Aviation
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Program Description
When you complete the Associate of Applied Science in Aviation, you will have all the 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.
Job Opportunities
Job opportunities range from occupations as a pilot for a national or regional carrier to less well-known, but in-demand, work as a pilot for cargo services, air taxis, media aircraft, corporate jets, and as certified flight instructors. In Montana and nationally, employment for pilots is projected to grow faster than most occupations through 2030.
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.
- Demonstrate effective skills in the use of computers and aviation related technology.
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 website (http://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/) or you may contact the Gallatin College Director of Aviation for more information. A student enrolled in the Aviation Associate of Applied Science Program must obtain at least a Class II (Class I preferred) medical certificate before his or her first training flight.
| Year 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Spring | |
| AVFT 121 - Aviation Fundamentals | 5 | |
| AVFT 122 - Private Pilot - Flight | 2 | |
| AVFT 130 - Meteorology for Aviation | 3 | |
| WRIT 101W - College Writing I | 3 | |
| M 105Q - Contemporary Mathematics (*or any Quantitative (Q) core math course)** | 3 | |
| AVFT 141 - Advanced Navigation Systems* | 3 | |
| AVFT 142 - Instrument Flight* | 2 | |
| AVFT 143 - Instrument Ground* | 3 | |
| AVFT 150 - Aviation Operations | 3 | |
| AVFT 263 - Aviation Regulations and Professional Conduct | 3 | |
| Year Total: | 16 | 14 |
| Year 2 | Credits | |
| Fall | Spring | |
| AVFT 171 - Aircraft Systems for Pilots | 3 | |
| AVFT 245 - Commercial Ground* | 3 | |
| AVFT 252 - Commercial Flight 1 * | 2 | |
| COMX 115 - Introduction to Interpersonal Communication | 3 | |
| Natural Science with Lab or Contemporary Issues in Science with Lab | 3-4 | |
| AVFT 253 - Commercial Flight 2* | 2 | |
| AVFT 260 - Aviation Safety | 3 | |
| AVFT 261 - Flight Instructor Theory* | 4 | |
| AVFT 262 - Advanced Aircraft Theory* | 3 | |
| COMX 222 - Professional Communication | 3 | |
| Electives (if needed to reach program total of 60 credits) | 0-1 | |
| Year Total: | 14-15 | 15-16 |
| Total Program Credits: | 60 | |
| * | Indicates prerequisites needed. |
| ** | Placement in course(s) is determined by placement assessment. |
A grade of "C-" or above is required for all courses for graduation.
Many students need preliminary math and writing 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.