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College of Aeronautics at Florida Institute of Technology

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College of Aeronautics at Florida Institute of Technology

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The College of Aeronautics is recognized as one of the top university-based aviation programs in the nation.

Our programs and faculty have earned an international reputation for excellence in the education and preparation of aviation professionals. We are responsible for graduate and undergraduate programs in a variety of files such as Aeronautical Sciences, Aviation Management, Meteorology, Airport Management and Development, Human Factors, and Aviation Safety. We deliver world class educational programs that lead to both flight and non-flight aviation careers. The success of our graduates and our international reputation for excellence speaks volumes about the programs we offer. It is the college’s intent to achieve and maintain a stable, highly sought after, top quality university aviation educational opportunity in an institutional environment known for technical excellence.

10/09/2026

Please join us in congratulating Rian Mehta, Ph.D., on his appointment as Dean of Florida Tech’s College of Aeronautics.

Dr. Mehta has played an important role in the college’s growth, serving in leadership roles including associate dean and interim dean. His experience in academia and the aviation industry has helped strengthen academic programs, build industry partnerships and create opportunities for students. A triple Florida Tech alumnus, Dr. Mehta earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from Florida Tech.

We look forward to the continued growth of the College of Aeronautics under his leadership when he officially takes on the role in January 2027.

Congratulations, Dr. Mehta!

10/05/2026

The Fall 2026 issue of Florida Tech Magazine is out now! This season's issue, available online at news.fit.edu, features four outstanding COA alumni who are shaping the aviation industry in real-time through their work:

- Fin Bonset '96, '99 MSA - VP of Aviation Planning and Advisory Services at AECOM; Chair, Airport Consultants Council
- Rebecca Hupp '92 - VP of Aviation at Austin Commercial; Immediate Past Chair, AAAE
- Jason Terreri '01 - Executive Director of the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority and Vice Chair of ACI-NA
- Marshall Stevens '93 - VP and COO, Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority; Chair, AAAE

Read more: https://news.fit.edu/archive/cleared-for-leadership/

10/03/2026

Interim Dean, Dr. Rian Mehta, was invited to Denver to attend the Aviate Leadership Summit, learning about their forecast for the future and all the exciting initiatives coming that will benefit our Florida Tech Aeronautics students.

While there he also got to connect with COA alumni from the Denver area and even caught up with some of his previous students at the Florida Tech Alumni Association reception. While talking about his trip, Dean Mehta said, “I left humbled to be in my role and am even more motivated to continue focusing on our mission of student success.”

Dr. Mehta, a commercial pilot himself, also got to experience a 737 Max simulator, thanks to our amazing alumni! Check out this video of his landing into Melbourne Orlando Intl Airport runway 9R.

09/29/2026

The COA would like to recognize Cassidy Reale for her outstanding accomplishments so far this year! A junior studying Aviation Management w/ Flight, Cassidy has been both an exceptional student and an incredibly active part of our campus community. She is the current VP of .floridatech, working to connect students with the multitude of career offerings in aviation, both in the sky and on the ground. More recently, she has taken on another unique leadership opportunity, serving as a President's Ambassador for 2026-27.

While Cassidy has excelled on campus since arriving in 2024, her success is the result of a great deal of personal and professional drive. She has avidly pursued external scholarships and grants to fund her education and flight training, receiving multiple generous awards, including the Lawrence Ginocchio Aviation Scholarship from , the AAAE Aviation Management scholarship, and the Citation Max Scholarship for 2026. More impressive is her desire to connect current and future students with similar opportunities, opening the door for more students to pursue flight education without a concern for cost.

Cassidy, congratulations on your successes, and keep making the COA proud!

09/19/2026

Today, we celebrate Girls in Aviation day! Created by Women in Aviation to inspire young girls to pursue careers in aeronautics and STEM fields, this yearly event has expanded massively over the past 12 years. In 2025, over 200 events were held in 34 countries, and the initiative has only continued expanding since. Our Florida Tech WAI chapter volunteered at our local event, giving back to support the next generation of girls through hands-on activities, including showcasing one of our aircraft to give attendees a close-up view of what their future could have in store!

09/17/2026

The COA is proudly represented by our LPA student chapter at the 2026 Latin Professionals in Aerospace Expo!

Are you attending? Come find us in the Expo Hall at Booth 502!

09/09/2026

The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals is seeking motivated student leaders studying aviation and aeronautics. If you would be interested in joining Florida Tech’s OBAP chapter, please fill out the interest form!

Founded in 1976, OBAP was founded to provide Black airline pilots to organize in support of minorities in the aerospace industry. Members attend yearly conferences and summits, participate in mentorship programs, and are eligible for significant scholarships to advance aviation education.

09/08/2026

The COA would like to congratulate Captain Greg Zahornacky '82, who has recently been awarded the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. Captain Zahornacky is a previous Skurla Award winner and extremely well-qualified pilot and educator. He receives the award following over fifty years of flying.

Captain Zahornacky completed his first solo on his 16th birthday before coming to Florida Tech to complete B.S. degrees in Air Commerce and Flight Technology. He flew with Pennsylvania Airlines and USAir before returning to academia, receiving a dual Master's degree with distinction in Aviation Operations and Education from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Teaching is a clear passion for Zahornacky, with experiences ranging from serving as a Level D Check Instructor on the CRJ-200 simulator to his current career educating the next generation of aviators at as an Assistant Professor of Aeronautics at ERAU.

Captain Zahornacky's experience has a wide range--in addition to piloting and teaching, he is also an accomplished Emcee and DJ, working on-air as "Greg Keys" for WIKD in Daytona Beach and lending his voice to Lionel Trains and VFR Productions. The COA has gotten to experience "Greg Keys" as well, as Captain Zahornacky has DJed for social and alumni gatherings over the years. He joins other notable alum, including fellow Skurla Award winner Capt. Paris Michaels, as a Master Pilot recipient.

Congratulations to Captain Zahornacky on this esteemed honor!

09/01/2026

Congratulations to COA alumnus Benjamin Leischner on his election to the Airports Council International - North America Board of Directors!

Ben has served as the Executive Director of Quad Cities International Airport in Illinois since 2018, working to revitalize the airport in light of declining passenger numbers and navigating the complexities of the post-pandemic era of aviation. Prior to directing MLI, Ben worked in numerous positions across Bellingham Intl. and Seattle-Tacoma Intl. in Washington, building crucial industry experience. He graduated with his B.S. in Aviation Management w/ Flight in 2004 and completed his flight training at .

Ben has proven his merit as a leader within the aviation community, and we are so thrilled to celebrate his election! He joins fellow COA alum and ACI-NA Vice Chair Jason Terreri '01 in service of the organization's mission: advocating for and supporting the operation and growth of commercial aviation!

08/28/2026

The College of Aeronautics was proud to represent Florida Tech at the 8th annual Space Coast Symposium. Prof. Charles Everett presented as part of a panel on unmanned systems, discussing future innovation in autonomous aviation alongside industry experts. Later, Florida Tech students, staff, and faculty joined for a photo op and reception.

Thank you to the for hosting--we are so grateful to call the Space Coast home and for the countless unique opportunities that our location provides!

Address

150 W University Boulevard
Melbourne, FL
32901

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Website

https://www.fit.edu/aeronautics/

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