Expert: David A. NewMyer - 7/3/2004

Question
Hi, I'm currently overseas, I'm an air traffic controller and I have the oppportunity to do distance learning with embry-riddle university.  I want perhaps a position in airport management.  Something that pays as good if not better than my current job.  I want to know what B.S. program I can start working on, and if I can finish everything with online classes?  What degree program should I pursue and what are the chances of me getting  hired with a degree to work in airport  management?  I have a wife and 2 kids, and this is an opportunity for me to use my G.I. bill and make secure a future for my family.  I'm willing to consider something else in a related field.  I have some credits already that hopefully will get transfered towards an aviation degree.  Thanks for the help.

Answer
Hi, Eduardo:

Nice to hear from you!  I will try to assist!

First of all, working on a BS degree is a great idea as far as getting into the airport management field since a BS degree is required for the certification and accreditation process of the American Association of Airport Executives or AAAE.  AAAE is the professional organization that represents airport managers.  I also believe that, for those working in a 20+ year career in the airport management field, it might be important to go on for a master's degree.

By the way, you can join the AAAE as a student or Academic member for $40 as long as you are a student.  You get a twice montly newsletter and a discount for attending their national conference.  Contact them at: http://www.airportnet.org for more information.  To join, you will have to wait until you are a student since they will ask you for proof of your registration....otherwise it is about $200 a year to join.

As far as the aviation field or degree that you pursue, I would think that a degree in Airport Management or Aviation Management would be best.  I believe that ERAU's degree in "Professional Aeronautics" has some of the same degree content as the Aviation Management degree....  However, whatever aviation-oriented degree that you can pursue that has some sort of PRACTICAL content....courses in the following topics would all be good to have:

*Airport Operations
*Airport Management
*General Aviation Operations
*Aviation Management Practices and Processes (Intro to  
Management types of topics)
*Aviation Industry Regulation
*Aviation Law
*Fiscal aspects of aviation (financial management course)
*Airline Management

I hope that this information is of assistance. If you need anything else, please let me know.

Sincerely,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
http://www.aviation.siu.edu