Prospective Students

March 16, 2023 2026-08-03 21:16

Prospective Aviation Students

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.

Quick Links

Directors Welcome

Application Process

Financial Aid

FAA Medical Certificates

Miliary Veterans

Industry Advisory Committee

Aviation Related Links

Transfer and Nontraditional Credits

Directors Welcome

Welcome to the Rocky Mountain College Aviation Program.

Choosing where to begin your aviation journey is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The university you select will shape not only your education, but also the professional relationships, experiences, and opportunities that help launch your career. We are honored that you are considering Rocky Mountain College as the place to begin that journey.

Our mission is simple: prepare exceptional pilots, aviation professionals, and leaders who are ready to succeed in an industry that continues to grow and evolve. Whether your goal is to fly for a major airline, lead an aviation organization, manage airport operations, work with emerging uncrewed aircraft systems, or pursue another aviation career, you’ll find a program designed to help you build the knowledge, experience, and confidence needed to achieve those goals.

What makes Rocky Mountain College different is our commitment to our students. Here, you are more than a number. Our faculty, flight instructors, and staff are invested in your success from your first day on campus through graduation and beyond. Small class sizes, personalized instruction, and a supportive learning environment allow students to develop meaningful relationships with instructors and classmates while receiving the individual attention that helps them excel.

As an FAA Part 141 flight school and an AABI-accredited aviation program, we combine rigorous academics with professional flight training to provide an education that meets the highest standards of collegiate aviation. Students benefit from modern aircraft, experienced instructors, and opportunities to develop leadership, professionalism, and sound decision-making—qualities that aviation employers value as much as technical skill.

Aviation is more than a profession; it is a community built on trust, integrity, and a commitment to continual learning. We strive to foster those values every day while creating an environment where students are challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

If you decide to join the Rocky Mountain College family, know that you will be welcomed into a community that is committed to helping you succeed. We are excited to be part of your journey and look forward to celebrating your accomplishments as you progress from student to aviation professional.

Thank you for considering Rocky Mountain College. We hope to welcome you to campus and help you begin an exciting future in aviation.

Kevin Boss, Ed.D.
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

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.

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