Aeronautical Science (Professional Pilot) major
This major combines pilot certification under Federal Aviation Regulation Part 141 with studies of the aviation industry, aircraft systems, and flight.
Graduates will hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument and Multi-Engine Ratings. The Flight Instructor Certificate and Instrument Instructor Ratings are available as electives, and are completed by most of our graduates. Students will be prepared to optionally complete the FAA knowledge exams for the Flight Engineer, Airline Transport Pilot and Dispatcher Certificates.
Course requirements for Aeronautical Science major (from the college catalog)
Course # Title Credits
AVS 100 Introduction to Professional Aviation 1
AVS 101 Private Pilot Ground School 4
AVS 153 Private Pilot Flight Lab 2
AVS 150 Aviation Meteorology 3
AVS 201 Instrument Rating Ground School 3
AVS 205 Global Positioning System and Glass Cockpit Lab 1
AVS 253 Instrument Rating Flight Lab 2
AVS 202 Commercial Pilot Ground School 3
AVS 272 Commercial Pilot Flight Lab I 1
AVS 273 Commercial Pilot Flight Lab II 1
AVS 274 Commercial Pilot Flight Lab III 1
AVS 203 Introduction to Air Traffic Control 3
AVS 306 Multi-Engine Rating Ground School 3
AVS 376 Multi-Engine Rating Flight Lab 1
AVS 308 Aviation Safety 3
AVS 312 Aviation Law 3
AVS 317 Aircraft Power Plants 3
AVS 318 Advanced Aircraft Systems 3
AVS 400 Aviation Professional Development 1
AVS 404 Crew Resource Management with Lab 2
AVS 405 Air Transportation and Flight Operations 3
AVS 419 Air Carrier Operations 3
AVS XXX Aviation Upper Division Elective 3
Total Credits 51
Aviation Management major
This major combines studies in aviation and air transportation with courses in business and economics. Graduates will be prepared for management positions in airport, airline, air cargo, general aviation or other segments of the air transportation industry. Although pilot certification is not required, many students do complete private pilot certification.
This major is also attractive for individuals holding a two-year associates degree in aviation maintenance technology who wish to complete a four-year baccalaureate degree in preparation for management-level responsibilities in aviation maintenance. In addition, this major is also a good choice for a student who wants a career in aviation, and would like to do some flying, but doesn't want to be committed to all the flying required of the aeronautical science major. Such a student could complete flight ratings as electives, but stop flying at any point, or complete flight ratings after graduation.
Course requirements for Aviation Management major (from the college catalog)
Course # Title Credits
AVS 100 Introduction to Professional Aviation 1
AVS 101 Private Pilot Ground School 4
AVS 170 Flight Orientation Lab (or AVS 153) 1
AVS 153 Private Pilot Flight Lab (optional) 2
AVS 150 Aviation Meteorology 3
AVS 307 FBO and General Aviation Operations 3
AVS 308 Aviation Safety 3
AVS 312 Aviation Law 3
AVS 400 Aviation Professional Development 1
AVS 405 Air Transportation and Flight Operations 3
ECO 201 Principles of Macroeconomics 3
ECO 202 Principles of Microeconomics 3
MAT 210 Probability and Statistics 3
BSA 201 Principles of Accounting I 3
BSA 202 Principles of Accounting II 3
BSA 311 Principles of Finance 3
BSA 321 Principles of Management 3
BSA 343 Principles of Marketing 3
Upper Division Electives in Aviation or Business 6
Total Credits 52
Dispatcher Certification
We are one of only seven colleges in the nation approved by the FAA to offer Dispatcher certification. A dispatcher at an airline company shares responsibility with the pilot for the safe operation of the flight. Dispatchers handle such details as weather updates, maintenance issues, diverts, weight and balance, and aircraft performance. By completing the required classes for the Aeronautical Science major, students are prepared to take a dispatcher practical test. After graduation they then could get a job as a dispatcher, which can be a career in itself, or can be a great "foot in the door" at an airline, and strong bullet on a pilot resume.
Regional Jet Training
We are particularly proud of the optional courses available to train students in Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ) systems and procedures. We have a CRJ Flight Management System (FMS) simulator (the interface between the pilot and the computerized flight systems), which is exactly the same hardware and software as is used by numerous regional airlines. In addition, students train with Computer Based Training software on CRJ aircraft systems--again, using the same software as many airlines use. Regional airlines universally state that FMS training is a plus when they consider hiring new pilots.
We also offer an elective course in Boeing 737 Computer Based Training software for learning aircraft systems.
PHOTO: Hands-on training available in Canadair Regional Jet Flight Management Systems
___________________________________________________________________________________________
"I've spoken in a couple of classes at the Rocky Aviation Program, and I've seen their great facilities. Some people might have a hard time defining "professionalism" but I sure know it when I see it. This is a professional program. Anyone looking for a great collegiate aviation education need look no further."
Robert "Doc" Foglesong
Retired 4-star general and fighter pilot
Former Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force
Former Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe
President of Mississippi State University
