Est 2016
Our Story
Dakota Flight Center operates at the George McGovern Terminal at the Mitchell Municipal Airport. This facility was formerly the passenger terminal for commercial flights until 1991. Commercial cargo operations continued until 1996, at which time the terminal was shut down and used for airport equipment storage.
Dakota Flight Center was incorporated in December of 2016. Renovations to the George McGovern Terminal were completed in the summer of 2017, allowing classes and private instruction to begin.
We offer FAA Part 61 Training. This allows us to work one-on-one and in small groups providing flexibility to match your schedule, learning style, and budget. We can accommodate morning, evening, and weekend training, eliminating conflicts with work and school.
Our aircraft are maintained to precision standards by experienced A&P mechanics on the field at Mitchell Airport, with 24/7 access and fueling.
Facilities at Dakota Flight Center are accessible to pilots and students 24 hours a day. The lounge and study area provide ample space for both individual instruction and group interaction.
Mitchell Airport History
Opened in November 1937, the facility was rebuilt in 1943 by the United States Army Air Force as a Second Air Force B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator heavy bomber training airfield field known as Mitchell Army Airfield.
How it Started
From July to late September 1943, the 700th Bomb Squadron of the 445th Bomb Group conducted their advanced training at Mitchell Army Air Field. Upon completion of training and subsequent notification for overseas deployment, the 700th Bomb Squadron flew to Lincoln Army Air Field for last minute aircraft modifications before taking the Southern Atlantic crossing route to Tibenham, England.
Post War
On October 1, 1944, when training ended at the facility, it was transferred to Air Technical Service Command where it was assigned to Ogden Air Service Command as an auxiliary airfield. It was turned over to civil use after the war.
Commercial Flights
Airline flights began about 1951: Midwest Airlines Cessna 190s. Braniff stopped at Mitchell 1952–59; North Central arrived in 1959 and successor Republic left in 1982. (Northwest Airlink pulled out in 1991.)
Today
The Mitchell Municipal Airport (KMHE) has one Fixed Base Operator (FBO) - Wright Brothers Aviation. For current Mitchell airport operating information, click here.
Our Team
Scott Dorwart
Partner, InstructorRatings: CFI, CFII, MEI, SES, SEL, MEL, CG
Levi Koerner
Partner, InstructorRatings: CFI, CFII, MEI, AGI, IGI, SES, SEL, MEL, MES, CG
Brandon Muhs
Contract Flight InstructorRatings: CFI, CFII, IGI, MEI, SEL, MEL, A&P, Drone Pilot
Ben Hobbie
Contract Flight InstructorRatings: CFI, CFII, SEL, MEL
Aaron Weeldreyer
Contract Flight InstructorRatings: CFI, CFIG, CFII, MEI, SES, SEL, MEL, CG, A&P, Drone Pilot
