When people talk about Lake Norman’s most impressive success stories, they usually start with racing, real estate, or small business grit. But one powerhouse woman has built something extraordinary in the skies above Mooresville — and her story deserves to be told.
Meet Nicole Lofvenholm, founder and owner of Race City Flight Operations at Lake Norman Airport. In 2018, Nicole didn’t just create another business — she built a modern, community-driven aviation school that has become one of the most respected flight programs in the region.
Today, Race City Flight Operations is woman-owned, woman-led, family-run, and nationally recognized, recently being named among the Top 100 Small Businesses in America by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. And that’s just the beginning of Nicole’s impact.
A Different Kind of Flight School — Built With Heart and Precision
Race City stands apart because Nicole built it with a pilot’s discipline and a nurse’s heart.
Yes — in addition to running an aviation school, Nicole also holds a Master’s in Nursing from Winston-Salem State University and assists the local fire department on how to safely respond to aircraft accidents. A brilliant combination of expertise that defines how she leads.
Her school blends:
Airline-style, career-focused training
A hands-on, personable approach
State-of-the-art technology
A culture of safety, mentorship, and excellence
The result? A flight school that feels both professional and deeply personal — preparing students for real careers while cheering for them like family.
A Commitment to Community — Including Heroic Help After Hurricane Helene
Nicole’s leadership extends far beyond the runway.
Race City Flight Operations played a critical role in the Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, supporting transport, logistics, and emergency operations when the region needed it most. It’s a piece of their story that perfectly mirrors their mission: aviation in service of people.
You can read more about their recovery work here: racecityfo.com/helene
Inspiring the Next Generation of Aviators
Nicole’s vision is simple but bold:
Build a community that celebrates excellence, innovation, and the future of flight.
Her team uses cutting-edge tools, modern aircraft, and world-class instruction so pilots can learn efficiently and graduate ready to excel in today’s evolving aerospace world.
From teenagers with big dreams to adults pursuing second careers, Race City Flight Operations is shaping tomorrow’s pilots — right here in Mooresville.
A Leader Worth Celebrating
Women in aviation are rare. Women leading aviation schools? Even rarer.
Nicole Lofvenholm is not just breaking barriers — she’s teaching others to fly right over them.
If you haven’t visited Race City Flight Operations yet, consider this your invitation. Take a tour, meet the team, and watch the next generation of pilots take to the sky.
Race City Flight Operations
📍 Lake Norman Airport, Mooresville, NC
📞 704-662-6227
🔗 racecityfo.com
Nicole, we see you — and Lake Norman is proud.
