Prospective Students
March 16, 2023 2026-02-24 21:02Prospective Aviation Students
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Our aviation program is built on a strong liberal arts foundation, with a focus on professional excellence, technical skill, teamwork, ethical decision-making, and life-long learning. As one of the largest programs on campus, aviation attracts students who are leaders not just in the classroom but across campus life.
Whether you dream of flying, managing, or innovating in aviation, our program is designed to help you thrive.
Explore key steps and resources for your journey below.
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Directors Welcome
I’m thrilled you’re considering joining a campus where sky’s-the-limit ambition truly takes flight. At RMC, you’ll find more than just an aviation program—you’ll discover a community of trailblazers, mentors, and innovators committed to helping you reach the highest altitudes of your potential.
Here, we fuse state-of-the-art technology, a strong liberal arts curriculum, and hands-on training to prepare you for the fast-changing world of aviation. You won’t just learn to fly—you’ll master leadership, communication, and the art of decision-making, all while building lasting friendships and professional connections across campus and beyond.
RMC offers a four-year Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science for future pilots and a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management for those called to lead and shape aviation organizations. Our alumni soar in the cockpit or at the helm of airports, airlines, and businesses worldwide—and your journey can begin right here, right now.
If you’re ready to learn in an environment that challenges you, supports you, and celebrates your accomplishments, I invite you to take the next step. Let’s explore your goals, schedule a campus visit, and watch your dreams take flight.
Welcome to the adventure,
Dan Hargrove
Director of Aviation, Rocky Mountain College
Get started at Rocky Mountain College’s Aviation Program—where you can begin any term!
Securing a Flight Slot:
- All admitted students can enter in fall or spring
- New Aeronautical Science (Professional Pilot) majors are assessed in March for fall flight slots.
- Due to demand, not all students fly in their first semester. Some begin with ground school in the fall and start in the spring, depending on availability. Each year is different.
- Fall first-year students who are participating in football will not fly any sooner than spring.
- Contact Admissions for guidance and updates on slot availability.
What to Bring Before Your First Flight:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (original birth certificate or valid passport)
- Headset (recommended under $300; any brand)
- FAA Medical Certificate (Class I or II—see FAA website for AMEs)
- Apple iPad Mini (Wi-Fi only is fine; $100 for aviation charts/app)
- Professional attire for Flight Operations: long pants, collared shirt, closed-toe shoes (jeans acceptable if neat)
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Flight labs are eligible for financial aid.
- RMC students can apply for aviation-specific scholarships, plus exclusive awards for Montana pilots.
- Over 700 aviation scholarships worth $1.4 million available nationally
- Fall first-year students who are participating in a varsity fall sport should expect to fly in later terms.
- University Aviation Associate – RMC
- University Aviation Association Scholarship List
- RMC is an active UAA member.
Credit for Prior Flight Training
If you have completed any prior flight training (such as your private pilot or instrument rating), please bring documentation with you; the Director of Aviation will review your records to determine if credit can be awarded.
Questions about your application or document requirements?
Contact the Office of Admissions for personalized support.
- Contact
- Call: (406) 657-1026
- Text: (406) 606-6440
- Email: admissions@rocky.edu
Military Veterans
Rocky Mountain College is proud to participate in the Veteran’s Administration Yellow Ribbon Program. About 15 percent of the students in the aviation program are military veterans; some are currently in the Guard or Reserve and others have completed time on active duty.
Four of the seven faculty and staff leaders in the aviation program are retired military. We understand what it means to have served, and we take seriously our responsibility to support our military students.
In addition, about 10 percent of our graduating pilots enter the military as a pilot. We have close relationships with all branches of the military, and they visit our program regularly recruiting and teaching students about aviation in the military. In the last few years, we’ve had graduates become pilots in the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Army.
We believe one great advantage to a smaller school is that students have real opportunities to lead, which is greatly valued by the military. For example, for five years in a row, the student body president was an aviation student. If you have served in the military or are interested in becoming a pilot in the military, we believe Rocky Mountain College will be a good fit for you.
FAA Medical Certificates
RMC requires all students enrolled in the aeronautical science major to hold at least a Class II medical certificate.
An FAA medical certificate is required to operate an aircraft under the privileges of a pilot certificate. The lowest level medical certificate is the Class III (for those who will only be private pilots), followed by Class II (for those who will be commercial pilots), and finally, Class I (for those who will be airline transport pilots).
Graduates of RMC’s aviation program will hold commercial pilot certificates and often will be pursuing an airline transport pilot certificate after graduation. Therefore, students entering the aeronautical science major are required to hold at least a Class II medical certificate. A Class I medical certificate is recommended if your doctor can do it, however, a Class II is sufficient. Aviation management majors or aeronautical science minors who are seeking private pilot certification are required to hold at least a Class III medical certificate.
FAA medical certificates are issued by FAA-designated aviation medical examiners (AMEs). While all AMEs may issue Class II and Class III medical certificates, only selected AMEs can issue the Class I certificate. The names, addresses, and phone numbers of AMEs in your area may be found at the FAA website. Fees for FAA medical exams can range from $120-$210 depending on your location. If an AME with Class I issuing authority is not available in your area, then you should get a Class II medical certificate.
AMEs can grant waivers to physical requirements for medical certificates on a limited basis. Waivers for most medical conditions will require that the application be forwarded to the FAA headquarters in Oklahoma City, Okla., for review. A number of medications preclude automatic granting of a medical certificate and may require review by the FAA. The review process can often take weeks for months. Therefore, we recommend students schedule an appointment with an AME to obtain a medical certificate as early as possible. AMEs are the final authority on what condition or medication may be an issue in obtaining a medical certificate.
All new students flying in the fall must have their FAA medical certificates no later than May 15 prior to the fall semester. Please send copies of the certificate to amy.moore@rocky.edu. Amy is the office manager at Flight Ops. She can be
reached at 406-254-9525.
Industry Advisory Committee
The RMC Aviation Program is very proud of its Industry Aviation Committee, a group of professionals from across the aviation industry who provide advice and direction to the program. One of their main purposes is to connect the program with the industry, helping to ensure RMC graduates have the skills and education necessary for success. They also are available to all students for career counseling and help obtaining a job.
The Committee meets with the director of aviation to help plan the direction of the program. They also meet with students on the Aviation Student Advisory Committee to hear what they have to say about any topic.
Members of the committee include:
- Pilot, Federal Express
- Pilot, Netjets
- Pilot, Delta Airlines
- Pilot, Southwest Airlines
- National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), Northwest Regional Representative
- Pilot/hiring manager, SkyWest Airlines
- AOPA Regional Representative for Northwestern U.S.
- Retired Vice President, General Dynamics
- Director, Montana Aeronautics Division
- President of Corporate Air, international air cargo company
- Corporate pilot and former Chief Flight Instructor for a regional airline
- Owner of an aviation company in Seattle
- Founder and board member, Museum of Flight, Seattle, Wash.
- Professor of business and a pilot
- Retired Director, Montana Aeronautics Division
- Retired Air Force fighter pilot and member of RMC’s Board of Trustees
- Long-term Certified Flight Instructor and aviation professional
- Retired Air Force pilot and bank vice president
- Former chair, Montana State Aeronautics Board
- Chair, Laurel (Montana) Airport Authority
- Banker, private plane owner, former chair of RMC’s Board of Trustees
