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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

  1. Demonstrate knowledge and impact of contemporary aviation industry issues over time, including technology, business and environmental sustainability.
  2. Apply techniques, skills, and modern aviation tools to flight operations.
  3. Operate as a crew member in an aircraft flight deck on a multi-disciplinary and diverse team.
  4. Apply knowledge of mathematics, science and aerodynamic principles to ensure safe and efficient flight operations.
  5. Accurately analyze and interpret data to solve a variety of problems.
  6. Effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, with precision and clarity within the aviation and related industries.
  7. Engage in and recognize the need for lifelong learning.
  8. 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.

AABI Certification Letter

AABI Self Study Report - 2019

Related Programs

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

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