Fishers native named University of North Dakota’s Certified Flight Instructor of the Month

Nicholas Burgess, a University of North Dakota graduate and certified flight instructor from Fishers, was named UND’s Certified Flight Instructor of the Month for May.

A certified flight instructor is a pilot who has been trained in how to teach people how to fly. Flight instructors take students up in an aircraft and do much of their teaching in the cockpit.

As part of the Certified Flight Instructor of the Month selection process, students of the CFIs are invited to submit nominations:

“I would like to nominate Nicholas Burgess for CFI of the Month because of the incredible dedication, professionalism and support he demonstrated throughout my flight training,” wrote one student.

“From the very first lesson, he created a positive and comfortable learning environment where I felt encouraged to ask questions, make mistakes and grow. His calm and patient teaching style helped build my confidence as a pilot, and I never felt rushed or overwhelmed.”

A 2020 graduate of Hamilton Southeastern High School in Fishers, Burgess graduated Summa Cum Laude from UND in August with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics, majoring in Commercial Aviation.

During his time at UND, he gained hands-on experience through advanced flight training and coursework that prepared him for a professional career in aviation. He is excited to begin his career as a commercial pilot with Endeavor Airlines, where he will start in September.

Burgess holds Certified Flight Instructor and Certified Flight Instrument Instructor ratings, as well as a commercial pilot license, multi-engine certificate and other licenses and certifications.