Flight Simulation
March 18, 2023 2025-08-13 16:22Flight Simulation & Flight Instruction
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What Can You Do with an RMC Aviation Degree
At Rocky Mountain College, we blend advanced flight simulation and FAA-certified flight instruction to deliver an efficient, cost-effective path to your pilot career. Our program features three advanced simulators to enhance your training and lower costs:
Redbird Motion Simulator:
Simulates Piper Archer, Seminole, and Beechcraft Baron (for CRM training) with 230-degree vision and full U.S. airport database.
Frasca Raptor:
Analog “round dial” simulation for instrument, multi-engine, and CRM training.
Canadair Regional Jet FMS Trainer:
Prepares students for airline glass cockpit systems—essential for modern aviation careers.
Aviation Related Links
Pilot Certification & Flight Training at RMC
Rocky Mountain College delivers flight education under FAR Part 141 certification, ensuring efficient, cost-effective training.
- Ground school is held on campus; flight training takes place at Flight Operations at Billings Logan International Airport (Class C airspace with full radar)—an industry-standard environment.
- Students fly modern Piper Archers, Cessna 172s, and Piper Seminoles, all equipped with Garmin 430 GPS and glass cockpits for real-world readiness.
Transfer Credit:
If you’ve already earned your private pilot certificate or instrument rating elsewhere, you may receive credit after a local proficiency check and short review flights to learn RMC’s aircraft and procedures.
Syllabus & Flight Hours:
Our FAA-approved curriculum is designed for efficiency—a commercial rating may be achieved in as few as 190 total flight hours (compared to 250+ at many schools), saving you both time and money.
Scheduling & Year-Round Progress:
- Students register for flight training periods like regular classes and fly up to three times weekly.
- Flexible, internet-based scheduling keeps your training on track—accessible from any device.
- Consistent flying is essential, so students are expected to train over summers and school breaks to stay current and on track for graduation.
- Summer offers excellent flying conditions and helps distribute training demand, while on-campus housing is available during breaks for students who continue their flight training.
Flight Lab Fees & Financial Aid
Lab fees are payable at the time of registration for each flight lab course. The cost of flight instruction is considered part of your academic program and is eligible for most types of college financial aid. However, please note that while Rocky Mountain College is approved for Veteran’s Administration GI Bill® education benefits, GI Bill® benefits cannot be applied to flight lab costs.
Lab fees cover all flight instruction and aircraft rental, simulator instruction, and designated examiner fees for FAA practical exams. Private pilot and instrument rating lab fees include additional hours above the syllabus minimum based on typical student needs—hours that also count toward your commercial rating, resulting in significant overall savings.
The labs required for an aeronautical science major to graduate are:
- Private Pilot Flight Lab - AVS 153,
- Instrument Flight Lab - AVS 253,
- Commercial Flight Labs 1,2, & 3 - AVS 272, 273, & 274,
- Multi-Engine Flight Lab - AVS 376, and
- Crew Resource Management - AVS 404
RMC is approved for Veteran’s Administration GI Bill™ education benefits. These benefits cannot be applied towards flight lab costs.
Note: Flight training costs are in addition to tuition. Expenses such as the FAA medical exam, iPad, required software, headset, and exam fees are the responsibility of the student and are not eligible to be covered through institutional aid.
| Available Lab Name / Number | Rate | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AVS 170: Flight Orientation (aviation management majors) | $100 | 1 |
| AVS 153: Private Pilot Flight Lab | $18,100 | 2 |
| AVS 253: Instrument Flight Lab | $14,100 | 2 |
| AVS 272: Commercial Lab I | $7,300 | 1 |
| AVS 273: Commercial Lab II | $7,300 | 1 |
| AVS 274: Commercial Lab III | $7,500 | 1 |
| AVS 371: Cert. Flight Instructor | $5,500 | 2 |
| AVS 372: CFI Instrument | $2,500 | 1 |
| AVS 373: Multi-Engine Instructor | $4,500 | 1 |
| AVS 376: Multi-Engine | $7,100 | 1 |
| AVS 404: Crew Resource Management (conducted in simulator) | $650 | 2 |
