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.

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

Michael BanyaszCertified Flight Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Ben BathjeFlight Instructor (Part-time)

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Jared BennettCRJ Sim Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Aviation Learning Center

Adam BuschCertified Flight Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Nathanael ByersFlight Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Scott CareyAviation Shuttle Driver

Department: Aviation

Jennifer ChanceFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing

Department: Aviation

Candace Dalsing

Candace DalsingAviation Dispatch Supervisor

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

Connor DehnCertified Flight Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Owen DockendorfAviation Dispatch (Part-time)

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Stacy DuranAviation Application Support Manager

Phone: 563.589.3541 Department: Aviation Office: 123 Babka Flight Center

Sara Ellert-Beck

Sara Ellert-BeckAssistant Professor of Aviation

Phone: 563.589.3315 Department: Aviation Office: 304 Severance Hall

Logan FarleyFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Center

Denver FeuerbachCertified Flight Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Zoe FinnFlight Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Tony Foster

Tony FosterAssociate Professor of Aviation; Head of Academics for the Aviation Department

Phone: 563.589.3815 Department: Aviation Office: FLCTR Babka Flight Operations Center

Curtis GatesDirector of Aviation Safety

Department: Aviation

William GebhardtFlight Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Ryan GiacomettiFlight Instructor (Part-time)

Department: Aviation

Rebekah Giannakouros

Rebekah GiannakourosFlight Instructor - Fixed-Wing

Department: Aviation

Dominic GlassFlight Instructor (Part-time)

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Nick GlynnCertified Flight Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Kenneth Godwin

Kenneth GodwinAssistant Professor of Aviation

Phone: 563.589.3761 Department: Aviation Office: 302 Severance Hall

Credentials

  • MBA, University of Dubuque
  • BS, University of Dubuque

Dallas GonzalezAviation Pilot Examiner

Department: Aviation

Bryan Gutraj

Bryan GutrajSenior Flight Instructor - Fixed Wing

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Aviation Learning Center

Credentials

  • BS, Eastern Illinois University
  • JD, University of Illinois Chicago Law
  • Gold Seal CFI, CFII, MEI, AGI
  • 2021-22 AOPA Distinguished Flight Instructor
  • FAASTeam Representative

Alexander HagginCertified Flight Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Cater HancockFlight Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Samantha HancockAviation Academic Advisor

Phone: 563.589.3810 Department: Aviation Office: 112 Babka Flight Center

Katharine HanleyFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing

Department: Aviation

Alexander HanselAviation Maintenance Technician

Department: Aviation

Ciaira HanselAdministrative Services and Stakeholder Relations Manager in the Aviation Department

Phone: 563.589.3180 Department: Aviation Office: 112 Babka Aviation Learning Center

Jason HartAssistant Professor

Phone: 563.589.3386 Department: Aviation Office: 305 Severance Hall

Credentials / Bio

  • BS, Purdue University
  • MS, Purdue University

After joining the University of Dubuque in 2020, Professor Hart has sought to leverage his background as an airport manager, aircraft rescue firefighter, security practicioner, and automation researcher to "inspire the next generation of aviators" through real-life industry anecdotes. With his distinctive and enganging classroom approach, Hart aims to transform student learning and ignite their enthusiasm while equipping them with the skillset and practical knowledge needed to secure the career of their dreams. 

Ryan HefelAviation Maintenance Technician

Department: Aviation Office: America's Hangar: Room 2

Sarah Hefel

Sarah HefelAviation Dispatch and Operations Assistant

Department: Aviation

Garrett HertzfeldtFlight Instructor (Part-time)

Department: Aviation

Hunter HicksFlight Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Hala Hilal

Hala Hilal Aviation Academic Support

Phone: 563.589.3511 Department: Aviation Office: 303 Severance Hall

Vladimir HudsonFlight Instructor (Part-time)

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Verlyn IsaacAviation Shuttle Driver

Department: Aviation

Eric JannuschFixed-Wing Check Instructor

Department: Aviation

Kael JauronFlight Instructor (Part-time)

Department: Aviation

James S. Jenkins

James S. JenkinsDirector of Aviation Maintenance

Phone: 563.589.3812 Department: Aviation Office: Flight Operations Center

Credentials

  • BS, University of Dubuque

Kyle JonesAviation Pilot Examiner

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Aviation Learning Center

William "Jay" JubeckFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing

Department: Aviation

Polly Kadolph

Polly KadolphAssociate Professor of Aviation

Phone: 563.589.3120 Department: Aviation Office: 305 Severance Hall

Credentials

  • MBA, University of Dubuque
  • BS, University of Dubuque

Credentials

MBA, University of Dubuque; BS, University of Dubuque.

Joan Kariuki

Joan KariukiAircraft Mechanic; AAT Faculty

Phone: 563.589.3812 Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Thomas KeanAviation Shuttle Driver

Department: Aviation

Matthew KilburgDirector of Aviation Operations

Phone: 563.589.3825 Department: Aviation Office: 123 Babka Flight Center

Luke KuennenFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing

Department: Aviation

Evan Lawler

Evan LawlerChief Flight Instructor - Rotor Wing

Department: Aviation

William (Bill) LonerganAviation Maintenance Technician

Department: Aviation

Jamin Lorch

Jamin LorchAircraft Maintenance Assistant

Department: Aviation

Sandra LorenzAviation Shuttle Driver

Department: Aviation

Johnathan LumberCertified Flight Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Michael MarisieFlight Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Jonathan "Jack" MayerFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Center

Karly MeyersFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Aviation Learning Center

Kellen MitchellFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Center

Tanner Mohlis

Tanner MohlisAviation Dispatch and Operations Assistant

Department: Aviation

Cathy MunozCheck Instructor

Department: Aviation

Justin NewhouseFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Center

William NewstromAviation Maintenance Technician

Department: Aviation

Abigail NieAviation Dispatch Assistant

Department: Aviation

Rajee OlaganathanAssociate Professor of Aviation

Department: Aviation Office: 307 Severance Hall

Lynn Pease

Lynn PeaseAssistant Professor of Aviation

Department: Aviation Office: 111 Babka Flight Operations Center

Suzanne Peterson

Suzanne PetersonChief Flight Instructor

Phone: 563.589.3828 Department: Aviation Office: 116 Babka Aviation Learning Center

Credentials

  • BS, University of Dubuque

Eugene PfabAviation Shuttle Driver

Department: Aviation

Michael Phillips

Michael PhillipsDirector of Aviation Student Engagement

Phone: 563.589.3732 Department: Aviation Office: FLCTR Babka Flight Operations Center

Colin PurcellAssistant Chief Flight Instructor - Rotor Wing

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Jorge Rangel

Jorge RangelAviation Dispatch and Operations Assistant

Phone: 563.589.3121 Department: Aviation Office: Babka Aviation Learning Center

Matthew Reuter

Matthew ReuterSenior Flight Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Aviation Learning Center

Carmen RigdonFlight Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Aviation Learning Center

Brandon RogersFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing (Part-time)

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Ely RogersFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing

Department: Aviation

Tavian RumpleFlight Instructor- Fixed Wing

Department: Aviation

Tad SchoenyCRJ Sim Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Flight Operations Center

Alexander ShupeFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Center

Bradley SlaymanFlight Instructor (Part-time)

Department: Aviation

Taras SlyvkaFlight Instructor (Part-time)

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Giancarlo SolitoFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Center

Cody TeshakCertified Flight Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Blake ThomasCertified Flight Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Spencer ThomasonCertified Flight Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Randy TolleyCRJ 200 Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Ralph VandenbergShuttle Driver (Part-time)

Department: Aviation

Reece VasichFlight Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Jed WagnerFlight Instructor (Part-time)

Department: Aviation

Randy Warm

Randy WarmDirector of Aviation Programs

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

Luke WeberCertified Flight Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Mya WeslingFlight Instructor (Part-time)

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Roger Wickman

Roger WickmanFlight Instructor

Phone: 563.589.3829 Department: Aviation Office: FLCTR Babka Flight Operations Center

Logan WilcoxFlight Instructor

Department: Aviation

Brett Wimberly

Brett WimberlyCRJ Simulator Instructor / Fixed-Wing Check Instructor

Phone: 563.589.3833 Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Taylor WimberlyCertified Flight Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Robert WinchellFlight Instructor (Part-time)

Department: Aviation

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

Joseph WoodsCertified Flight Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Chase WorkmanFlight Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Riley WorkmanCertified Flight Instructor - Fixed Wing

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Allison Yager

Allison YagerFlight Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center

Gary ZeckFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Center

Keegan ZimmermanCertified Flight Instructor

Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center