UNO Aviation Institute Concludes Successful 2026 Exploring Post Program

The University of Nebraska at Omaha Aviation Institute proudly wrapped up another successful year of its Exploring Post program, providing 25 aspiring aviation professionals with immersive, hands-on exposure to the industry.

Designed as an eight-week experience, the Exploring Post introduces students to career pathways in professional piloting, air traffic control, airport management, aircraft maintenance, and aviation operations. For just $40, participants gained exclusive behind-the-scenes access to aviation organizations, professional mentorship, interactive flight simulation, and industry environments not typically accessible to the public.

The 2026 program kicked off September 17 at the UNO Thompson Alumni Center, where students and families gathered to learn about the semester’s opportunities and explore the many avenues within aviation and aerospace. From the start, the program emphasized engagement, connection, and real-world insight.

Throughout the semester, explorers toured and engaged with several regional aviation and transportation leaders, gaining meaningful, behind-the-scenes exposure to real-world operations. At Revv Aviation at Council Bluffs Municipal Airport, students participated in a discovery flight experience, giving many their first opportunity to see the region from the air while learning about flight operations and aircraft handling. At Midwest Aviation at Eppley Airfield, the group toured the company’s hangar facilities, viewed multiple aircraft up close, and visited their national dispatch center to better understand flight coordination and operational logistics.

A comprehensive visit to Duncan Aviation in Lincoln provided an in-depth look at the full scope of aircraft maintenance and refurbishment. Students toured the expansive facilities, observing maintenance operations, aircraft painting, interior remodeling, and the detailed craftsmanship required to maintain business aviation fleets at the highest standard.

The group also visited Union Pacific Railroad, where students had the rare opportunity to step aboard the company’s aircraft, which are operated nationally out of Omaha’s Eppley Airfield, offering insight into corporate aviation within a major transportation corporation.

In addition, explorers toured the national headquarters of Jet Linx Aviation in Omaha, where they saw firsthand how a private aviation company manages dispatch, fuel analysis, scheduling, and day-to-day flight operations. These experiences collectively provided students with a comprehensive view of the many career pathways available within aviation beyond the flight deck.

Participants also spent dedicated time in the Aviation Institute’s flight simulators on campus, experiencing what it’s like to sit in the pilot’s seat and manage real-world flight scenarios. In addition, students had the opportunity to speak directly with local air traffic controllers, asking questions about daily responsibilities, training pathways, and the critical role ATC plays in maintaining safety and efficiency in the National Airspace System.

With enrollment limited to just 25 students, the Exploring Post continues to offer a personalized and impactful introduction to aviation careers. By combining hands-on learning, professional interaction, and exclusive site visits, the program empowers students to envision their future in aviation with clarity and confidence.

As the 2026 Exploring Post concludes, the UNO Aviation Institute remains committed to inspiring the next generation of aviation leaders through accessible, engaging, and career-focused programming.

For more information about the UNO Aviation Institute and future Exploring Post opportunities, visit aviation.unomaha.edu.