Flight Operations
The Bachelor of Science in Flight Operations prepares students for FAA certification (licensing) and ratings. The flight training program is available to majors and non-majors. The Flight Operations program includes courses ranging from private pilot through commercial pilot with instrument and multi-engine ratings, each supported by an appropriate ground school. Instructor certificates and ratings are available as electives and are highly recommended. All flight students are required to obtain a FAA Medical Certificate at least 30 days prior to enrollment. U.S. citizens must have a certified copy of their birth certificate or a passport before beginning training. Non-U.S. citizens need to contact the Flight Center at least 4 weeks prior to the start of school for compliance with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules and procedures. Flight students desiring to qualify for the Restricted-ATP should work closely with their academic advisors to ensure that they obtain the minimum credit hours required to meet the reduced aeronautical experience.
What You Will Learn
- An understanding of the impact of aviation and technology within societal and global contexts
- An ability to apply techniques, skills, and modern aviation tools to flight operations
- An ability to function on a multi-disciplinary team and operate as a crew member in an aircraft cockpit
- An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and aerodynamic principles to ensure safe and efficient flight operations
- An ability to accurately analyze and interpret data to solve a variety of problems
- An ability to recognize and apply ethical and professional excellence for responsible decision making
- An ability to communicate effectively with precision and clarity within aviation and related industries
- An ability to recognize the need for and engage in life-long learning
- Knowledge of contemporary aviation industry issues
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of business applications relating to the management of flight operations
A University of Dubuque degree in flight operations aligns students with professional ground school and flight training from day one. The program begins with a basic private pilot ground school, continuing with instrument rating, and then reaching a commercial pilot certificate. Students earn a multi-engine rating as well as receive jet transition training in a CRJ 200 airline simulator. Students can also continue the program and conclude with a flight instructor certificate.
Schedule a visit today! Tour the University campus and Flight Operations Center at the Dubuque Regional Airport. Speak with our professors about career paths in aviation and meet our friendly staff. We can't wait to share our passion for aviation.
Program Assessment
The Aviation Department uses an annual (Academic Year) process to look formally at an outcome or set of outcomes. Plans are developed in August, lead faculty for each outcome are assigned, interim reviews are conducted in January, draft reports are due in June, and final reports are due no later than October.
We collect signature data from a minimum of one course per learning outcome. The Aviation Department uses external and internal assessments to identify areas of weakness and where possible areas of interest. When shortcomings are determined, plans are developed and resources are gathered to address these issues.
Minutes are the primary set of evidence indicating future actions. Formal assessments do result in plans to address shortcomings as well as to take no action when the process provides validation.
The following departments and committees participate in assessment of outcomes. Identified program recommendations are followed up with syllabi changes, course flow adjustments, and program development to address short comings.
- The Curriculum Committee and Core Committee
- Assessment Committee
AABI 3.4.2 Comprehensive Self-Analysis
Student Achievement Data - Flight Operations
What Our Students Do
The University of Dubuque Flight Operations Program allows students the opportunity to engage in several flight training sessions each week. They incorporate knowledge learned in ground school classes into the flight training lessons they accomplish one-on-one with a flight instructor. Additionally, as students advance in their training, jet system knowledge and crew resource management is practiced with hands-on experience in our CRJ-200 flight training device. Class trips to places such as United Airlines in Chicago and the FAA Altitude Chamber in Oklahoma City enhance the learning experience.
Where Our Graduates Go
University of Dubuque Flight Operations graduates pursue many different career paths. Recent graduates of the University of Dubuque Flight Operations Program have pursued piloting careers in aerial surveying, air taxi operations, regional airlines, corporate flight departments, and flight positions with various branches of the military.
News from the Department
The Aviation Programs have moved into the new Babka Aviation Center less than a mile down Airport Road from the old Flight Operations Center.
University of Dubuque's Spring Aviation Career Days will be held April 30, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Aviation employers will be available to answer questions in the Iowa Hangar on their segment of the industry. Mock and real interviews will take place in the Americas Hangar concurrently.
The Flight Operations FAA Testing Center has moved to the main campus. To schedule your exam, contact Kay Smith at KASmith@dbq.edu.
Flight Operations - Program of Study - US Students
The courses below are a program sample of what students may encounter pursuing the Flight Operations Airplane Track. Students will meet with their advisers to develop a personal educational program to plan their elective course choices, internships, undergraduate research, and other educational opportunities and experiences.
Flight Operations Fixed Wing Graduation Plan
Flight Operations - Program of Study - International Students
The courses below are a program sample of what students may encounter pursuing the Flight Operations Airplane Track. Students will meet with their advisers to develop a personal educational program to plan their elective course choices, internships, undergraduate research, and other educational opportunities and experiences.
Flight Operations - Rotor Wing - Grad Plan 2019 - International Students
![]() |
![]()
Jo Lynn Bentz
Application Support Manager - Aviation Department BS, Mount Mercy College Office Phone: 563.589.3928 Email: JBentz@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
![]()
Skylar Bernhardt
Flight Instructor |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]()
Jennifer Chance
Flight Instructor Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
![]()
Alex Cleven
Flight Instructor - Fixed Wing Email: Acleven@dbq.edu Office Location: 119 Babka Aviation Learning Center |
![]() |
![]()
Candace Dalsing
Aviation Dispatch Office Phone: 563.589.3820 Email: cdalsing@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
![]()
Cooper Diedrich
Flight Instructor Email: CDiedrich@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
![]()
Joel Dronebarger
Flight Instructor Office Phone: 563.589.3829 Email: JDronebarger@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
![]()
James Drury
Flight and Aviation Specialist MBA, University of Dubuque Office Phone: 563.589.3679 Email: JDrury@dbq.edu Office Location: Babka Aviation Learning Center Fax: 563.589.3722 |
![]()
Bryan Eggers
Assistant Chief - Rotor Wing Office Phone: 563.589.3805 Email: beggers@dbq.edu Office Location: Babka Aviation Learning Center |
![]()
Sara Ellert-Beck
Assistant Professor of Aviation MSA, Central Michigan University Office Phone: 563.589.3315 Email: sellert@dbq.edu Office Location: 308 Severance Hall Biography - Click Here
Sara began flying airplanes at the age of 15. By 17 she had a pilot's license and appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Sara served in the United States Air Force from 1981 until 1991, primarily as an Air Traffic Control Officer. After leaving the Air Force, Sara received a master's level certification in environmental management from West Coast University in Los Angeles and worked as an environmental airspace consultant. Sara began working for the University of Dubuque as an adjunct professor in both business and aviation for several years before becoming a full-time faculty member in the Department of Aviation. |
![]() |
![]()
Efren Fonseca
Flight Instructor Email: Efonseca@dbq.edu Office Location: Babka Aviation Learning Center |
![]()
Tony Foster, Ph.D.
Aviation Department - Head of Academics Ph.D., University of North Dakota Office Phone: 563.589.3815 Email: TFoster@dbq.edu Office Location: 111 Babka Aviation Learning Center (BFC) |
![]()
Trey Franks
Aviation Maintenance Assistant Email: TFranks@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
![]()
Michael Glynn
Assistant Chief Flight Instructor BS, University of Dubuque Office Phone: 563.589.3277 Email: mglynn@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center Fax: 563.589.3179 |
![]()
Nick Glynn
Certified Flight Instructor Email: NGlynn@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
![]()
Kenneth Godwin
Assistant Professor MBA, University of Dubuque; Business Administration BS, University of Dubuque; Aviation Management Office Phone: 563.589.3761 Email: kgodwin@dbq.edu Office Location: 302 Severance Hall Fax: 563.589.3177 |
![]()
Wynston Gray
Flight Instructor |
![]()
Robert Grierson
Adjunct Faculty MPA Email: Rgrierson@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center Biography - Click Here
Robert A. Grierson, AAE, is currently serving as the manager of the Dubuque Regional Airport. He previously managed the Chico Municipal Airport and served as assistant director for the Fresno Airport System. Robert Managed the operating and capital budgets for O’Hare, Midway & Meigs for the City of Chicago, and served as Commissioner on the DuPage Airport Authority. Robert holds a master and bachelor degrees in public administration. He is an Accredited Airport Executive by the American Association of Airport Executives. He served second term as president of the Iowa Public Airports Association. Robert has 30 years of experience in airport management, has been teaching undergraduate and graduate classes since 1996, and is an active pilot with commercial, instrument, multi-engine, and helicopter ratings. Robert retired as full Colonel with over 38 years of military service, and he was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Master Army Aviator Badge. Robert is married with two sons, one at University of Missouri, the other at University of Iowa. |
![]()
Bryan Gutraj
Flight Instructor - Fixed-Wing J.D., UIC John Marshall Law School Email: BGutraj@dbq.edu Office Location: Babka Aviation Learning Center Biography - Click Here
Following a career in accounting and law, Bryan has joined the University of Dubuque Aviation Department to share his passion for flying with students at UD. Originally from the Chicago area, Bryan enjoys golfing, traveling, hiking, and exploring the Dubuque area with his dog Shelby in his free time. |
![]() |
![]()
Lane Hawkins
Flight Instructor Email: LHawkins@dbq.edu Office Location: Babka Aviation Learning Center |
![]()
Jane Heming
Administrative Services and Stakeholder Relations Manager Office Phone: 563.589.3180 Email: jheming@dbq.edu Office Location: 113 Babka Aviation Learning Center Fax: 563.589.3352 |
![]()
Hannah Hinderman
Aviation Dispatch Assistant |
![]()
Verlyn Isaac
Aviation Shuttle Driver |
![]()
James S. Jenkins
Director of Aviation Maintenance BS, University of Dubuque Office Phone: 563.589.3812 Email: jjenkins@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center Fax: 563.589.3179 |
![]()
Kyle Jones
Assistant Chief Flight Instructor Email: KJones@dbq.edu Office Location: Babka Aviation Learning Center |
![]()
Polly Kadolph
Associate Professor of Aviation MBA, University of Dubuque |
![]()
Joan Kariuki
Aircraft Mechanic AAT Faculty Office Phone: 563.589.3812 Email: jkariuki@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
![]()
Derek Krohnke
Flight Instructor - Fixed Wing Email: Dkrohnke@dbq.edu Office Location: 119 Babka Aviation Learning Center |
![]()
Zarick Kuehl
Chief Flight Instructor - Rotor Wing Email: ZKuehl@dbq.edu Office Location: Babka Aviation Learning Center |
![]() |
![]() |
![]()
Jamin Lorch
Aviation Maintenance Assistant Email: JLorch@dbq.edu Office Location: Babka Aviation Learning Center |
![]()
Sandra Lorenz
Aviation Shuttle Driver |
![]() |
![]()
Chance Newcomer
Flight Instructor - Rotor Wing |
![]() |
![]()
Suzanne Peterson
Chief Flight Instructor BS, University of Dubuque Office Phone: 563.589.3828 Email: speterson@dbq.edu Office Location: 116 Babka Aviation Learning Center Fax: 563.589.3179 |
![]()
Michael Phillips
Director of Flight Operations BA, MA; Loras College Office Phone: 563.589.3732 Email: mphillips@dbq.edu Office Location: Babka Aviation Learning Center Fax: 563.589.3179 |
![]()
Chaminda Prelis
Director of Aviation Programs MS, Aviation Office Phone: 563.589.3835 Email: CPrelis@dbq.edu Office Location: 118 Babka Aviation Learning Center Fax: 563.589.3177 |
![]() |
![]()
Matt Reuter
Flight Instructor Email: MReuter@dbq.edu Office Location: Babka Aviation Learning Center |
![]()
Jonathan Salaun
Flight Instructor Email: JSalaun@dbq.edu Office Location: Babka Aviation Learning Center |
![]()
Grant Sanders
Flight Instructor - Fixed-Wing Email: GSanders@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
![]()
Eric Savage
Assistant Professor of Aviation Office Phone: 563.589.3386 Email: ESavage@dbq.edu Office Location: 306 Severance Hall |
![]() |
![]() |
![]()
Ching-Kuan Su
Stage Check Instructor Office Phone: 563.589.3807 Email: csu@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
![]() |
![]() |
![]()
Tim Voss
Aviation Shuttle Driver |
![]()
Randy Warm
Director of Aviation Operations and Safety MS, United States Army Office Phone: 563.589.3514 Email: RWarm@dbq.edu Office Location: Babka Aviation Learning Center |
![]() |
![]()
Roger Wickman
Flight Instructor Office Phone: 563.589.3829 Email: rwickman@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
![]()
Brett Wimberly
CRJ Simulator Instructor / Fixed-Wing Check Instructor Office Phone: 563.589.3833 Email: BWimberly@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
![]()
Gregory Mark Woodhouse
Assistant Professor MSCTE, Nova Southeastern University Office Phone: 563.589.3233 Email: GWoodhouse@dbq.edu Office Location: 226 Dunlap Technology Center Fax: 563.589.563.589.3410 Biography - Click Here
Mark is a Bible teacher and conference speaker with 20+ years of higher education teaching experience. Commercial Pilot, Multi-engine, Instrument, Advanced Ground Instructor Ratings; Chief Firearms Instructor, Proficient Defense Training; Chaplain with Dubuque Police Department and Sheriff's Office; Advisor, UD Computer Club; Advisor, UD RC Pilots Club |
![]() |
![]()
Edwin Zenke
Certified Flight Instructor Email: EZenke@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
Careers in Flight Operations
Aviation is a profession filled with limitless personal and professional reward; where the sky is not the limit when it comes to the type of careers students can pursue in the industry. The University of Dubuque’s flight operations graduates can choose from a vast array of areas when they begin their careers. Our flight operations students have gone on to work as flight instructors or pilots for charter operators, airlines, and small and large corporate aviation departments. Other graduates have gone on to serve our country in the various branches of the military, coast guard, and law enforcement agencies.
Program Alums may request a transcript review by completing the Restricted ATP Request Form. Send the completed document to Program Director, Chaminda Prelis at CPrelis@dbq.edu.
Bachelor of Science Opportunities
An aviation student with a bachelor of science in flight operations, is prepared to enter almost any position within flight management and flight operations within the aviation industry. The Aviation department provides students with the professional skills that allow for success in all segments of the aviation industry while enhancing their critical thinking and decision making skills.
Accordingly, an aviation student is well-qualified and comes with the experiences to enter most entry level positions within the aviation industry. Our flight operations students may also qualify for many of the partnerships UD has created with ExpressJet, Endeavor to Delta, Cape Air, Envoy Airlines, SkyWest, and GoJet Airlines. These programs give students an opportunity to qualify as first officers with these airlines.
Post-graduate Opportunities
The University of Dubuque Aviation Program provides the educational and experiential base not only for entry-level management and flight professions, but also as a foundation to build a career through graduate level study in the aviation industry. The University of Dubuque Aviation Department encourages all of our graduates to strive for higher levels of experience and education, to advance the students capacity to enhance the quality of their education and experience in serving the aviation industry. Most of our graduates have gone on to complete advanced level training in flight operations, and for some this has included pursuing post-graduate degrees.