Daniel G. Hargrove
Associate Professor of Aviation
Director of Aviation
B.S. USAF Academy
M.S. Montana State University-Bozeman
http://aviation.rocky.edu
406.657.1060
Rocky Hall 101B
hargrovd@rocky.edu
Biography
Not many aviation schools are directed by a former deputy commander whose mission was to provide worldwide air transportation for the Vice President, the First Lady, the President's cabinet and members of Congress. RMC can say that. Dan Hargrove, RMC's director of aviation flew many Vice Presidential missions using the call sign, "Air Force Two" and was flying the backup aircraft for the President on September 11th, 2001.
Dan oversees all classroom instruction, flight training, and the overall development of the program. Dan was a Distinguished Graduate from the U. S. Air Force Academy in 1982, and majored in physics. In the Air Force, he was an instructor pilot for four years in the supersonic T-38. He then flew the C-141 Starlifter cargo plane, carrying personnel and cargo all over the world. He was airdrop and air refueling qualified, and flew numerous missions during the Gulf War in 1991.
He earned a master's from Montana State University and was a professor at the Air Force Academy teaching engineering mechanics, aeronautical engineering and physics. He was also an instructor pilot in primary flight training. He then was selected to fly Boeing 757 VIP aircraft at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington DC, where he served for seven years. He was the Deputy Operations Group Commander over 700 people flying 37 aircraft. Their mission was to provide worldwide air transportation for the Vice President, the First Lady, the President's cabinet and members of Congress. He flew many Vice Presidential missions using the call sign, "Air Force Two" and was flying the backup aircraft for the President on September 11th, 2001.
Dan is an Airline Transport Pilot and Advanced Ground Instructor. He has over 5000 flight hours of which over 2400 hours are as a flight instructor and evaluator pilot. Dan has taught at Rocky since May of 2003, and he believes his role as a mentor is the most important part of his job.
Special Interests
Dan is a great advocate for aviation and education, and speaks regularly to civic organizations, education and political groups. He has spoken at the state-wide education conference for principals as well as the state aviation conferences in both Montana and Washington. Dan is one of five members of the Executive Committee of the University Aviation Association. UAA is the national professional organization for 100 collegiate aviation programs. His leadership in UAA helps determine the future of all collegiate aviation education.
On campus, Dan serves as Chair of the Professional Studies Division and he is the faculty representative for Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. He also tries to catch a trout on a fly every now and then, but typically, the fish wins.
Courses Taught
Introduction to Professional Aviation
Aviation Professional Development
Crew Resource Management
Principles of Physics (unique for Aviation Majors)
He also teaches various FAA pilot ground schools
What advice do you have for prospective students?
The aviation program here is as good as you will find anywhere, but the best reason for coming here is to have a true well-rounded education and overall great college experience.
What is your favorite class to teach and why?
AVS 400 Aviation Professional Development. If you work hard for four years but can't get a job and start a great career, that's not good. This class makes a huge difference in actually finding employment and a satisfying career.
What is your favorite thing about RMC?
I love going to a band or choir concert or speech competition or intercollegiate sporting event and seeing aviation students excel. They will be better in the aviation profession because of this experience.
What makes RMC stand out from other schools?
It is a well-rounded education. If you can fly an airplane but can't lead, or work on a team, or communicate well--the career will be rough.
