"Assistant Professor (Aviation)"

General Summary

The School of Technology Studies & Professional Services Management (STPSM) at Eastern Michigan University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the Aviation Flight Program. This position supports both Aviation Flight Technology and Aviation Management Technology, with an emphasis on high-quality teaching, student mentorship, and professional engagement in a collegiate FAA Part 141 environment.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach a contractual load of undergraduate aviation courses as assigned by the school.
• Provide ground instruction as appropriate within the FAA Part 141 flight program.
• Demonstrate excellence in student-centered aviation instruction, including the ability to clearly explain complex regulatory, safety, and operational concepts.
• Employ sound pedagogical practices in both classroom and flight instruction environments, emphasizing learning outcomes rather than personal flight experience alone.
• Assess student learning using appropriate evaluation methods and provide constructive, developmental feedback.
• Mentor students in professional judgment, decision-making, and ethical responsibility within the aviation industry.
• Work with the School Director in planning, marketing, and recruiting activities.
• Confer periodically with the School Director on curriculum and instructional matters.
• Work closely with the Director of Flight Operations to coordinate instructional and operational needs of the flight program.
• Provide academic advising to undergraduate aviation students.
• Participate in curriculum development and revision to ensure alignment with FAA regulations, industry standards, and emerging technologies.
• Engage in research, scholarly activity, or professional dissemination consistent with expectations for tenure-track faculty.
• Provide service to the department, college, and university, including committee participation and student support activities.

Minimum Qualifications

Terminal degree in Aviation, Aeronautics, Aerospace, or a closely related field OR Master’s degree plus ("Master’s +") significant documented professional credentials and experience as defined below.

Master’s Plus ("Master’s +") Definition
Master’s degree in Aviation, Aeronautics, Aerospace, or a closely related field, plus:
Required:
Current FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII) certificates
Commercial Pilot Certificate or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate
AND at least two (2) of the following:
Minimum of 3,000 total flight hours
At least one FAA aircraft type rating
Four (4) or more years of collegiate-level aviation instruction experience
Documented experience in an aviation management or leadership role (e.g., Chief Flight Instructor, Director of Operations, safety manager, or comparable position)
Five (5) years or more experience in an aviation-related field. Pilot, FAA, Military ATC.
Minimum of two (2) years of experience teaching aviation-related courses and/or providing flight instruction at the collegiate or professional level.
Demonstrated effectiveness as an instructor, including the ability to articulate teaching philosophy, instructional methods, and student learning outcomes.
Experience using learning management systems and instructional technology for course delivery.
Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching in an FAA Part 141 flight training program.
• FAA 141 Assistant Flight/Ground Instructor Minimums
• Demonstrated knowledge of FAA regulations, aviation safety, and aviation law, and insurance.
• Experience with aviation safety management systems (SMS), airport operations, or regulatory compliance.
• Experience designing or revising course content, including syllabi, assessments, and instructional activities.
• Experience mentoring flight instructors or serving in instructional standardization or leadership roles.
• Evidence of excellence in teaching, such as student evaluations, peer observations, curriculum development, or teaching awards.
• Evidence of or clear potential for scholarly or professional activity appropriate for tenure.
• Additional certificates or qualifications UAS, A&P, Dispatch Certificate, ATC.

Special Instructions

Application materials must include:
Letter of application
Curriculum vitae, including publications, if any
Statement of teaching philosophy (up to two pages) addressing the applicant’s approach to aviation instruction and student learning
Names and contact information for three professional references familiar with the applicant’s qualifications
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Appointment Percentage

100%