Announcements and Events

2012 Aviation Program Outstanding Performers

This year's guest speaker at our annual Aviation Awards Banquet was LaMar Haugaard, the chief pilot at Horizon Airlines. He spoke about professionalism and the bright future our graduates gave. During his visit to RMC he also took time to conduct mock interviews with senior students.

Congratulations to these award winners for the 2011-2012 academic year:

• Jeff Lindsay and Jesse Taylor Spirit of Aviation Award and Scholarship: Tyler Reed
• Outstanding Freshmen Award - Dr. James T. Lovitt Scholarship: Linda Gutmann and Marc Halderman
• Outstanding Sophomore Award and Scholarship: Luke Duley and Seth Livengood
• Outstanding Junior Award: Konnor Scally and J.J. Murawsk
• Outstanding Senior Award: Kelley McInelly and Brian Kelleher
• Outstanding Aviation Management Major Award: Kentaro Miyamoto
• #1 Graduate in Aviation Program for 2011-2012 Academic Year: Kenny Ketcham
• Dr. James T. Lovitt Safety Scholarship: Chris Farmer

Flight Training Awards

• Outstanding Private Pilot: Linda Gutmann
• Outstanding Instrument Pilot: Donald Young
• Outstanding Commercial Pilot: Zach Witt
• Outstanding Multi-Engine Pilot: Jason Tobin
• Outstanding CFI Applicant: Mike Damrow
• Outstanding CFI Employee: Andrew Scheffer

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Industry Support for RMC Aviation

SATELLITE TECHNOLOGY COMPANY: At graduation in May, Rocky Mountain College gave an honorary doctorate in aviation to Mr. John "Jack" Mowell. He has become a good friend to the aviation program and to RMC. He is chairman of CEO of EMS Technologies, one of the pre-eminent satellite technology companies in the world, with headquarters in Florida. The company will play an integral role in the first manned mission to Mars, among other large projects. He's also a new member of the RMC Board of Trustees. He said, "I became acquainted with Rocky Mountain College's aviation program first, because it is my life interest, and I can tell you, Rocky's program is second to none." Rocky Mountain College President Mike Mace said, "Praise from a man of his experience and stature is truly remarkable."

SKYWEST AIRLINES: The aviation program also has a very strong relationship with SkyWest Airlines. The manager of crew resources (oversees all pilot hiring) recently said this about RMC:

"We need pilots who are leaders and those who seek to be true professionals. We value those who have strong technical skills, integrity, and pride in their profession. We look for those who will be successful in a glass cockpit environment within Regional Jet operations. We've had great success finding these qualities within Rocky graduates, and we certainly welcome more. It is our goal to visit Rocky every year, and we're very pleased with the strong relationship we have."

Many RMC graduates have gone on to very successful careers at SkyWest. Their technical training in Regional Jet flight management systems, glass cockpits, advanced cockpit displays, and Regional Jet aircraft systems make a big difference, but their overall professionalism and leadership skills are what sets them apart.

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Senator Baucus Visits Rocky Mountain College Flight Operations

U.S. Senator Max Baucus of Montana visited Flight Operations at Rocky Mountain College. He toured the facility at Billings Logan International Airport, crawled around the airplanes, and asked important questions about how the program is helping students achieve their goals of becoming leaders in professional aviation. Senator Baucus has long been a strong supported of RMC's aviation program.

After the tour, Senator Baucus said, "I continue to be impressed with the growth and advancement of the aviation program at Rocky. I'm very proud of the contributions this excellent program is making. Montana students and those from out of state who study and fly at Rocky are fortunate to have such a professional program. Rocky Mountain College is doing a tremendous job preparing students for good paying, exciting jobs and bright futures here in Big Sky Country."

Senator Baucus met with students, flight instructors, and other employees in the program. He was at the Billings Airport as part of the open house sponsored by Corporate Jet, a new FBO in Billings. Senator Baucus was elected to the U.S. Senate from Montana in 1978 and is currently chairman of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee. He has worked closely with RMC and the aviation program for many years.

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Professional Aviation Speakers Series

We are very pleased to offer a strong lineup of professional speakers in our classes, which are open to all students. Direct contact with these professionals is a great opportunity to network and ask important career questions.

Recent speakers have included:

• The manager of crew resources (in charge of all pilot hiring) at SkyWest Airlines
• General (retired) Robert Foglesong - 4-star general, former Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force and a fighter pilot, currently president of Mississippi State University
• Air ambulance pilot (RMC Graduate)
• Charter pilot based in Idaho, flying King Air aircraft (RMC graduate)
• Airport planner, working for an engineering firm that builds and improves airports (RMC graduate)
• Fractional Airlines (Flight Options) pilot (RMC graduate)
• Senior captain and interview/recruiting pilot for SkyWest Airlines (RMC graduate)
• Northwestern U.S. representative for the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and former aviation manager for Home Depot Store
• General manager for United Airlines at Billings Logan International Airport, spoke on airline operations
• Captains from Northwest Airlines, United Airlines, Horizon Airlines, Big Sky Airlines and SkyWest Airlines
• National Weather Service forecaster
• Corporate pilot who flies and manages a privately owned plane (RMC graduate)
• U.S. Marine Corps pilot and officer selection officer
• Missionary pilot in Africa
• Chief pilot, Big Sky Airlines
• Fish, Wildlife, and Parks pilot, former Border Patrol pilot
• Member of Montana Air National Guard, with information on tuition assistance and pilot opportunities

Students have spoken about internships with the following companies:

• Northwest Airlines
• Big Sky Airlines
• Matheson Flight Extenders
• Civil Air Patrol
• Edwards Jet Center
• SkyWest Airlines in Denver