Program Overview
Aviation Program
The Aviation program at Gallatin College MSU provides students with the necessary training to pursue a career as a professional pilot. The program includes in-depth training in required stages of pilot certification: Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Multi-engine Commercial Pilot.
A.A.S. in Aviation
The A.A.S. in Aviation at Gallatin College MSU equips students with the qualifications needed to start a career as a professional pilot. This program provides thorough training for essential pilot certifications, including Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot (including multi-engine). It also includes classroom instruction in:
- Aircraft Systems
- Advanced Navigation Systems
- Aviation Safety
- Flight Instructor/Aircraft Theory
- Aviation Regulations and Professional Conduct Additional flight training fees apply.
High Demand for Graduates
There is a high demand for Aviation graduates as an older workforce retires and travel becomes key to everyday business and leisure.
Accelerated Time to Degree
Students are ready to enter into a career in two years after completing the Aviation program at Gallatin College.
15 Years of Excellence
Gallatin College MSU has been providing an accessible, student-centered education that supports individuals personal and professional goals since 2009.
Job Skills
Graduates of the Aviation program at Gallatin College MSU 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.
Careers
Job opportunities for graduates of the Aviation program range from occupations as a pilot for a national or regional carrier to less well-known, but in-demand, work in the following settings:
- Pilot for cargo services
- Pilot for air taxis
- Pilot for media aircraft
- Corporate jet pilot
- Certified flight instructor In Montana, employment for pilots is projected to grow faster than most occupations through 2032. An AAS in Aviation with a bachelors degree in a related field will make you especially competitive in the entry-level job market.
Sample Course Plan
The sample course plan for the Aviation program is as follows:
Year One
| 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 | 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 Two
| 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