The Chair of the Department of Aviation provides visionary, academic, and operational leadership for a growing aviation program that includes a Part 141 FAA-approved Flight School and a Part 147 Airframe & Powerplant Maintenance School. The Chair also serves as Airport Manager for the university-owned airpark, ensuring FAA and MDOT Aeronautics compliance and coordinating day-to-day airfield operations. The ideal candidate combines academic leadership with operational excellence and a commitment to safety, student development, and industry relevance.
Duties and Responsibilities
Academic Leadership
- Provide strategic direction and academic oversight for all aviation programs (Flight and A&P).
- Supervise curriculum development, assessment, and accreditation processes (including FAA audits).
- Lead faculty hiring, mentoring, evaluation, and professional development.
- Foster a collaborative, mission-driven academic culture that supports teaching excellence, student success, and industry relevance.
- Coordinate academic advising, student recruitment, retention, and graduation efforts in partnership with university offices.
Program Oversight – Part 141 & 147
- Ensure ongoing FAA compliance and quality for the Part 141 Flight Training Program and the Part 147 A&P Maintenance Program.
- Supervise the Chief Flight Instructor and Director of Maintenance.
- Oversee the development and maintenance of training syllabi, aircraft scheduling, instructor assignments, and simulator usage.
- Ensure A&P training facilities, labs, tools, and instructional materials are maintained at high standards.
Airport Management
- Serve as the Airport Manager for the university-owned airpark.
- Ensure airport compliance with aviation safety and operational regulations.
- Oversee runway, hangar, and facilities management, including snow removal, mowing, lighting, fueling operations, and maintenance scheduling.
- Serve as liaison with FAA, MDOT Aeronautics, and local community.
Administrative & Financial Responsibilities
- Develop and manage department budgets, aligning resources with strategic goals.
- Coordinate fleet acquisition, maintenance schedules, simulator upgrades, and facility improvements.
- Lead efforts in grant writing, fundraising, and cultivating industry partnerships.
- Represent the department in university committees, advisory board, and external industry organizations.
Safety & Compliance
- Promote a culture of safety across flight and maintenance operations.
- Oversee safety reporting systems, risk management, and regulatory documentation.
- Ensure all policies and procedures are up to date and followed by faculty, staff, and students.