3802 20 St N
Fargo, ND  58102
Phone: (701) 235-3600
E-mail: mpaulson@fargojet.com

Office of Admission
North Dakota State University
Ceres 114
Dept #5230, PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050

Tel: (701) 231-8643 / Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/admission/

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