Flight Operations
The BS 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
Program of Study
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.
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
University of Dubuque's Fall Aviation Career Days will be held October 13-14, 2016. We begin with a career fair in the Iowa Hangar at the Dubuque Regional Airport on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and finish with interviews on Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on campus in the Center for Advising and Vocation.
The University of Dubuque is striving to bring the best education and flight training available. With the addition of four new Cessna 172SP model aircraft, UD’s entire fleet of Cessnas now consist of 2009 or newer model aircraft. All have the latest in glass cockpit technology, utilizing the Garmin G-1000 Avionics system, and on-board satellite aviation weather. In the fall of 2015, UD added three new Piper Arrow and two new Piper Seminole multi-engine aircraft, all with modern glass cockpit technology.
Flight Operations - Program of Study
The courses below are a program sample of what students may encounter. 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.
Year One
Fall Semester
AVI 131: Basic Ground School (6)
AVI 145: Safety and Ethics in Aviation (1)
ENG 101: Composition and Rhetoric (3)
FLI 131: Flight Training I (3)
WVS 101: World View Seminar I (3)
J-Term
Core/Pillar Elective (3)
Spring Semester
AVI 233: Air transportation (3)
CIS 101: Introduction to Computers or CIS 103: Computer Applications in Business (3)
COM 101: Speech Communication (3)
UDMA 112: College Algebra (3)
RES 104: Introduction to Research Writing (3)
Summer Semester
* To complete certificates or ratings may require additional flight time during the summer semester.
Year Two
Fall Semester
AVI 214: Aviation Meteorology (3)
AVI 231: Ground School - Instrument (4)
FLI 231: Flight Training - Instrument (3)
Global Awareness Requirement (3)
WVSII: World View Seminar II (3)
J-Term
Open
Spring Semester
AVI 232: Ground School - Advanced (3)
ENG 112: Intro to Literature or ENG 260: Literature and Culture (3)
FLI 232: Flight Training - Commercial Maneuvers (3)
Social Development Requirement (3)
UDMA 150: Precalculus or PHY 151: General Physics I & Lab (4)
Summer Semester
* To complete certificates or ratings may require additional flight time during the summer semester.
Year Three
Fall Semester
AVI Elective (3)
AVI 349: Aviation Safety Management (3)
Aesthetics Requirement (3)
FLI 132: Flight Training - Commercial Cross Country (2)
Stewardship Requirement (3)
J-Term
Open
Spring Semester
AVI 401: Applied Aerodynamics (3)
AVI 434: Human Factors (3)
FLI 334: Complex/High Performing Aircraft (2)
Religion Requirement (3)
Elective Courses (3)
Summer Semester
* To complete certificates or ratings may require additional flight time during the summer semester.
Year Four
Fall Semester
AVI 332: Advanced Aircraft Systems/CRJ (3)
AVI Elective (3)
FLI 435: Flight Training - Multi-Engine (2)
Elective Course (3)
Elective Course (3)
J-Term
AVI 435 & AVI 435L: Ground School – Multi-Engine (3)
Spring Semester
AVI Elective (3)
AVI 447: Crew Resource Management and Advanced Systems (3)
AVI 495: Senior Seminar (3) or World View Seminar IV
Elective Course (3)
Summer Semester
* To complete certificates or ratings may require additional flight time during the summer semester.
Steven Accinelli
Director of Aviation and Flight Projects MS, Case Western Reserve University Office Phone: 563.589.3811 E-mail: saccinel@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center Fax: 563.589.3179 Biography - Click Here
Over 40 years of experience in the aviation industry with extensive experience in flight operations, financial planning, research, teaching, safety management, contract negotiations, equipment procurement, and personnel management. Courses taught at institutions of higher learning: Applied Aerodynamics Instrument Ground School Crew Resource Management International Airline Operations CFI – Instrument Ground School Human Factors Aviation Policy Development Airport Management Contemporary Problems in Air Transportation Multi-Engine Ground School Private Pilot Ground School Corporate Aviation Management Corporate Aviation Management (graduate level) Aviation Business Design (graduate level) Airline Management Fixed Base Operations Safety and Ethics in Aviation Current Position Director of Aviation Programs, Aviation Department Head, and Professor (tenured) of Aviation, University of Dubuque, Dubuque, Iowa Education 1996 - Master of Science, National Security Strategy, National Defense University, Washington, DC 1985 - Master of Science, Operations Research, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 1974 - Bachelor of Science, Business Management, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho
Pertinent Aviation Certificates NBAA Certified Aviation Manager Initial certification 09/2007 Recertification 09/2010 and 09/2013 FAA Pilot Certifications Air Transport Pilot, Multi-engine Airplane Commercial/Instrument Helicopter Certified Flight Instructor, Airplane Single & Multi Engine Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument Airplane Helicopter Instructor (Military) Airman Certification Representative (ACR) Designated Pilot Examiner (Ground Instructors)
Flight Experience Total Time 8400 hours Turbine 4525 hours Multi-engine 4100 hours Helicopters 3500 hours Instrument 1550 hours (Actual 1125 hours) Night 1030 hours Dual given 1950 hours
Pertinent Experience 1/99 to present Department Head for a University Aviation Department consisting of 240 majors, 21 aircraft and 38 faculty and staff. Responsible for academic direction and program development. Manage a budget of over 2.8 million dollars with maintenance, safety, logistics, recruiting, and employee hiring responsibilities. 9/02 to present Airport Commissioner, Dubuque Regional Airport. Currently serving as the Chairperson of an autonomous Commission for an airport ranked second busiest in the State with part 139 responsibilities and over 40,000 annual passengers. 7/83 to present Flight Instructor for single and multi-engine aircraft to include instruments; non-current helicopter flight instructor. 7/98 to 8/99 Adjunct Instructor III, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, qualified to teach 19 graduate courses. 6/96 to 1/99 Principle Adviser to the Adjutant Generals of the Montana and Idaho National Guard for training, operations, personnel, and logistics in support of 7000 National Guard soldiers. Developed detailed training plans and coordinated the execution of training leading to significantly improved unit readiness. Developed plans and policies that increased personnel fill to high priority units and increased promotion selection rates. Developed training and deployment plans for infantry, aviation, public affairs, and fire fighting units participating in Bosnia operations and National Training Center (NTC) rotations. 6/94 to 6/95 Senior Military Analyst in an office led by a Department of Army Civilian in the Senior Executive Service. Provided oversight and policy guidance to Army Experimentation and Testing programs. Assigned as lead analyst on the policy committee for the Comanche Helicopter Program. Project analyst for the integration of all analytical efforts in support of Force XXI digitization experimentation. 6/92 to 6/94 Commander, Aviation Battalion, Fort Rucker, Alabama. Directly responsible for the Army’s Initial Entry Rotary Wing training program. Budget authority exceeded 12 million dollars. Supervised flight activities that achieved over 270,000 accident free flight hours. Provided quality assurance for over 200 contract flight instructors and 700 maintenance personnel. Supervised over 320 personnel of which approximately 200 were flight instructors. 1/91 to 5/92 Senior Aviation Advisor to the U.S. Embassy La Paz, Bolivia. Coordinated 50 aircraft from various U.S. Government agencies and the Bolivian Air Force in our Nation’s efforts against illicit drug activities. Developed training, logistics, operations, safety education, and aircraft overhaul programs in a country with limited infrastructure. 9/88 to 1/90 Vice-president, Fixed-wing Operations, Air North, Watertown, New York. A part-135 business integrating two companies with fixed and rotary wing aircraft. 6/88 to 1/90 Executive Officer for an Assault Helicopter Battalion in Fort Drum, New York. Responsible for the staff integration of maintenance, logistic, administration, personnel, operations, safety, and training for an organization consisting of 325 personnel and 55 helicopters. Project officer for the formation of this new unit. Developed and oversaw execution of a plan to consolidate unit split by a distance of over 100 miles two years early. This resulted in savings of 1.8 million dollars. Planned and executed transition to the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter with minimum impact on unit readiness. 1/86 to 6/88 Ad Hoc Member, Graduate School, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas. Provided counseling to graduate students and served on thesis committee for computer simulation experimental design proposals. 3/85 to 7/88 President, Fort Leavenworth Flying Club, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Directed flight school, supervised maintenance, and managed fuel operations. 9/83 to 1/85 Fixed and rotary wing commercial pilot for Baron Aviation, Cleveland, Ohio. Established turbine helicopter operation. 6/81 to 6/83 Aviation Company Commander for UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter unit. Unit consisted of 15 helicopters and 190 personnel. Responsible for operations, training, safety, maintenance, and logistics. 6/73 to 5/81 Various aviation leadership, maintenance and flight positions in Europe and the United States. 6/73 First paid flight (aviation employment)
National and Regional Level Aviation Activities National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA) Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Access Committee member – Airport Working Group (6/08-9/12) Co-Chair, CAM Testing Committee CAM Governing Board member Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) Past Secretary Past Treasurer Ad Hoc member Outcomes Assessment Committee 2007 Visiting Team Accreditation, SE Oklahoma State University 2008 Visiting Team Accreditation, Southern Illinois University 2009 Elected Trustee, re-elected in 2102 2010 Visiting Team Accreditation, ERAU Prescott and Daytona Beach 2010 Conducted Workshop for SIU on Aviation Accreditation Assessment 2011 Conducted Assessment Workshop, Raising the Standard 2011 Presentation, Safety Programs for Collegiate Aviation 2011 Qualified as Visiting Team Chair 2011 Visiting Team Accreditation, St. Louis University 2012 Visiting Team Accreditation Chair, Westminster College 2013 Visiting Team Accreditation Chair, Mercer County Community College 2014 Visiting Team Accreditation Chair, Purdue University 2015 Visiting Team Accreditation, Kent State University
University Aviation Association (UAA) Aviation Policy Seminar Director (15 seminars to Washington, DC) Safety Auditor, 2007 ERAU 2009 Presentation on Establishing an Aviation Advisory Board 2013 Presentation on Aviation Policy Development
School of Missionary Aviation (SMAT) Advisory Board Member (2005-2011)
Dubuque Regional Airport Commission Member, 2002 Treasurer, 2003 Secretary, 2004 Vice-Chair, 2006 – 2007, 2013 - 2014 Chair, 2007- 2010, 2014 – present
State of Iowa Aviation Advisory Committee, 2005 to 2010 Aviation Infrastructure Committee, 2009 to 2011
University Service University of Kansas: Graduate Thesis Advisor University of Dubuque Professional Development, Promotion, and Tenure Committee Core Curriculum Committee School of Professional Programs representative to the Board of Trustees Planning and Finance Committee Presidential Ad Hoc Committee on Enrollment/Student Body Size Advisor Flight Team/Qualified NIFA Judge Faculty Search Committees (Aviation/Business/Criminal Justice/Environmental Science) Faculty Athletic Representative Chair, Management Council, Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) Two years on the Executive Management Council, IIAC Academic Council Professional Development Committee, past Chair
Professional Associations Member, Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association (AOPA) Institutional Representative, University Aviation Association (UAA) Institutional Representative, Aviation Accreditation Board, International (AABI) Committee Member, National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Member, National Air Transportation Association (NATA) |
Mitchel Barske
Flight Instructor Office Phone: 563.589.3838 E-mail: mbarske@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
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Kim Bruggenwirth
Aviation Business Manager Office Phone: 563.589.3180 E-mail: kbruggen@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center Fax: 563.589.3179 |
Candace Dalsing
Aviation Dispatch Office Phone: 563.589.3820 E-mail: cdalsing@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
Stephen Doss
Flight Instructor Office Phone: 563.589.3805 E-mail: SDoss@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
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Tony Foster
Assistant Professor MAS, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Safety Systems BS, University of Dubuque; Flight Operations/Aviation Management Office Phone: 563.589.3815 E-mail: tfoster@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center Fax: 563.589.3179 |
Michael Glynn
Chief Flight Instructor BS, University of Dubuque Office Phone: 563.589.3277 E-mail: mglynn@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center Fax: 563.589.3179 |
Kenneth Godwin
Assistant Professor MBA, University of Dubuque; Business Administration BS, University of Dubuque; Aviation Management Office Phone: 563.589.3761 E-mail: kgodwin@dbq.edu Office Location: 302 Severance Hall Fax: 563.589.3177 |
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Ramon Gonzalez
Flight Instructor Office Phone: 563.589.3832 E-mail: RGonzalez@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
James S. Jenkins
Director of Aviation Maintenance BS, University of Dubuque Office Phone: 563.589.3812 E-mail: jjenkins@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center Fax: 563.589.3179 |
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Polly Kadolph
Associate Professor of Aviation MBA, University of Dubuque |
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Zarick Kuehl
Helicopter Flight Instructor E-mail: ZKuehl@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
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Trevor Lee
Flight Instructor Office Phone: 563.589.3836 E-mail: TLee@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
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Kevin Michalski
Flight Instructor Office Phone: 563.589.3819 E-mail: kmichals@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
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Emmanuel Munoz
Flight Instructor Office Phone: 563.589.3813 E-mail: Emunoz@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
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Michael Nickeson
Flight Instructor Office Phone: 563.589.3817 E-mail: MNickeson@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
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Sean O'Meara
Flight Instructor Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
Suzanne Peterson
Assistant Chief BS, University of Dubuque |
Michael Phillips
Director of Operations: University Flight Center BA, MA; Loras College |
Chaminda Prelis
Head of Aviation Programs Associate Professor of Aviation MS, Aviation BBA, Aviation Management Office Phone: 563.589.3835 E-mail: cprelis@dbq.edu Office Location: 304 Severance Hall and Airport Flight Operations Center Fax: 563.589.3177 |
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Ken Rizer
Assistant Professor of Aviation MPA, Harvard University MBA, University of Iowa MS, Air War College BS, U.S. Air Force Academy Office Phone: 563.589.3315 E-mail: krizer@dbq.edu Office Location: 308 Severance/Flight Operations Center Biography - Click Here
Ken served 25 years in the Air Force as a fighter pilot and commander, culminating as the Base Commander for Andrews Air Force Base, the home of Air Force One. He serves as an Iowa State Representative for Marion, Bertram, Ely and the surrounding parts of Linn County. |
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Eric Savage
Assistant Professor of Aviation Office Phone: 563.589.3386 E-mail: ESavage@dbq.edu Office Location: 306 Severance Hall |
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Nolan Schneider
CRJ 200 Instructor E-mail: NSchneider@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
Ching-Kuan Su
Stage Check Instructor Office Phone: 563.589.3807 E-mail: csu@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
Robbie Thier
Flight Instructor Office Phone: 563.589.3834 E-mail: rthier@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
Austin Todd
Flight Instructor Office Phone: 563.589.3824 E-mail: ATodd@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
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Colin Waldorf
Stage Check Instructor BS, University of Dubuque Office Phone: 563.589.3823 E-mail: cwaldorf@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
Roger Wickman
Flight Instructor Office Phone: 563.589.3829 E-mail: rwickman@dbq.edu Office Location: Flight Operations Center |
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Jeremiah Ziebert
CRJ 200 Instructor BS, University of Dubuque E-mail: jziebert@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.
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 (Pathway Program), Cape Air (Gateway Program), Envoy Airlines (Pipeline Program) and SkyWest (Cadet Program). 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.
