My name is Derek Helgerson and I am currently a flight Instructor at Minnesota State University, Mankato. I am just over 1200 hours of flight time, and I am ready to take the next step in my aviation career.

     When I was young, I remember walking around at the Oshkosh Airshow, in awe of the business aircraft section of the show. I loved every aspect of the show, but I remember standing behind a velvet rope barrier looking into the cockpits of turboprops, and business jets, wondering what it would be like to climb into one every day. I consider myself lucky that I was able to chase that dream, and I graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato, a Part 141 school, in May of 2023. Soon after graduation, I began working as an instructor at that same flight school. The University prepared me well, and I have found success as a flight instructor there, however, I am ready for a new challenge. I am ready to work in a more fast- paced environment, and expand my horizons as a pilot. 

     Learning how to fly at a 141 Flight School is one of the most challenging tasks I have encountered in my life, especially the multi- engine instructor rating. As difficult as it was, I see in hindsight that it did prepare me for the next steps. Flight instructing has been another challenge to face, flying with unpredictable students, weather, and busy uncontrolled airspace, but I have been able to thrive, and have fun with it. Along with the fun of flight instructing, I truly learned more than I imagined I would. From technical subject knowledge, to personal minimums, to teamwork, I expanded my abilities, and matured as a pilot. In addition, there is nothing better than getting a phone call from a student, explaining they just passed their checkride! I now feel confident in my ability to tackle any training program, and succeed in learning how to fly any airframe I put my mind to. 

     I am thankful for my time at Minnesota State University, Mankato, because it has given me the opportunity to chase a dream I’ve had since a very young age, and it has given me the experience to take the next step. I would love the opportunity to take the next step in my aviation career.

Sincerely,

Derek Helgerson.

Education

Minnesota State University, Mankato
Bachelor's August 26, 2019 - May 5, 2023 Major: Professional Flight- Part 141 Minor: Business Administration GPA: 3.73- Magna Cum Laude
Westby Area High School
Diploma September 1, 2015 - May 24, 2019 High School Diploma GPA: 3.86

Work Experience

Cashier
Walmart Supercenter May 19, 2020 - June 7, 2017 I assisted customers with purchase and bagging of merchandise. I also ensured a cleanly workspace which allowed costumers to transition through the purchase process in an easier fashion.
Copper Pedestal Remover
Vernon Communications Cooperative May 30, 2020 - May 18, 2020 I tested and removed inoperative copper telephone line pedestals from the ground and disposed of them. I also completed maintenance tasks such as painting, landscaping, and janitorial work.
Order Filler
Kwik Trip May 6, 2023 - June 7, 2021 I operated a center rider pallet jack and stacked product onto pallets based on verbal commands from a headset connected to the company's computer system. Once I completed a pallet for a store location, I transported the pallet to a plastic wrapping machine to be prepared for transport.
Order Filler
Walmart Distribution Center May 7, 2026 - May 8, 2023 I operated a center rider pallet jack and stacked product onto pallets based on verbal commands from a headset connected to the company's computer system. I then transport the pallet to a plastic wrapping machine to be prepared for transport.
Flight Instructor
North Star Aviation - August 15, 2024 I assist Minnesota State University, Mankato students with their flight training needs including flight, ground, and simulator training. I primarily teach Part 141 commercial, and instrument students as well as some Part 61 add-on training. I also help students with their scheduling needs, and I write letters of recommendation for those who are applying for job positions or scholarships.
Cashier
Walmart Supercenter - Present I assist customers with purchase and bagging of merchandise. I also ensure a cleanly workspace which allows costumers to transition through the purchase process in an easier fashion. In addition, I help customers if they have questions about using the self checkouts.

Highlights

MSU Maverick Flight Team
August 26, 2019 MSU Maverick Flight Team 2019- 2022 - Secretary 2020- 2022 I was a part of a team which competed in specific aviation related events against other aviation schools in the US. There was a regional competition, and a national competition every year. I competed in events involving aircraft preflight, and pilotage and dead reckoning navigation. In addition, I trained for other events such as E6B calculations, flight planning, and aircraft recognition.
Westby Robotics Club
September 5, 2016 Westby Robotics Club: 2016- 2017 I was a part of team tasked with designing and building a robot from scratch to fit within the guidelines of a competition handbook. The team competed against other schools to complete a required task, which was different each year.

Aircraft Experience

PA-28
  • Time in Type: 1121.1 hrs
  • Last Training: October 1, 2025
  • Training Type: Recurrent 141 Instructor
  • Facility: North Star Aviation
PA-44
  • Time in Type: 90.4 hrs
  • Last Training: May 15, 2024
  • Training Type: MEI Checkride
  • Facility: North Star Aviation
C-150
  • Time in Type: 7.4 hrs
  • Last Training: February 1, 2023
  • Training Type: CFI Spin Training
  • Facility: North Star Aviation