Flight Operations prepares students to become professional aviators or pilots, taking them into the world of airplane and helicopter operations, aerodynamics, and aviation weather. At the University of Dubuque, the Flight Operations degree 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 and can continue the program to conclude with a flight instructor certificate. Students will leave ready to build a career as a professional aviator or pilot within the commercial airline, corporate or general aviation, emergency medical services, air cargo operations, and charter operations.
Making a Difference Through the Study of Flight Operations
Students and faculty at UD are active in the aviation and aerospace industry. Their work contributes to the advancement of aviation and aerospace research. They have worked collaboratively with industry professionals in the advancement of aviation flight training and education.
Mission and Program Educational Goals
The mission of the Aviation Department is to provide 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. The Aviation Department supports the University of Dubuque's Mission by:
- Establishing excellence in professional preparation
- Fostering a zeal for lifelong learning
- Focusing on the development of professional skills enhanced by technology
- Integrated with safety practices
- Characterized by fiscal prudence with quality equipment and facilities.
Flight Operation Program Mission and Learning Outcomes
The Bachelor of Science in Flight Operations is centered on a Pilot Training School certified under 14 CFR 141 and prepares students for FAA certification (licensing) and ratings. A flight-training program is available to majors and non- majors. The Flight Operations Program includes courses from primary flight through multi-engine, commercial pilot with instrument rating, each supported by an appropriate ground school.
Goals
The goals of the Aviation programs:
- Prepare students for immediate entry into the job market by providing a comprehensive understanding of the competencies required for a professional pilot to function at a high level within various domains, including but not limited to airlines, corporate, and cargo operations.
- Cultivate a passion for lifelong learning in students, encouraging them to continually update their knowledge and skills in the ever-evolving field of flight operations.
- Foster professionalism and integrity in students, nurturing their ethical comprehension and personal character, and enabling them to incorporate advanced technology and safety practices into their aviation roles.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge and impact of contemporary aviation industry issues over time, including technology, business and environmental sustainability.
- Apply techniques, skills, and modern aviation tools to flight operations.
- Operate as a crew member in an aircraft flight deck on a multi-disciplinary and diverse team.
- Apply knowledge of mathematics, science and aerodynamic principles to ensure safe and efficient flight operations.
- Accurately analyze and interpret data to solve a variety of problems.
- Effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, with precision and clarity within the aviation and related industries.
- Engage in and recognize the need for lifelong learning.
- Apply excellent moral character and professional ethics in one's decision making to the field of Flight Operations.
Degree Distinctive
What is distinctive about a degree in Flight Operations at the University of Dubuque?
- Opportunity to engage in several flight training sessions each week. Students incorporate knowledge learned in ground school classes into the flight training lessons they accomplish one-on-one with a flight instructor.
- Hands-on experience in our CRJ-200 flight training device, practicing jet system knowledge and crew resource management.
- Class trips to places such as United Airlines in Chicago and the FAA Altitude Chamber in Oklahoma City enhance the learning experience.
- 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
An aviation student with a bachelor of science in flight operations is prepared to enter almost any entry-level position within flight management and flight operations within the aviation industry. Other graduates have gone on to serve our country in the various branches of the military, coast guard, and law enforcement agencies.
University of Dubuque flight operations students have gone on to work as flight instructors or pilots for charter operators, airlines, and small and large corporate aviation departments. 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.
The RATP (Restricted Airline Transport Pilot) program allows collegiate aviation students to qualify for an Airline Transport Pilot certificate with reduced flight hour requirements. This program is designed to provide a streamlined pathway for students to transition from academic training to professional airline careers. By participating in the RATP program, students can benefit from structured training and gain the necessary qualifications to meet the demands of the airline industry. The University of Dubuque (UD) is eligible for the RATP program, allowing its students to take advantage of these benefits.
Post-Graduate Opportunities
The University of Dubuque aviation program provides the educational and experiential base for entry-level management and flight professions and as a foundation to build a career through graduate-level study in the aviation industry. The Department of Aviation encourages all of our graduates to strive for higher levels of experience and education to advance their capacity to enhance the quality of their education and experience in serving 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.
Related Programs
Aviation Faculty/Staff
Michael BanyaszCertified Flight Instructor
Email: MBanyasz@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Ben BathjeFlight Instructor (Part-time)
Email: BBathje@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Jared BennettCRJ Sim Instructor
Email: JBennett@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Aviation Learning Center
Adam BuschCertified Flight Instructor
Email: ABusch@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Nathanael ByersFlight Instructor
Email: NByers@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Scott CareyAviation Shuttle Driver
Email: SCarey@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Jennifer ChanceFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing
Email: JChance@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Candace DalsingAviation Dispatch Supervisor
Phone: 563.589.3820 Email: CDalsing@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Connor DehnCertified Flight Instructor
Email: CDehn@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Owen DockendorfAviation Dispatch (Part-time)
Email: ODockendorf@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Stacy DuranAviation Application Support Manager
Phone: 563.589.3541 Email: SDuran@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: 123 Babka Flight Center
Sara Ellert-BeckAssistant Professor of Aviation
Phone: 563.589.3315 Email: SEllert@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: 304 Severance Hall
Logan FarleyFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing
Email: LFarley@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Center
Denver FeuerbachCertified Flight Instructor
Email: DFeuerbach@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Zoe FinnFlight Instructor
Email: ZFinn@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Tony FosterAssociate Professor of Aviation; Head of Academics for the Aviation Department
Phone: 563.589.3815 Email: TFoster@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: FLCTR Babka Flight Operations Center
Curtis GatesDirector of Aviation Safety
Email: CGates@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
William GebhardtFlight Instructor
Email: WGebhardt@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Ryan GiacomettiFlight Instructor (Part-time)
Email: RGiacometti@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Rebekah GiannakourosFlight Instructor - Fixed-Wing
Email: RGodwin@dbq.edu / RGiannakouros@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Dominic GlassFlight Instructor (Part-time)
Email: DGlass@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Nick GlynnCertified Flight Instructor
Email: NGlynn@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Kenneth GodwinAssistant Professor of Aviation
Phone: 563.589.3761 Email: KGodwin@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: 302 Severance Hall
Credentials
- MBA, University of Dubuque
- BS, University of Dubuque
Dallas GonzalezAviation Pilot Examiner
Email: DGonzalez@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Bryan GutrajSenior Flight Instructor - Fixed Wing
Email: BGutraj@dbq.edu 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
Email: AHaggin@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Cater HancockFlight Instructor
Email: CHancock@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Samantha HancockAviation Academic Advisor
Phone: 563.589.3810 Email: SHancock@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: 112 Babka Flight Center
Katharine HanleyFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing
Email: KHanley@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Alexander HanselAviation Maintenance Technician
Email: AHansel@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Ciaira HanselAdministrative Services and Stakeholder Relations Manager in the Aviation Department
Phone: 563.589.3180 Email: CHansel@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: 112 Babka Aviation Learning Center
Jason HartAssistant Professor
Phone: 563.589.3386 Email: JHart@dbq.edu 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
Email: RHefel@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: America's Hangar: Room 2
Sarah HefelAviation Dispatch and Operations Assistant
Email: SHefel@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Garrett HertzfeldtFlight Instructor (Part-time)
Email: GHertzfeldt@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Hunter HicksFlight Instructor
Email: HHicks@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Hala Hilal Aviation Academic Support
Phone: 563.589.3511 Email: HHilal@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: 303 Severance Hall
Vladimir HudsonFlight Instructor (Part-time)
Email: VHudson@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Verlyn IsaacAviation Shuttle Driver
Email: VIsaac@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Eric JannuschFixed-Wing Check Instructor
Email: EJannusch@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Kael JauronFlight Instructor (Part-time)
Email: KJauron@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
James S. JenkinsDirector of Aviation Maintenance
Phone: 563.589.3812 Email: JJenkins@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Flight Operations Center
Credentials
- BS, University of Dubuque
Kyle JonesAviation Pilot Examiner
Email: KJones@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Aviation Learning Center
William "Jay" JubeckFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing
Email: WJubeck@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Polly KadolphAssociate Professor of Aviation
Phone: 563.589.3120 Email: PKadolph@dbq.edu 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 KariukiAircraft Mechanic; AAT Faculty
Phone: 563.589.3812 Email: JKariuki@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Thomas KeanAviation Shuttle Driver
Email: TKean@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Matthew KilburgDirector of Aviation Operations
Phone: 563.589.3825 Email: MKilburg@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: 123 Babka Flight Center
Luke KuennenFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing
Email: LKuennen@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Evan LawlerChief Flight Instructor - Rotor Wing
Email: ELawler@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
William (Bill) LonerganAviation Maintenance Technician
Email: WLonergan@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Jamin LorchAircraft Maintenance Assistant
Email: JLorch@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Sandra LorenzAviation Shuttle Driver
Email: SLorenz@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Johnathan LumberCertified Flight Instructor
Email: JLumber@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Michael MarisieFlight Instructor
Email: MMarisie@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Jonathan "Jack" MayerFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing
Email: JMayer@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Center
Karly MeyersFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing
Email: KMeyers@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Aviation Learning Center
Kellen MitchellFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing
Email: KMitchell@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Center
Tanner MohlisAviation Dispatch and Operations Assistant
Email: TMohlis@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Cathy MunozCheck Instructor
Email: CMunoz@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Justin NewhouseFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing
Email: JNewhouse@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Center
William NewstromAviation Maintenance Technician
Email: WNewstrom@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Abigail NieAviation Dispatch Assistant
Email: ANie@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Rajee OlaganathanAssociate Professor of Aviation
Email: ROlaganathan@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: 307 Severance Hall
Lynn PeaseAssistant Professor of Aviation
Email: LPease@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: 111 Babka Flight Operations Center
Suzanne PetersonChief Flight Instructor
Phone: 563.589.3828 Email: SPeterson@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: 116 Babka Aviation Learning Center
Credentials
- BS, University of Dubuque
Eugene PfabAviation Shuttle Driver
Email: EPfab@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Michael PhillipsDirector of Aviation Student Engagement
Phone: 563.589.3732 Email: MPhillips@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: FLCTR Babka Flight Operations Center
Colin PurcellAssistant Chief Flight Instructor - Rotor Wing
Email: CPurcell@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Matthew ReuterSenior Flight Instructor
Email: MReuter@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Aviation Learning Center
Carmen RigdonFlight Instructor
Email: CRigdon@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Aviation Learning Center
Brandon RogersFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing (Part-time)
Email: BRogers@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Ely RogersFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing
Email: ERogers@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Tavian RumpleFlight Instructor- Fixed Wing
Email: TRumple@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Tad SchoenyCRJ Sim Instructor
Email: TSchoeny@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Flight Operations Center
Alexander ShupeFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing
Email: AShupe@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Center
Bradley SlaymanFlight Instructor (Part-time)
Email: BSlayman@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Taras SlyvkaFlight Instructor (Part-time)
Email: TSlyvka@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Giancarlo SolitoFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing
Email: GSolito@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Center
Cody TeshakCertified Flight Instructor
Email: CTeshak@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Blake ThomasCertified Flight Instructor
Email: BThomas@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Spencer ThomasonCertified Flight Instructor
Email: SThomason@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Randy TolleyCRJ 200 Instructor
Email: RTolley@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Ralph VandenbergShuttle Driver (Part-time)
Email: RVandenberg@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Reece VasichFlight Instructor
Email: RVasich@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Jed WagnerFlight Instructor (Part-time)
Email: JWagner@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Randy WarmDirector of Aviation Programs
Phone: 563.589.3514 Email: RWarm@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: 118 Babka Aviation Learning Center
Luke WeberCertified Flight Instructor
Email: LWeber@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Mya WeslingFlight Instructor (Part-time)
Email: MWesling@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Roger WickmanFlight Instructor
Phone: 563.589.3829 Email: RWickman@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: FLCTR Babka Flight Operations Center
Logan WilcoxFlight Instructor
Email: LWilcox@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Brett WimberlyCRJ Simulator Instructor / Fixed-Wing Check Instructor
Phone: 563.589.3833 Email: BWimberly@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Taylor WimberlyCertified Flight Instructor
Email: TWimberly@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Robert WinchellFlight Instructor (Part-time)
Email: RWinchell@dbq.edu Department: Aviation
Gregory WoodhouseAssistant Professor of Aviation
Phone: 563.589.3233 Fax: 563.589.3410 Email: GWoodhouse@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: 226 Dunlap Technology Center
Credentials
- MSCTE, Nova Southeastern University
- BSEE, New Jersey Institute of Technology
Joseph WoodsCertified Flight Instructor
Email: JBWoods@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Chase WorkmanFlight Instructor
Email: CWorkman@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Riley WorkmanCertified Flight Instructor - Fixed Wing
Email: RWorkman@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Allison YagerFlight Instructor
Email: AYager@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center
Gary ZeckFlight Instructor - Fixed Wing
Email: GZeck@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Center
Keegan ZimmermanCertified Flight Instructor
Email: KZimmerman@dbq.edu Department: Aviation Office: Babka Flight Operations Center