Lake Area Tech Aviation Programs Expand as Pilot, Maintenance and Drone Training Demand Grows

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Lake Area Technical College President Tiffan Sanderson presented a detailed update Monday night on the college’s rapidly expanding aviation programs, outlining major investments, strong student outcomes, and growing workforce demand across aviation maintenance, professional pilot training, and uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).

The report was delivered in response to a request from Board Member Jean Moulton, who asked for a comprehensive overview of all aviation pathways offered at LATC.

Aviation Maintenance: LATC’s Longest‑Running Aviation Program

Aviation Maintenance — one of the college’s original programs dating back to 1965 — continues to be a cornerstone of LATC’s workforce training.

LATC is certified as an FAA Part 147 school, meaning curriculum and hands‑on training meet federal aviation maintenance standards. Students earn their Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certifications under FAA Part 65.

·         Lead Instructor: Tony Wiegman

·         Certification Pass Rate: 97.5%

·         Program Length: 2 years, 71 credits

·         Cost: Just under $30,000

·         First‑year earnings: About $69,000 — allowing graduates to recoup tuition in roughly four months

Students train on a variety of aircraft, including LATC’s own fleet used in the pilot program. Maintenance students assist with 100‑hour inspections, annuals, avionics upgrades, interior work, and even aircraft repainting in partnership with Duncan Aviation.

Enrollment is strong heading into fall, with 23 of 25 seats filled for first‑year students.

Nationwide, the aviation industry faces a projected shortage of 280,000 mechanics over the next decade.

Professional Fixed‑Wing Pilot Program: High Demand, High ROI

LATC launched its professional pilot program in 2019, and it has quickly become one of the college’s most visible offerings.

·         Lead Instructor: Brock Stevens

·         Instruction Team: ~10 certified flight instructors

·         Program Length: 2 years, 67 credits

·         Cost: ~$64,000

·         First‑year earnings: ~$72,000

·         Return on Investment: Students typically earn back program costs in 11 months

LATC operates as a Part 61 flight school, allowing an accelerated training path compared to four‑year aviation programs.

Students earn six FAA ratings, including:

·         Private Pilot

·         Instrument Rating

·         Commercial Pilot

·         Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

·         Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII)

·         Multi‑Engine Commercial

Enrollment for fall is expected to be about 53 students.

Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS): LATC’s Fast‑Growing Drone Program

LATC’s newest aviation pathway — uncrewed aerial systems — reflects rapid growth in drone technology across agriculture, construction, public safety, business, and government.

The program began with dual‑credit offerings in 2023 and expanded into a full certificate option in 2025.

·         Instructor: Thomas Dunn

·         Certificate Length: 18 credits

·         Cost: ~$6,400

·         Certification Earned: FAA Part 107

·         Industry Alignment: LATC is a Collegiate Training Initiative institution and a Trusted UAS Operator through the National Center for Autonomous Technologies.

The certificate can be paired with 13 different LATC programs, and every Precision Agriculture and Heavy Equipment Operator student now receives drone instruction.

Board members noted the rapid growth of drone technology in both civilian and defense sectors, with potential for expanded state agency training partnerships.

Enrollment is expected to increase significantly this fall as standalone certificate students join dual‑credit and embedded program participants.

Aviation Investments and Future Expansion

Over the past four years, LATC has invested $1.3 million in aviation equipment through one‑time funding allocations. Aviation is also a major component of LATC’s 10‑year master campus plan, which includes a proposed aviation center to support continued growth.

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