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College of Aeronautics at Florida Institute of Technology

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College of Aeronautics at Florida Institute of Technology

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 program

s 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.

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!

08/27/2026

The College of Aeronautics would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Aviation Management w/ Flight student Ryder Schuch, who has received two prestigious industry scholarships: the CABAA Collegiate Financial Scholarship and the AMCG Management Scholarship. These awards followed a busy summer for the student, who completed his Commercial Pilot (ASEL) Certificate at in May before returning home to Chicago to work for CAVU Aircraft Detailing.

Despite maintaining this busy schedule, Ryder also made time to explore other unique aviation opportunities, like attending the inaugural EgyptAir arrival at Chicago-O'Hare Intl. Airport, meeting up with members of NBAA and FCAP at EAA AirVenture 2026, and attending a Gulfstream OEM showcase at Chicago Executive. Since coming back to campus, Ryder has kept up the pace, making the time to present to students in Prof. Sean McGeough's Aviation Career Planning course while working toward completing his own degree and flight instructor certification. We are incredibly proud of Ryder's ambition and cannot wait to see what he accomplishes next!

08/21/2026

As we close out the first week of the Fall 2026 semester, the COA would like to give a warm welcome to Dr. Jason Herkimer, our newest faculty addition for Fall 2026!

Dr. Herkimer is an accomplished Airbus captain, researcher, and educator who will teach both ground school courses for flight students and senior-level aircraft systems courses. He is also a proud Florida Tech alum--Dr. Herkimer received his Ph. D. in Aviation Sciences from Florida Tech in 2017. He returns to the classroom now to share expertise only gained through time and effort in the airline industry, and we know that this experience will have a vast impact on our students!

08/19/2026

Congratulations to College of Aeronautics students Noa Hollander, Raldayne Thomas, and Jacob Wolfe, who each received scholarships from the Florida Airports Council during the 2026 annual convention in Ft. Lauderdale!

Noa and Raldayne attended the event to receive their awards in-person, joined by fellow Florida Tech students, faculty, and alumni. As the recipient of the Spencer Arnold Memorial Scholarship, Noa also had the pleasure of meeting Spencer's mother, Cinda, and better understanding Spencer's legacy as a pilot and businessowner.

The Educational Foundation has awarded over $474,000 in scholarships since 1990 to aviation students from select Florida colleges and universities. The program seeks to financially assist students studying aviation to best support the future of the industry, and we could not be more grateful to see our students selected for such an honor!

08/10/2026

In June, Florida Tech's Professional Asian Pilots Association chapter attended the 2026 PAPA Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Four student leaders--Aibar Aitaza, Rygel Estillore, Brandon Mo, and Joshua Alfred--were able to attend as a result of a generous sponsorship from Republic Airways!

08/08/2026

Congratulations to Florida Tech College of Aeronautics alumna Clara Bennett, on being awarded the Aviation Leadership Award by the Florida Airports Council.

Clara is also a previous Skurla Award winner for Outstanding COA alumni. She serves as the Executive Director of the Boca Raton Airport Authority. We are so incredibly proud of her and her amazing achievements!

Florida Airports Council
Boca Raton Airport
Florida Tech Alumni Association
Florida Tech Aeronautics

08/06/2026

Meredith Carroll, Founder and Director of the COA’s ATLAS Lab, presented alongside Congressman Mike Haridopolos and Space Coast tech leaders Milo Zonka and Alain Berinstain at the Space Coast Chamber of Commerce’s Technology, Aerospace, Aviation, and Defense (TAAD) event. Dr. Carroll, a professor and researcher studying aviation human factors, presented on Advanced Air Mobility on Florida’s Space Coast during the meeting, sharing her research with local leaders and industry experts.

08/04/2026

Last month, Florida Tech students and alumni gathered at AirVenture Oshkosh 2026. Aubrey Nolan, the president of Florida Tech's NBAA chapter (), took advantage of the opportunity, meeting up with COA alumni and NBAA members throughout the event.

While in Oshkosh, it was announced that Aubrey, a junior studying Aviation Management with Flight, was selected to become a ambassador. Congratulations, Aubrey! Talk about a great week!

07/29/2026

As we wrap up attending the Florida Airports Council Conference, Interim Dean, Dr. Rian Mehta hosted a social for dozens of Florida Tech COA alumni.

It was an amazing evening of networking and a testament to the depth of our alumni amongst the ranks of airport and aviation leadership!

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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