Aviation
Associate of Applied Science Degree

Advisor: Ryan Haskins

Note: Program offered ONLY at the College of Technology in Bozeman

Students completing the AAS in Aviation will have all credentials required to pursue a career as a professional pilot. The program offers in-depth training in all stages of pilot certification: Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot. The program also offers classroom training in Aircraft Systems, Advanced Navigation Systems, Aviation Safety, Flight Instructor/ Aircraft Theory, and Aviation Regulations and Professional Conduct.

Outcomes - Graduates are prepared to:

• Apply knowledge in aviation to adapt to emerging aviation trends;
  
  
• Conduct themselves professionally and ethically;
  
  
• Understand and analyze the role of aviation safety and human factors to the aviation industry;
  
  
• Describe meteorology as it relates to aviation;
  
  
• Independently fly and safely operate airplanes for which they are rated;
  
  
• Demonstrate an understanding and the appropriate application of aeronautical principles, design characteristics, and operational limitations, for a variety of aircraft as it relates to the student’s career goals;
  
  
• Communicate effectively using both written and verbal skills;
  
  
• Demonstrate proficiency in math computation for aviation and modern society; and
  
  
• Demonstrate effective skills in the use of computers and aviation related technology.

Job opportunities range from high-profile occupations as pilots for national carriers to less well-known, but in-demand work as pilots for cargo services, air taxis, media aircraft, corporate jets, or spacecraft. Students who combine the AAS with a Bachelor’s degree in a related field will be especially competitive in the entry level job market.

Completion of the AAS in Aviation requires that students contract with a flight school recommended by the Aviation MSUGF Advisory Council to complete the flight training leading to their Private pilot, Commercial pilot, and Instrument licenses. Upon submission of these certificates the student will receive credit for the following courses.

• AST 142-Private Pilot Flight (50 flight hours) - 2 credits
  
• AST 242-Instrument Flight (75 flight hours) - 2 credits
  
• AST 252-Commercial Flight (125 flight hours) - 4 credits

Students may enter the program having already completed flight training. If they have not completed flight training, the sequencing of courses in this outline is highly recommended.

FAA medical certificates are issued by FAA designated Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs), and are required by all pilots who operate aircraft. The names, addresses and phone numbers of AMEs in your area may be found at the FAA web site (www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/) or you may contact the Great Falls College MSU Director of Aviation for more information. Fees for FAA medical exams can range from $90-$120 depending on your location.

A student enrolled in the Aviation Science Technology Program must obtain at least a Class II medical certificate before his or her first training flight.

Estimated Resident Program Cost:

Tuition and Fees	$5999
Application Fee	$30
Flight Training	$36,574
Books/Supplies	$1500
TOTAL:	$44,103

Fall Semester 1

Course	No.	Title	Credits
AST	141	Aviation Fundamentals	3+
AST	142	Private Pilot Flight (50 flight hours)	2+
AST	143	Basic Air Navigation	3+
CIT	110	Intro to Computers	3+
MATH	150**	Math for Liberal Arts OR
		any math course in the MUS General Ed Core	3+
		SUBTOTAL	14

 

Spring Semester 1

Course	No.	Title	Credits
AST	171	Aircraft Systems	3+
AST	241*	Advanced Navigation Systems	3+
AST	242	Instrument Flight (75 Flight Hours)	2+
AST	243*	Instrument/Commercial Theory I	3+
AST	250	Aviation Operations	3+
		SUBTOTAL	14

 

Fall Semester 2

Course	No.	Title	Credits
AST	245*	Instrument/Commercial Theory II	3+
AST	252*	Commercial Flight (125 flight hours)	4+
AST	261	Aviation Safety	3+
COMM	135	Interpersonal Communication	3+
PHYS	130	Fundamentals of Physical Science w/Lab	4+
		SUBTOTAL	17

 

Spring Semester 2

Course	No.	Title	Credits
AST	260*	Flight Instructor Theory	3+
AST	262*	Advanced Aircraft Theory	3+
AST	263*	Aviation Regulations and Professional Conduct	3+
AST	281*	Certified Flight Instructor flight OPTIONAL	1+
PHYS	110	Survey of Natural Science	3+
ENGL	121**	Composition I	3+
		SUBTOTAL	15-16

This program has possible options with Rocky Mountain College’s Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation in Billings, MT. For details contact Ryan Haskins, Program Director for Aviation Technology, 406-994-6151,
rhaskins@gfcmsu.edu, or Dan Hargrove, Director of Aviation at Rocky Mountain College, 406-657-1060, aviation@rocky.edu

Total Program Credits: 60-61~

~ Many students need preliminary math and English courses before enrolling in the program requirements. These courses may increase the total number of program credits. Students should review their math and English placement before planning out their full program schedules.

+ A grade of "C-" or above required for graduation
* Indicates prerequisites needed
** Placement in course(s) is determined by placement assessment