Minnesota State University PA28
Minnesota State University
Minnesota State University (not to be confused with the much larger University of Minnesota) is a public university with its flagship campus in Mankato, about 65 miles southwest of Minneapolis. MSU has the only accredited 4 year aviation program in the State, and they partner with a variety of major players in the aviation industry, like SkyWest, Delta, Sun Country, Endeavor, Republic, and PROPEL, among others. Their aviation college offers degree in a variety of things, like air traffic control, airport management, and what they’re best known for, piloting.
The training program goes from students with zero prior flight experience all the way up to Multiengine Rated pilots. They operate a fleet based out of Mankato Regional Airport (KMKT) which consists of Piper Archers, Piper Seminoles, Cessna 152s, and Extra 300Ls.
The PA-28 Cherokee
The PA-28 is an extremely popular GA plane, being the 4th most produced aircraft in history. They’re small, with just 2-4 seats, but can fly up to 700 miles (equivalent to Dallas-Atlanta) and use very little runway, meaning they can get into small airports. A testament to it’s durability, the PA-28 entered production in 1961, and are still being produced at Piper’s Vero Beach, Florida factory to this day.
Fast Facts
Range: 600nm
Cruise Speed: 116kts
Service Ceiling: 13,236 feet
