Aviation at Nicolet

​Nicolet College is dedicated to fostering aviation education and supporting aspiring pilots through initiatives like becoming an FAA testing location, coordinating aviation events, and offering the Private Pilot Ground School. Additionally, Nicolet College is collaborating with other institutions to establish transfer opportunities for students seeking aviation degrees and is enhancing hands-on learning experiences by acquiring an FAA-approved flight simulator and drones. Learn more at the links below.

Private Pilot Ground School   |   FAA Exam    |   Drones

Visit EAA AirVenture 2025

Have you always thought about visiting the largest Airshow and aviation event in the world? It’s right here in Wisconsin, and you can join fellow Nicolet College aviation enthusiasts for the day.

Nicolet College has reserved a 56-passenger Deluxe Motorcoach to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. Operated by Lamers Bus Lines, the bus is air-conditioned, has restrooms, and has Wi-Fi service available. 

The cost for this transportation is $50/person round trip and includes all parking and cold water. 

EAA AirVenture admission is separate and not included in this price.  EAA tickets can be purchased in person at the gate or online at www.eaa.org/airventure. Youth 18 and under are admitted free.

 Reservations will be accepted first-come-first serve and will likely be sold out.

To register for the bus:  COMING SOON!

Tentative travel schedule:

6 am: Bus departs Nicolet College, Lakeside Center parking lot, Rhinelander.

9 am: Approximate arrival at EAA main entrance gate.

          Enjoy the entire day to explore EAA AirVenture and the afternoon airshow.

6 pm:  The bus will depart for Rhinelander at the EAA main entrance gate.

9 pm: Approximate arrival time back to Nicolet College, Lakeside Center parking lot.

Flight Training in Northern Wisconsin

Nicolet College does not operate aircraft or a flight school, but we are working to establish arrangements with several airports in northern Wisconsin.  We will post that information when it is available. 

In the meantime, you can search over 2000 flight schools listed on the Aircraft Owner and Pilots Association (AOPA) website here.

Additional information about flight training can be found at:

Experimental Aircraft Association - www.eaa.org

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association - www.aopa.org

Aviation and Aerospace in Wisconsin

Jobs in aviation go far beyond flying! The average aircraft contains thousands of parts from hundreds of different suppliers, with many people involved in their operations, resulting in many types of jobs in aviation. There are many careers available other than the pilots up front flying the plane.

Over 200 Wisconsin companies have ties to the state's aerospace sector, and more than 26,000 people are employed in Wisconsin by companies that support the aviation and aerospace manufacturing sectors.

Wisconsin ranks above the national average for employment concentration in many different professions relating to aviation and aerospace. They can include:

  • Pilots
  • Flight Instructors
  • Mechanics
  • Airline pilots, mechanics and flight crews
  • Airline operations and management
  • Air Charter operators
  • FAA inspectors
  • Avionics Technicians
  • Air Traffic Controllers
  • Aeromedical Operations
  • Fixed Base Operator (FBO) operations
  • Aviation Education
  • Aviation Sales and Marketing Professionals
  • Aviation Manufacturing
  • Industrial engineers
  • Machinists
  • Maintenance and repair workers
  • Tool and die makers
  • Welding and fabrication
  • Airport Management and Operations
  • Flight Schools
  • Commercial Drone Pilots Operators
  • Aerial Photography, Mapping and Surveying
  • Aviation engineering

Aviation Education

Nicolet College does not currently offer a for-credit aviation program, but we are working to establish arrangements with several other 2-year and 4-year institutions. In many of these programs, credits earned for passing your written FAA exam, your Private Pilot License, or other General Education classes may transfer to an approved degree program.  We will post that information when it is available. 

If you’re interested in an aviation college education, please contact Curt Drumm at Nicolet College at  cdrumm@nicoletcollege.edu