Bachelor of Science Applied Aviation Technology

What is distinctive about a degree in Applied Aviation Technology at the University of Dubuque?

• Study of the regulations, industry and social implications, and components for successful UAS operations.
• Hands-on training in UAV design including electrical systems, avionics, and optical equipment.
• Actual and simulated hands-on flight experiences of UAV small aircraft systems.
• Challenging internships that give students a chance to experience the aviation industry, help them decide which jobs are right for them, and sometimes lead directly to employment opportunities.
• Program accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).

Career Opportunities
UAS is an emerging and dynamic field in the aviation industry. Their primary use is in military applications; however, there is a growing demand in agriculture, first response and law enforcement, delivery services, real estate, oil and gas, and telecommunications. 

Segments of the military have switched to the remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) platform, utilizing operational skills of flight from outside the cockpit. The FAA passed Part 107 regulations for UAS operations that will integrate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into the National Airspace (NAS). By 2025 we expect the industry to have grown to 100,000 new jobs, with an economic impact of $82 billion according to an Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International economic impact study conducted in 2013.

The aviation program provides the educational and experiential base for entry-level management and a foundation to build a career through graduate-level study in the aviation industry. Most of our graduates have completed advanced level training in flight operations, and, for some, this has included pursuing post-graduate degrees. 

The University of Dubuque offers four independent aviation groups and organizations on campus that offer networking and career-building experiences both inside and outside Dubuque.

Alpha Eta Rho Upsilon Delta Chapter (AHP-UD)
Alpha Eta Rho, a professional aviation fraternity, is a nonprofit organization that operates internationally. As Alpha Eta Rho members, students participate in service projects, especially those that have to do with aviation and work to further the aviation industry's cause.

As active members, students have the opportunity to attend the national conference where they can network with potential employers and fellow aviation students from across the country. Members network, compare stories, and enjoy fellowship with a great group of people with the same interests and goals.

Alpha Eta Rho shares a close bond with those in the fraternity and is always looking for dedicated, energetic female and male members. 

Women in Aviation International (WAI)
The University of Dubuque Chapter of Women in Aviation International is an organization that focuses primarily on networking, career advancement, and community outreach and service. Women in Aviation is open to both men and women. The students and Chapter Advisor Polly Kadolph, an associate professor of aviation, attend the International Women in Aviation Conference each year. Students are required to make business cards and have an updated resume to attend the conference with the chapter. These tools are useful throughout the event, as students can meet with many different vendors and companies including Airbus, United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Lufthansa, military branches, and other universities. 

This organization not only works towards career advancements but also has a high focus on community outreach. Members are asked to log community service hours and, as a group, are often involved in nonprofit or fundraising events. One event that Women in Aviation has taken part in is the Girls in Aviation Day held at the Babka Aviation Learning Center. The organization hosted girls from the surrounding area to learn about flight and aviation through fun activities and hands-on experiences.

One of the advantages of being a member of Women in Aviation is that it does not end after graduation. The members of this organization are diverse - something that makes WAI so unique. With different backgrounds and positions, the opportunity to learn from those in the profession and their experiences is networking at its finest. Not only are members able to offer each other advice, teach and learn from each other, and work together to better the industry, they also are able to encourage and inspire future aviators. 

University of Dubuque Flight Team
The University of Dubuque Flight Team is a great way to connect with your fellow flight students on campus. The UD Flight Team has an opportunity to compete in two competitions per academic year: regional and national. Upon success at the regional level in the fall, the UD Flight Team would be invited to the national competition in the spring. The UD Flight Team competes in various events including power-off and short-field landings, aircraft recognition, message drop, navigation, SCAN, Ground Trainer (simulator), and E6B computer accuracy competitions. 

In addition to competitions, the UD Flight Team focuses on community outreach. One way this is done is through the annual fly-in pancake breakfast held at the Dubuque Regional Airport. In addition to attendants from the Dubuque community, visitors have come from Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and even Canada. The visiting aircraft are parked and displayed on the UD ramp, and a UD C172 is on display inside the hangar. Young kids, aspiring future aviators, and anyone interested are free to walk around, ask questions, and take pictures. This is a fun event for members of the UD Flight Team to share their passion for aviation and for community members get an inside look at what is flying over their homes.

The UD Flight Team is always looking for enthusiastic and dedicated teammates. Tryouts are held each fall for prospective members.

American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)
The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) is a national organization that fosters airport executives and acts as a prevailing voice in Washington, DC, for US airports. The organization works to teach and educate present and future professionals to understand further what it takes to run an airport in the US and how to develop and become a leader in the airport industry. 

AAAE has student chapters across the country, and UD has the unique opportunity to be the home of one of these chapters. Students are encouraged to become members of AAAE and to participate on many different levels and platforms. Becoming an AAAE member allows an individual to become a certified member and eventually an accredited airport executive. AAAE also offers seminars, webinars, and conferences year-round pertinent to the greatest ideals affecting airports today. It gives members access to the member directory, a vital form of networking information. Members can also apply for various scholarships offered by AAAE throughout the year. Even more so, members have access to the AAAE career page where airports and private companies are continually posting career opportunities. Becoming a member also subscribes an individual to the AAAE magazine.

Accreditation Information - The Department of Aviation's flight and management programs are accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).

What does Aviation Accreditation mean?
AABI accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for aviation schools worldwide. This prestigious accreditation assures quality and promotes excellence and continuous improvement in undergraduate education for all aviation disciplines. To receive accreditation, an aviation school must meet the following criteria:

• Demonstrate that faculty and staff members are qualified and current in their fields;
• Maintain a high-caliber curriculum that is current and relevant;
• Measure learning outcomes and continuously strive for improvement;
• Cultivate a culture of safety that permeates all flight and ground activities by faculty, staff, and students;
• Collaborate with industry to assure employers that graduates possess a broad background in the aviation industry as well as skills needed for aviation specializations; and
• Provide for aviation programs to periodically perform a comprehensive self-analysis to achieve their objectives.

AABI Certification Letter

AABI Self Study Report - 2019