Aviation

January 31, 2022 2025-10-09 16:43

AVIATION

At Rocky Mountain College, aviation is more than learning to fly—it’s about mastering the skills, technology, and leadership needed in a dynamic industry. Our aviation programs prepare you to navigate complex airspace, lead diverse teams, and drive innovation in a field always reaching new heights.

Whether you dream of becoming a professional pilot, an aviation manager, or a leader in uncrewed systems, you’ll develop deep expertise through hands-on flight training, rigorous coursework, and real-world experiences. Build technical confidence while learning about aerodynamics, safety, airport operations, navigation, weather, business, and more—all while growing as both a professional and a person.

Through immersive simulators, internships, and close faculty mentorship, you’ll graduate with the confidence and the credentials to join the next generation of aviation professionals. RMC’s aviation community values skill, ethics, and community—preparing you to solve problems, adapt, and thrive wherever aviation takes you.

Why Choose Aviation at Rocky

Students at Rocky Mountain College experience an aviation education built on national accreditation, real-world relevance, and a strong culture of professionalism. Through hands-on flight training in industry-standard aircraft and advanced simulators, our students are equipped for the technological demands of today’s aviation field. FAA-approved instruction, small class sizes, and access to flight operations at Billings Logan International Airport provide unparalleled preparation and individualized support.

Flexible start dates and a curriculum designed around safety, leadership, and career-readiness ensure every student is positioned to thrive in this dynamic industry. Throughout their journey, students build valuable networks, take part in internships, and graduate ready to succeed in professional aviation roles.

98%

Institutional job placement rate

90%

percentage of students who earn higher salaries because they completed internships

Major and Minor Learning Outcomes

Graduates of Rocky Mountain College’s aviation programs develop a strong mastery of flight operations, safety, and aircraft systems, along with an in-depth understanding of aviation law, meteorology, management, and technology.

Students build confidence in data analysis, decision-making, and teamwork while honing communication and ethical leadership skills. Whether preparing for FAA commercial pilot exams or advanced management careers, graduates emerge ready for roles in piloting, airport or airline operations, business management, or uncrewed systems.

$198k

average annual pay for an Aviation degree according to U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics

Coursework and Requirements

Aviation majors complete in-depth courses in aerodynamics, flight systems, meteorology, aviation safety, law, airport management, and more. Advanced electives and practical labs ensure you graduate well-prepared for the workplace. See the Aviation Catalog for details.

Information

Majors:
Aeronautical Science (Professional Pilot) (BS)
Aviation Management (BS)
Uncrewed Aerial Systems (BS)

Minors:
Aeronautical Science (Private Pilot)
Aircraft Dispatch
Uncrewed Aerial Systems

Faculty
Dan Hargrove, M.S.
Mark Donahue
Seth Livengood
Matt Prinkki, MBA

Aviation Related Links

Transfer and Nontraditional Credits

"The aviation program was everything I wanted and more. The professors were extremely knowledgeable and have great experiences to share. The flight instructors all took pride in the fact that they were teaching an important skill. By the time I graduated and built my experience as an instructor, I felt more than prepared for my interview with Horizon Air. The flying skills I gained and the classes I took at Rocky all have relevance to my job as an airline pilot today. I couldn't have asked for a better school to prepare me for my future than Rocky!"

"Rocky does a great job with preparing students for life after college. Most every professor is accessible most any part of the day and they are incredible easy to talk with. I truly valued the fact that during a class, I didn’t feel like I was just checking a box to get my degree but rather learning valuable information that I was able to utilize outside of college. Rocky gave me the tools to succeed in an ever changing career field. Not only did I get an industry leading education through a reputable institution, I was also given life experiences that prepared me to become the pilot that I wanted to be and the military officer I became."

Explore Areas in Aviation

Aeronautical Science

Graduates are prepared as aviation professionals, mastering aircraft systems, flight operations, aviation law, teamwork, safety, and industry standards. They meet FAA commercial pilot requirements and gain strong technical, analytical, and communication skills for the aviation field.

Aviation Management

Students build expertise in aviation systems, safety, law, and management while enhancing leadership, ethics, and teamwork. They apply classroom learning through internships and are equipped for management roles in airports, airlines, and aviation businesses.

Uncrewed Aerial Systems

Graduates become proficient in drone operation, aviation safety, regulation, and technology integration. They develop business, technical, and communication skills, gain FAA remote pilot certification, and build a professional portfolio for growing UAS careers.

Aircraft Dispatch

The aircraft dispatch minor prepares students for a career as a dispatcher, a position that shares responsibility for the movement of an airplane with the plane’s captain and handles such issues as maintenance, weight and balance, changing weather, diverts, and passenger issues.

Experiential Learning and Career Preparation

Learning extends beyond the classroom. You’ll log real flight hours, use state-of-the-art simulators, and complete internships with aviation companies, airports, and organizations across the country. Our graduates secure rewarding roles as professional pilots, airline managers, airport administrators, UAS operators, and more in a diverse, ever-evolving industry.

Admission, Certification, and Costs

Entry is open for new students in any semester. Professional pilot students should plan ahead to qualify for flight slots, FAA medical certificates, and proof of citizenship. Flight training expenses are in addition to main campus tuition and fees, and all instruction after enrollment must be completed through RMC’s program. Our admissions staff is ready to answer any questions about requirements or getting started.

Connect and Learn More

For more information about our aviation programs, faculty, internships, and your next steps, reach out to our aviation department by phone or email, or schedule a campus visit. Discover how Rocky Mountain College can help you transform your passion for aviation into a high-flying career.