Applied Aviation Technology is the study of aerospace technology and the application of advanced systems within the aviation industry. At the University of Dubuque, your studies will take you into the world of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). You will leave ready to build a career in aerospace technology and aviation.


Making a Difference Through the Study of Applied Aviation Technology
Students and faculty at UD are active in the aviation and aerospace industry. Their work contributes to the advancement of applied aviation and aerospace technology and research. They have worked collaboratively with industry professionals in the advancement of aviation and aerospace education.

Degree Distinctive

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

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. 

Student Involvement Information

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

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

Resources

Aviation Faculty/Staff

Randy Warm

Randy WarmDirector of Aviation Programs

Phone: 563.589.3514 Department: Aviation Office: 118 Babka Aviation Learning Center

Travis AmezquitaFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing

Department: Aviation

Zachery AugustineFlight Instructor - Rotor Wing

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Aviation Learning Center

Evan BakerFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Aviation Learning Center

Jared BennettCRJ Sim Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Aviation Learning Center

Jo Lynn Bentz

Jo Lynn BentzAviation Application Support Manager

Phone: 563.589.3928 Department: Aviation Office: Babka Aviation Learning Center

Skylar BernhardtFlight Instructor - Rotor Wing

Phone: 563.589.3303 Department: Aviation

Kyle BoothFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing (Part-time)

Department: Aviation

Michael BrownFlight Instructor - Rotor Wing

Department: Aviation

Tyler CarlsonFlight Instructor-FW

Department: Aviation

Connor CarlsonFlight Instructor-part time-FW

Department: Aviation

Jennifer ChanceFlight Instructor-FW

Department: Aviation

Alex ClevenFlight Instructor- FW

Department: Aviation

Joseph ContinoFlight Instructor-FW

Department: Aviation

Candace Dalsing

Candace DalsingAviation Dispatch Supervisor

Phone: 563.589.3820 Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Sarah DayFlight Instructor- Fixed Wing

Department: Aviation

John DieckmanFlight Instructor-FW

Department: Aviation

Cooper DiedrichFlight Instructor-FW

Department: Aviation

James Drury

James DruryFlight and Aviation Specialist

Phone: (563) 589-3679 Department: Aviation Office: 213 Charles C. Myers Library

Bryan Eggers

Bryan EggersAssistant Chief Flight Instructor-Rotor Wing

Phone: (563) 589-3805 Department: Aviation Office: FLCTR Babka Flight Operations Center

Sara Ellert-Beck

Sara Ellert-BeckAssistant Professor-Aviation

Phone: (563) 589-3315 Department: Aviation Office: 308 Severance Hall

Jack Erickson

Jack EricksonAssistant Chief Flight Instructor-FW

Phone: 0 Department: Aviation Office: FLCTR Babka Flight Operations Center

Robert FosterAssistant Professor-Aviation, Head of Flight Ops

Phone: (563) 589-3815 Department: Aviation Office: FLCTR Babka Flight Operations Center

Nicholas GlynnFlight Instructor-part time

Phone: 0 Department: Aviation Office: FLCTR Babka Flight Operations Center

Michael GlynnAviation Pilot Examiner and Consultant

Phone: (563) 589-3277 Department: Aviation Office: FLCTR Babka Flight Operations Center

Kenneth Godwin

Kenneth GodwinAssistant Professor-Aviation

Phone: (563) 589-3761 Department: Aviation Office: 302 Severance Hall

Rebekah GodwinFlight Instructor-part time

Department: Aviation

Dallas GonzalezAssistant Chief Flight Instructor

Department: Aviation

Bryan GutrajSenior Flight Instructor

Department: Aviation

Lane HawkinsFlight Instructor-FW

Department: Aviation

Sarah HefelAviation Dispatch and Operations Assistant

Department: Aviation

Jane Heming

Jane HemingAviation Administrative Services/Stakeholder Relations Manager

Department: Aviation

Hala Hilal

Hala Hilal Aviation Academic Support

Phone: (563) 589-3511 Department: Aviation Office: 213 Charles C. Myers Library

Andrew InmanSenior Flight Instructor-RW

Department: Aviation

Verlyn IsaacShuttle Driver

Department: Aviation

Eric JannuschFlight Instructor-part time

Department: Aviation

James Jenkins

James JenkinsAviation Maintenance Manager

Phone: (563) 589-3812 Department: Aviation Office: FLCTR Babka Flight Operations Center

Kyle JonesAssistant Chief Flight Instructor-FW

Department: Aviation

Susan JungblutShuttle Driver

Department: Aviation

Polly Kadolph

Polly KadolphAssociate Professor--Aviation

Phone: (563) 589-3120 Department: Aviation Office: 314 Severance Hall

Joan Kariuki

Joan KariukiInstructor--Aviation

Phone: (563) 589-3812 Department: Aviation Office: FLCTR Babka Flight Operations Center

Zarick Kuehl

Zarick KuehlChief Flght Instructor--Rotor Wing

Phone: 0 Department: Aviation Office: FLCTR Babka Flight Operations Center

Evan LawlerFlight Instructor-RW

Department: Aviation

Trevor LeeCheck Instructor-FW

Department: Aviation

Richard LindenbergShuttle Driver

Department: Aviation

Jamin LorchAircraft Maintenance Assistant

Department: Aviation

Sandra LorenzShuttle Driver

Department: Aviation

Christian MaxwellFlight Instructor-FW

Department: Aviation

Karly MeyersAircraft Maintenance Assistant

Department: Aviation

Tanner MohlisAviation Dispatch and Operations Assistant

Department: Aviation

Madison MontgomeryFlight Instructor-FW

Department: Aviation

Daniel MooreFlight Instructor-part time FW

Department: Aviation

Cathy MunozFlight Instructor-part time

Department: Aviation

Duy Nguyen

Duy NguyenCRJ Flight Instructor

Phone: 0 Department: Aviation Office: FLCTR Babka Flight Operations Center

Pete OyeSenior Flight Instructor

Department: Aviation

Tevin PangelinanFlight Instructor-FW

Department: Aviation

Suzanne Peterson

Suzanne PetersonChief Flight Instructor

Phone: (563) 589-3828 Department: Aviation Office: FLCTR Babka Flight Operations Center

Michael Phillips

Michael PhillipsDirector of Aviation Student Engagement

Phone: (563) 589-3732 Department: Aviation Office: FLCTR Babka Flight Operations Center

Jorge RangelAviation Dispatch and Operations Assistant

Department: Aviation

Matthew Reuter

Matthew ReuterSenior Flight Instructor

Department: Aviation

Kyle RimmeleShuttle Driver

Department: Aviation

Nevada RosteckFlight Instructor-part time

Department: Aviation

Tavian RumpleFlight Instructor- FW

Department: Aviation

Jonathan SalaunFlight Instructor-part time (Rotor Wing)

Department: Aviation

Tad SchoenyCRJ Flight Instructor- part-time

Phone: 0 Department: Aviation Office: FLCTR Babka Flight Operations Center

Peter StevensFlight Instructor-Fixed Wing

Department: Aviation

Ching-Kuan Su

Ching-Kuan SuAviation Pilot Examiner

Phone: 563.589.3807 Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Randy TolleyFlight Instructor-part time

Phone: 0 Department: Aviation Office: FLCTR Babka Flight Operations Center

Timothy VossShuttle Driver

Department: Aviation

Neil WestonCRJ Flight Instructor

Phone: 0 Department: Aviation Office: FLCTR Babka Flight Operations Center

David WhitsellFW Flight Instructor-part time

Department: Aviation

Roger Wickman

Roger WickmanFlight Instructor-FW

Phone: (563) 589-3829 Department: Aviation Office: FLCTR Babka Flight Operations Center

Brett Wimberly

Brett WimberlyCRJ Flight Instructor

Phone: 0 Department: Aviation Office: FLCTR Babka Flight Operations Center

Gregory Woodhouse

Gregory WoodhouseAssistant Professor of Aviation

Phone: 563.589.3233 Fax: 563.589.3410 Department: Aviation Office: 226 Dunlap Technology Center

Credentials

MSCTE, Nova Southeastern University BSEE, New Jersey Institute of Technology