Meet Brian, U.S. Army Veteran and Future Professional Pilot

As he approaches the end of his two years in Ascent Aviation's flight training program, there's no doubt in Brian Lewis' mind that he made the right decision.

"My dad had a plane and private pilot license while I was growing up in Esko, Minnesota, so I flew as a little kid," said Brian. "I eventually went to college, but I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to do. Then I went into the military for 10 years, and after that I was still trying to figure out what my niche would be. I worked on the railroad, got into HVAC pipe-fitting, and then came to the realization that I wanted to fly again."

As luck would have it, one day two summers ago Brian drove by Lake Superior College's Center for Advanced Aviation where Ascent Aviation and Lake Superior College were holding an open house for prospective students. "I swung in, talked to some staff and instructors, and here I am."

Veterans' benefits and the GI Bill® have paid for nearly all of Brian's program costs.

"Ascent Aviation and LSC have been awesome," he said. "I've experienced no issues using my VA benefits whatsoever, and any questions I've had have been answered by LSC's veteran student support specialist and Ascent."

Ascent Aviation and LSC's professional pilot degree program is challenging and requires time and financial commitment and investment, but Brian is proof that you can have it all - a family and a full-time job while completing an accelerated professional pilot degree program. In Brian's case, however, he credits his strong support system (his wife, family and employer), as well as the structured nature of Ascent's program, for allowing him to successfully juggle it all.

"Coming from the military, I appreciate the structure of a Part 141 Program," said Brian. Benefits of a Part 141 Program are that veterans can use GI Bill® benefits which aren't accepted by Part 61 Programs, and there is a timetable and structured curriculum for completing your degree. "While it's demanding," he said, "you know exactly what you'll be doing and when, so you can plan accordingly."

Now, nearly two years after enrolling, Brian is just a few lessons and a check-ride away from completing his degree and becoming a licensed, professional pilot and certified flight instructor (CFI). "My goal right now is to be a flight instructor for Ascent Aviation," he said. "I want to help aviation students the way these instructors have helped me. I absolutely made the right decision, and I definitely recommend this program to anyone interested in becoming a pilot."

Students in the Ascent Aviation flight training program fly Cirrus SR20s, with their AirFrame Emergency Parachute System for the safest training environment possible.

After he graduates from the program, Brian looks forward to becoming a flight instructor for Ascent Aviation.

About the Program

Ascent Aviation and Lake Superior Helicopters partner with Lake Superior College to offer a two-year pilot degree program for both fixed-wing and helicopter flight training. Applications for fall enrollment are now being accepted. Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a pilot is encouraged to visit www.ascentaviation.com/fly and/or attend the upcoming Aviation Open House at LSC’s Center for Advanced Aviation, Hangar 103, 4960 Airport Road, 3-6 pm, on Friday, April 18. Any prospective student interested in the professional pilot program can also contact Ascent Aviation, info@ascentaviation.com, to arrange an individual tour of training facilities, both at LSC’s Center for Advanced Aviation and/or at Lake Superior Helicopters, as well as an opportunity to speak with an admissions representative. 

Veterans’ Benefits

LSC offers VA benefit financing to those who qualify through the program. The Post 9/11 GI Bill® can cover up to 100% of your flight training and college education costs. Learn more about your benefits and determine the amount of financing eligible by completing this short inquiry form, and a Student Support Specialist will be contact you.