Expert: David A. NewMyer - 11/4/2003

Question
I am looking for an aviation training school that will appreciate a dedicated full-time career ground instructor.  I have given over 6000 hours of ground instruction at all levels and would like to be able to continue my career in this field, but I don't have a Master's degree.  Do you know where I can find a place that's willing to pay a decent salary for someone who loves teaching aviation?  

Answer
Hi, Susan:

Thanks for your question, I will try to assist.

My suggestion is to find one of the larger aviation-oriented postsecondary aviation degree programs such as University of North Dakota, Purdue University, Parks College of St. Louis Univ or University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign.  These programs may hire ground instructors in the way in which you would want to be hired (and paid!) AND offer the chance (in most cases only if you are on a full time appointment) to pursue a master's degree.  The university where I work, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, has one such ground instructor but the pay structure leaves something to be desired.  Anyone being appointed to a full time, tenure track position in our Aviation Flight program is required to both teach in the airplane and a ground school (and tenure track and tenured positions would be where the best money is paid to faculty members in aviation here at SIUC).

Key to you and your future is the fact that earning a master's will be in your long term interests if you wish to work as an aviation faculty member in a university environment.   The pressure is on to show that aviation faculty members have the academic qualifications that any faculty member might have.

For a complete national listing of colleges and universities that offer postsecondary aviation degree programs, including addresses and phone numbers, websites, etc, contact the University Aviation Association at uaa@auburn.edu or call them at 334-844-2434 and order the "Collegiate Aviation Guide."  The cost is around $15.

I hope that this is of assistance to you.

Best wishes.

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