The mission of the Rocky Mountain College aviation program is to educate and train individuals to be professionals and leaders in the aviation industry.

The Rocky Mountain College aviation program provides students with the knowledge and skills required to enter the exciting world of professional aviation. Rocky Mountain College offers bachelor of science degrees in aeronautical science (professional pilot) and aviation management. Graduates are prepared to begin careers as pilots or managers in the airline, business, air cargo, military or other sectors in the aviation industry.

Flight training is conducted in Piper and Beechcraft aircraft owned by the College. Glass cockpit aircraft and sophisticated simulators are used in training to prepare graduates for competitive careers in aviation. Further training is conducted using state-of-the-art Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) flight management system (FMS) simulation. The program emphasizes professional experiences, relevant classroom instruction and safe flight operations that will help transition the students to a successful career after graduation.

Majors are offered in aeronautical science and aviation management, and a minor is offered in aeronautical science. The aeronautical science major combines pilot certification with studies of the air transportation-operating environment. The aviation management major combines studies of aviation with business and economics. Pilot certification is elective under this major.

The minor in aeronautical science includes private pilot certification, plus the knowledge to safely and efficiently use air transportation as part of a business operation or for personal use.

The program emphasizes professional relationships with companies and individuals across the aviation industry and internship opportunities tailored to the desires of each individual student.

Program Accreditation

The Aeronautical Science major and Aviation Management major are both accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI). There are only 26 aeronautical science programs and 31 aviation management programs worldwide accredited by AABI. The organization sets standards for all aerospace programs taught in colleges and universities around the United States and around the world.

Pilot Certification

Flight education is conducted under Federal Aviation Regulation Part 141 certification. Classroom instruction is conducted on campus, and flight instruction is conducted at flight operations at nearby Billings Logan International Airport. Students majoring in aeronautical science may receive credit for prior learning for the private pilot certificate and the instrument rating completed prior to enrollment. Credit for other FAA certification is reviewed and determined on a case-by-case basis. Once students enroll in the aviation program, all subsequent flight instruction must be received through the Rocky Mountain College aviation program.

Medical Certification

Aeronautical science majors must obtain a minimum of a Class II FAA medical certificate prior to acceptance into the aviation program. A Class I certificate is recommended. Students minoring in aeronautical science must obtain at least a Class III FAA medical certificate, which is required
for the private pilot certificate.

Admission Criteria

Admission to the aviation program is based on demonstrated academic leadership and responsibility, appropriate FAA medical certification, and admission to the College. The number
of students admitted to the program each year may be restricted to balance classroom and flight instruction capabilities.

Program Costs

The cost of flight training is in addition to normal college tuition and fees. The fee for each flight laboratory course is payable at the time of registration. These fees are based on the cost for an average student to complete the flight instruction in the specified syllabus and include costs for FAA
knowledge and flight exams. Flight lab completion may carry over from one semester to another.

Citizenship

All students must show proof of citizenship before beginning flight training. Acceptable forms of proof of U.S. citizenship include an original birth certificate or current passport. International students may take flight training but must comply with procedures established by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration. Contact flight operations for details.

Major in Aeronautical Science (Professional Pilot)

The following are required as part of the general education core courses:
PSY101 General Psychology
MAT131 Trigonometry and Applied Calculus

Choose one of the following:
PHS101 Fundamental Physics
PHS105 Principles of Physics
PHS201 General Physics I

A minimum of 52 semester hours is required in the major, including
AVS100 Introduction to Professional Aviation
AVS101 Private Pilot Ground School
AVS150 Aviation Meteorology
AVS153 Private Pilot Flight Lab
AVS201 Instrument Rating Ground School
AVS202 Commercial Pilot Ground School
AVS203 Introduction to Air Traffic Control
AVS205 Global Positioning System and Glass Cockpit Lab
AVS253 Instrument Rating Flight Lab
AVS272 Commercial Pilot Flight Lab
AVS273 Commercial Pilot Flight Lab II
AVS274 Commercial Pilot Flight Lab III
AVS306 Multi-Engine Rating Ground School
AVS308 Aviation Safety
AVS312 Aviation Law
AVS317 Aircraft Power Plants
AVS318 Advanced Aircraft Systems
AVS376 Multi-Engine Rating Flight Lab
AVS400 Aviation Professional Development
AVS404 Crew Resource Management with Lab
AVS405 Air Transportation Management
AVS419 Air Carrier Operations

Three semester hours of upper-division aviation electives. No internship is required, but is recommended. The first three credits of an internship will be graded. Additional credits up to a maximum of 9 will be graded pass/fail.

Major in Aviation Management

The following are required as part of the general education core courses:
PSY101 General Psychology
PHS101 Principles of Physics
MAT131 Trigonometry and Applied Calculus

Choose one of the following:
PHS105 Principles of Physics
PHS201 General Physics I

A minimum of 51 hours is required, including:
AVS100 Introduction to Professional Aviation
AVS101 Private Pilot Ground School
AVS150 Aviation Meteorology
AVS170 Flight Orientation Lab
AVS307 FBO and General Aviation Operations
AVS308 Aviation Safety
AVS312 Aviation Law
AVS400 Aviation Professional Development
AVS405 Air Transportation Management
BSA201 Principles of Accounting I
BSA202 Principles of Accounting II
BSA311 Principles of Finance
BSA321 Principles of Management
BSA343 Principles of Marketing
ECO201 Principles of Macroeconomics
ECO202 Principles of Microeconomics
MAT210 Probability and Statistics

Six semester hours of upper division electives in aviation or business. Three credits of internship are required and will be graded. Additional credits up to a maximum of 9 will be graded pass/fail.

Minor in Aeronautical Science

A minimum of 20 semester hours, including:
AVS101 Private Pilot Ground School
AVS150 Aviation Meteorology
AVS153 Private Pilot Flight Lab
AVS203 Introduction to Air Traffic Control
AVS308 Aviation Safety

Five semester hours of aviation electives. At least six semester hours must be in upper-division courses.

AVS100 - Introduction to Professional Aviation

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 1
Introduces students to the aviation curriculum and the liberal arts core curriculum as a foundation for personal growth and development. Investigates aviation career options with an emphasis on the necessary knowledge, skills, and attributes of an aviation professional. Introduces aviation safety and human factor issues. Learning activities include professional reading and writing.

AVS101 - Private Pilot Ground School

Semester: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Semester hours: 4
Prepares the student for the FAA private pilot knowledge examination. The student is introduced to the principles of aerodynamics, aircraft systems and performance, meteorology and aviation weather data, aviation physiology, navigation, flight planning, and aviation decision-making.
Corequisite: AVS153

AVS150 - Aviation Meteorology

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
Provides a detailed knowledge of the environmental factors critical to safe flight operations. The course covers weather systems, upper-air characteristics, flight hazards, weather-related topics in flight safety, meteorological flight planning, use of weather information systems, and the reports and charts used for aviation weather reporting and forecasting.

AVS153 - Private Pilot Flight Lab

Semester: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Semester hours: 2 EL
Students complete all three stages of the Private pilot flight syllabus. This course includes dual and solo flight and covers pre-flight preparation, aircraft operation procedures, proper aircraft flight control, air and ground safety, flight maneuvers, air traffic control procedures and communication,
and VFR navigation. This course prepares students for the FAA private pilot oral and flight examinations. The FAA private pilot certificate must be completed to fulfill course requirements.
Corequisite: AVS101

AVS170 - Flight Orientation Lab

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 1
This course is for students majoring in aviation management who do not want to earn a private pilot certificate. The course provides students with guided observation of private, instrument, commercial, multi-engine and crew resource management flight training. It is designed to increase the student’s understanding of factors basic to flight operations, aviation meteorology, air traffic control, flight navigation, and the development of a professional pilot.
Corequisite: AVS101

AVS200 - Intercollegiate Flight Team Competition

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 1
Students train for and participate in intercollegiate flight competition as a member of the Rocky Mountain College Flight Team. Additional fee required during semesters in which the team travels to competition.

AVS201 - Instrument Rating Ground School

Semester: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Semester hours: 3
This course prepares students for the FAA instrument rating knowledge examination, providing an in-depth study of flight instruments, physiology of flight, aviation weather reports and forecasting, radio navigation, instrument departure, en route and arrival procedures, flight planning, and emergency procedures.
Prerequisite: AVS101, AVS153; or permission of the director of aviation
Corequisite: AVS253

AVS202 - Commercial Pilot Ground School

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 3
This course prepares students for the FAA commercial pilot knowledge examination, covering meteorology, airspace, pilotage, aviation physiology, advanced aerodynamics, commercial
flight maneuvers, aircraft stability and performance, flight in complex aircraft, flight management and emergency procedures, and regulations related to commercial flight operations.
Prerequisite: AVS201, AVS253; or permission of the director of aviation
Corequisite: AVS272

AVS203 - Introduction to Air Traffic Control

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
This course provides a detailed study of the science of air traffic control for professional pilots and aviation managers. Topics include the national airspace system, air traffic control, navigation aids, communications and operations procedures, airport traffic control, radar operations, and ATC facility management.
Prerequisite: AVS101

AVS205 - Global Positioning System and Glass Cockpit Lab

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 1
Students complete hands-on global positioning system and glass cockpit training using software in the classroom and hardware in flight training devices in order to integrate and apply these systems in instrument flight.
Prerequisite: AVS101, AVS153
Corequisite: AVS201 and AVS253

AVS231 - Aviation History

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
This course outlines the evolution of aviation from early glider and balloon flights to modern jets and the space age. The course examines the multiple ways that technology advances and warfare have advanced aviation. Topics of study include specific flights, significant aviators, and particular aircraft that have improved general, commercial, and military aviation. The course discusses current developments and future trends in aviation.

AVS243 - Aviation Winter Survival

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 1
This course consists of a trip to another town in Montana for training over a weekend in January. The course includes classroom and field work on how to survive in winter conditions. Training includes staying in the field overnight for one night. There is a small fee, plus cost of travel and one night lodging. Registration with the Montana Aeronautics Division, which is the sponsor, must be completed by Dec 1st. Pass/no pass grading.
Prerequisite: AVS101

AVS253 - Instrument Rating Flight Lab

Semester: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Semester hours: 2
Students complete all three stages of the instrument pilot flight syllabus, which includes instrument departure, en route and approach procedures in both the airplane and flight training device (simulator). This course prepares students for the FAA instrument rating oral and flight examinations. FAA instrument rating must be completed to fulfill course requirements.
Prerequisite: AVS101 and AVS153 or private pilot certificate
Corequisite: AVS201

AVS272 - Commercial Pilot Flight Lab I

Semester: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Semester hours: 1
This course provides flight instruction covering commercial navigation, cross-country flights, and night flying procedures allowing students to complete stage 1 of the flight syllabus.
Prerequisite: AVS253
Corequisite: AVS202

AVS273 - Commercial Pilot Flight Lab II

Semester: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Semester hours: 1
This course provides flight instruction covering commercial flight maneuvers allowing students to complete Stage two of the flight syllabus.
Prerequisite: AVS272

AVS274 - Commercial Pilot Flight Lab III

Semester: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Semester hours: 1
This course provides flight instruction providing a continuation of commercial flight maneuvers and complex aircraft flight procedures. Students complete stage three of the flight syllabus and become prepared for the FAA commercial pilot oral and flight examinations. The FAA commercial pilot certificate must be completed to fulfill course requirements.
Prerequisite: AVS273

AVS301 - Certified Flight Instructor Ground School

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 3
This is a two-part course that prepares students for the FAA Fundamentals of Instruction and Flight Instructor Knowledge Examinations. Part one covers fundamentals of teaching and learning, including effective teaching methods, aerodynamics analysis, instructional syllabus development, and flight instructor responsibilities. Part two addresses the analysis of flight maneuvers involved in the private, commercial, and flight instructor certificates.
Prerequisite: AVS201, AVS202, and AVS274; or permission of the director of aviation

AVS306 - Multi-Engine Rating Ground School

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 1
This course covers the operation of multi-engine airplanes including performance, normal and emergency operating procedures, electrical and hydraulic systems, and other installed equipment commonly found on multi-engine airplanes.
Prerequisite: AVS202, AVS273, or permission of the director of aviation
Corequisite: AVS376

AVS307 - FBO and General Aviation Operations

Semester: Spring; Alternate Years
Semester hours: 3
This course examines the factors involved in running a successful fixed base operation (FBO) and operating a general aviation business. The course includes the certification process, management operations, and marketing strategies. The course also studies the evolving role of FBOs, from their pilot-oriented roots to their business-oriented future.

AVS308 - Aviation Safety

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
This course provides a forum for understanding the safe operation of aircraft. The focus is on human factors in the aviation safety environment. Topics of study include aircraft technology, human physiology, psychology, air traffic control, navigational facilities, weather, accident investigation, and crew resource management.
Prerequisite: sophomore standing, junior preferred

AVS310 - Airport Planning and Administration

Semester: Fall; Alternate Years
Semester hours: 3
This course provides a forum for understanding the elements of proper airport planning and the importance of achieving a successful airport operation. The course studies the duties and responsibilities of an airport manager at a large airport, as well as departments such as crash/fire/rescue, facilities, administration, and maintenance. The course also covers the criteria for blending the airport into federal and state plans and for achieving FAA approval.
Prerequisite: sophomore standing, junior preferred

AVS312 - Aviation Law

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
This course provides a forum for understanding the statutes, regulations, and case law governing aviation. Topics of study include administrative law, FAA enforcement, aviation medical issues, business organizations, airline liability, aircraft accidents, aircraft transactions, and airline labor law.
Prerequisite: sophomore standing

AVS317 - Aircraft Power Plants

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
An in-depth study of reciprocating, turbine, and turbo-prop engines and propeller systems and the engine accessory equipment used on modern aircraft.
Prerequisite: AVS202, PHS101 or PHS105 or PHS201, or permission of professor

AVS318 - Advanced Aircraft Systems

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
An in-depth study of advanced aircraft systems including fuel, hydraulic, electrical, engine accessory, and auxiliary systems.
Prerequisite: AVS202 or permission of professor

AVS325 - Advanced Flight Systems

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 3
This course provides an introduction to modern cockpit technology used in air transport aircraft. The course addresses the function and operation of glass cockpit aircraft operating equipment such as satellite-based and inertial navigation systems, auto-pilots, flight management systems, electronic flight information systems, ground proximity warning systems, traffic collision avoidance systems, datalink systems, electronic flight bags, weather radar, enhanced/synthetic vision systems, flight data, cockpit voice recording systems and emergent technologies.
Prerequisite: AVS201, AVS253

AVS343 - Altitude Chamber Training

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 1
This course provides classroom instruction and hands-on training on the physiological effects and hazards associated with high altitude flight. The course includes a field trip to a U.S. Air Force base to participate in training in an altitude chamber. Pass/no pass grading.
Prerequisite: AVS101, AVS153

AVS361 - Certified Flight Instructor Flight Lab (FAA Part 141)

Semester: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Semester hours: 2
This course provides flight instruction under FAR Part 141 prepares students for the FAA flight instructor oral and flight examinations. The course includes dual flights covering all maneuvers necessary to instruct students for the private and commercial pilot certificates. The FAA flight instructor certificate must be completed to fulfill course requirements.
Prerequisite: AVS274
Corequisite: AVS301

AVS362 - Instrument Flight Instructor (FAA Part 141)

Semester: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Semester hours: 3
This course provides ground and flight instruction under FAR Part 141 prepares students for the FAA instrument flight instructor written, oral, and flight examinations. The FAA instrument instructor rating must be completed to fulfill course requirements.
Prerequisite: AVS361 or AVS371

AVS363 - Multi-Engine Flight Instructor (FAA Part 141)

Semester: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Semester hours: 3
This course provides ground and flight instruction under FAR Part 141, preparing students for the FAA multi-engine flight instructor rating oral and flight examinations. The FAA multi-engine instructor rating must be completed to fulfill course requirements.
Prerequisite: AVS361 or AVS371

AVS371 - Certified Flight Instructor Flight Lab (FAA Part 61)

Semester: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Semester hours: 2
This course provides flight instruction under FAR Part 61, preparing students for the FAA flight instructor oral and flight examinations. The course includes dual flights covering all maneuvers necessary to instruct students for the private and commercial pilot certificates. The FAA flight instructor certificate must be completed to fulfill course requirements.
Prerequisite: AVS274
Corequisite: AVS301

AVS372 - Instrument Flight Instructor (FAA Part 61)

Semester: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Semester hours: 2
This course provides ground and flight instruction under FAR Part 61, preparing students for the FAA instrument flight instructor written, oral, and flight examinations. The FAA instrument instructor rating must be completed to fulfill course requirements.
Prerequisite: AVS361 or AVS371

AVS373 - Multi-Engine Flight Instructor (FAA Part 61)

Semester: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Semester hours: 2
This course provides ground and flight instruction under FAR Part 61, preparing students for the FAA multi-engine flight instructor rating oral and flight examinations. The FAA multi-engine instructor rating must be completed to fulfill course requirements.
Prerequisite: AVS361 or AVS371

AVS376 - Multi-Engine Rating Flight Lab

Semester: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Semester hours: 1
This course provides flight instruction, preparing students for the FAA Multi-engine rating oral and flight examinations. Areas covered include emergency procedures, single engine operations, and control of the aircraft by sole reference to flight instruments. The FAA multi-engine rating must be completed to fulfill course requirements.
Prerequisite: AVS274
Corequisite: AVS306

AVS380 - Aerospace Physiology and Human Factors

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
The physiological and biomedical effects of altitude, acceleration, rotation, impact, noise, and vibration on human health and performance will be described in the context of atmospheric flight. Their effects on human performance, along with those of microgravity and radiation, will then be
extended to spaceflight. The implications of human limitations for long term crewed spaceflight and human habitation of space will be considered.
Prerequisite: PHS 101 or 105

AVS400 - Aviation Professional Development

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 1
This culminating course focuses on professional issues and integrates all facets of the student's college educational experience. Students explore issues in aviation including professional
standards, ethics, and career advancement. Guest lectures will provide perspectives from leaders in the aviation industry. Prepares the graduate for transition to a career in aviation and develops job placement skills.
Prerequisite: senior standing

AVS404 - Crew Resource Management with Lab

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 2
This course provides advanced ground and simulator instruction with an emphasis on the application of aviation and human factors in Crew Resource Management skills. The lab includes Line-Oriented Flight Training (LOFT) sessions in a flight-training device to develop crew resource
management skills in a variety of realistic situations encountered by flight crews.
Prerequisite: AVS376 or permission of the director of aviation

AVS405 - Air Transportation Management

Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
This course provides a comprehensive experience for the aviation or business student by examining the air transportation industry. Areas of concentration: airline operation, maintenance, marketing, and economic factors affecting the industry. The class uses a simulation program where students create an airline and then compete with other students.
Prerequisite: junior or senior standing

AVS410 - Advanced Aerodynamics and Aircraft Performance

Semester: Spring; Alternate Years
Semester hours: 3
This course covers advanced theories of flight and performance factors including airfoil shape; theories of lift and drag; velocity; power and thrust; stability and control; high speed aerodynamics; Mach effects; advanced principles of performance, capabilities, and limitations; performance design
criteria; and load factors.
Prerequisite: AVS202 and MAT110; AVS274 is preferred

AVS419 - Air Carrier Operations

Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 3
This course focuses on a study of transport category aircraft systems; flight planning; airport analysis; advanced weather analysis; and economic and safety issues related to transport category aircraft operations, including HMR 175 and FAR Part 135 and 121 regulatory requirements. This course provides the knowledge required to qualify for the FAA airline transport pilot and aircraft dispatcher knowledge examinations.
Prerequisite: AVS202, AVS405

AVS443 - Airline Dispatcher Certification

Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 2
This course is a culminating study of airline operations, preparing students for the FAA dispatcher certification knowledge and practical examinations. Students must be 21years of age by the middle of the semester that the course is taken to meet FAA examination requirements.
Prerequisite: AVS150, AVS201, AVS203, AVS205, AVS318, AVS419. The FAA dispatcher written exam (ADX) is also a prerequisite.

AVS447 - Boeing 737 Aircraft Systems

Semester: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Semester hours: 1
This course is an in-depth study of the systems of the Boeing 737 aircraft, including hydraulics, avionics, electrics, air conditioning, and flight controls. Students work with computer-based training software as used by numerous airlines. This independent study course is conducted and tested much like initial 737 ground training at an airline.
Prerequisite: AVS202
Corequisite: AVS318

AVS449 - Regional Jet Aircraft Systems

Semester: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Semester hours: 1
This course is an in-depth study of the systems of the Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) aircraft, including hydraulics, avionics, electrics, air conditioning, flight controls, etc. Students work with computer-based training software as used by numerous airlines. This independent study course is
conducted and tested much like initial CRJ ground training at an airline.
Prerequisite: AVS202
Corequisite: AVS318

AVS450 - Internship

Semester: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Semester hours: 1-12
This course is a guided work experience in an already established place of business. The student must arrange the internship in agreement with the instructor and the office of career services. The internship should relate to the student's major or minor area of study. Contract is required.
Prerequisite: junior or senior standing and permission of the director of aviation

AVS499 - Independent Study

Semester: On Demand
Semester hours: 1-3
This course allows a strong student to devise and pursue independent study in an area agreed upon in consultation with, and supervised by, a faculty member. Students should be either a major or minor and have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater.
Prerequisite: junior or senior standing