NOTAAM Newsletter

Spring 2025, Semester Recap

WEBSITE

ARTICLE REQUESTS

Updates from the School of Aviation

June 3, 2025

This spring semester has been incredibly active for Auburn Aviation. We’re thrilled to highlight the School’s recent achievements and honor the outstanding individuals who help Auburn Aviation continue to excel.

Professor Elton Fowler Retires

We are deeply grateful for Professor/Lt Colonel (US Army, Retired) Elton Fowler's exceptional service and dedication over the past six years at the Auburn School of Aviation. His remarkable career, spanning 24 years in the Army and 19 years in corporate aviation, has inspired us all.

Professor Fowler's expertise and commitment have significantly enriched our program, particularly through his efforts in building the corporate aviation program and guiding students to numerous nationwide business aviation conferences and careers. As he embarks on his well-deserved retirement, we extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes for the future.

War Eagle and God Speed, Elton!

Striped Wings Aviation Ambassadors

Student Recruitment Events

This past semester, our Striped Wings have worked tirelessly at recruitment events for Auburn Aviation. Whether they are working a booth at Sun n’ Fun or greeting industry professionals at Auburn Business Aviation Days, Striped Wings are a consistent presence at school events. This past spring, they attended multiple conferences and airshows, as well as participated in numerous career fairs—collegiate and high school alike—bringing aviation education to future Auburn Tigers.

The Striped Wings attended the Women in Aviation International conference this year in Denver, Colorado. During this three-day event, they were able to network and attend insightful panels as well as share the Auburn experience with numerous attendees. The Striped Wings were also accompanied by the War Eagle Chapter of Women in Aviation International and the 99s.

"Attending WAI with a great group of Auburn women, meeting an inspiring Auburn alumna, and receiving a WAI scholarship made this year's conference a powerful reminder of the legacy I am stepping into, the future I am building, and the impact I am determined to make."

- Sara McGehee

Women in Aviation Member

Junior, Aviation Management

"At the Women in Aviation Conference in Denver, CO, we had the incredible opportunity to network with industry professionals and attend insightful panels, growing our knowledge about the aviation industry and life as female pilots."

- Ellie Balose

President, Women in Aviation

War Eagle Chapter

Sophomore, Professional Flight

In April, the Striped Wings attended the 51st Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland, Florida. Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo is one of the largest and most attended aviation events in the country. Our ambassadors connected with numerous alumni and prospective students. Striped Wings ambassadors Jacob Swisher, Grace Richardson, Campbell Glasgow, Sophie Earley, and Alex Durbin were all part of this experience and continued to share the Auburn Aviation experience during the six-day event. This year, our alumni came out in full force, and we would like to thank all who stopped by our booth and were able to network with our students.

Congratulations, Spring 2025 Grads!

School of Aviation Student Awards Recipients

Jacob Swisher

Robert G. Pitts Award - Most Outstanding Senior

Student who exhibits exemplary leadership, academic performance, citizenship, character and promise of professional ability.

Jason Adkins

Outstanding Airmanship Award

Student in the Professional Flight program with the highest evaluation of flight skills and knowledge sent forward by the Chief Flight Instructor or his representative.

Page Zuccaro

Aviation Leadership Award - Most Outstanding Participation in the University and Community

Student who has significantly contributed to the University and the community.

Kailer Young

Faculty Award - Professional Flight

Student in the Professional Flight program with the highest cumulative GPA as identified by the Academic Advisor at the end of each semester.

Will Abbot

Faculty Award - Aviation Management

Student in the Aviation Management program with the highest cumulative GPA as identified by the Academic Advisor at the end of each semester.

Zoe Stewart

Most Supportive Peer Award

Nomination from student peer survey, with endorsement from a faculty member, that describes outstanding support to fellow peers.

Spring Student Engagement

Along with our conferences and airshows, our team has worked tirelessly to promote student engagement. This past semester, the School of Aviation hosted the Spring Career Fair, Auburn Business Aviation Days (ABAD), as well as the annual Distinguished Speaker Series with former Delta Air Lines CFO, Paul Jacobson, who now serves as the General Motors CFO.

The Spring Career Fair boasted 15 employers and 24 industry professionals, providing students with the chance to network with potential employers and even mentors. Almost all aspects of the aviation industry were present, offering students the opportunity to speak with recruiters about airline pathway programs. We are so thankful to have the continued support of our industry partners. Their willingness to speak with the future of the aviation industry is a true testament to the reputation of the Auburn School of Aviation.

We were also able to continue the Auburn Aviation Business Days legacy this past April. ABAD offers the chance for Business Aviation students to see aspects of the aviation industry that aren’t always highlighted, through panelists and the networking fair. This year we had 30 companies join us at ABAD. We also were joined by panelists offering insight from the building blocks for a business aviation career to students sharing their insight into turning your vision to action. We can’t wait to see our Business Aviation experts, back for next year’s ABAD.

"I am grateful for the strong turnout and Auburn’s support in creating space for students to connect with industry leaders during such a pivotal time in our journeys toward meaningful aviation careers."

- Kylie Gallaspie

Senior, Aviation Management

In April, we welcomed Auburn Aviation Management Alum Paul Jacobson to our Distinguished Speaker Series. Mr. Jacobson is the Chief Financial Officer of General Motors and former EVP and Chief Financial Officer at Delta Air Lines. His talk offered students insight into the aviation industry—including overcoming challenges—as well as the chance to network with him and other business professionals.

A special thanks to Southwest Airlines and the dedicated work of Auburn Aviation student, Niko Stavros and Dr. James Birdsong; a $25,000 grant from Southwest Airlines was approved to purchase two new Redbird Flight simulators that are now available for all students at no cost! These flight simulators will continue to elevate the quality, success, and efficiency of the Auburn Aviation program and are located on the second floor of the Delta Air Lines Aviation Education Building. All of this could not have been done without the perseverance of our very own Niko Stavros.

Maxton “Max” Yeast is the first student in the School of Aviation to be awarded a one-year undergraduate research fellowship. Originally from Nancy, Kentucky, Max is a second-year student and is earning a BS in Aviation Management and a BSBA in Finance.

Over the next year, he will research the economic impact that air service brings to a community. Air service significantly affects the GDP of an individual city and region, including trade, commerce, tourism, and employment. In his study, Class D airports with commercial air service in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky will be the primary focus. The study will provide greater insight into the financial and economic impact of regional air service and the influence of the Essential Air Service program. He will be mentored by two School of Aviation faculty members: Daniel Siao, PhD, and Rebecca Baughman, PhD.

The War Eagle Flying Team had the opportunity to perform a pre-game formation flyover at the April 4 baseball game, representing the Tigers in the best way possible! This was Auburn Aviation's first flyover.

The Auburn School of Aviation always strives for the best education possible for our students, and this past spring, one of our own brought home an amazing distinction. Professional Flight's Ms. Aubrey Holladay received the 2025 CLA Promotion of Excellence in Teaching and Learning (PETL) Academic Advisor Award! Thanks to our amazing staff, Auburn Aviation is able to create a better future for flight.

The Auburn 99s—the Auburn Collegiate Wing of the Ninety-Nines Inc.® International Organization of Female Pilots—stood out this year at the AU Involve awards. Receiving the 2025 AU Involve award for Excellence in Career Readiness, the Auburn 99s continue to demonstrate the commitment to excellence that comes with being a part of Auburn Aviation.

Alumna Highlight: Emily Brutko, Flight Instructor at Auburn University

During her time at Auburn, Emily Brutko has become an integral part of the Auburn Aviation family. Emily was a member of numerous student organizations, including War Eagle Flying Team, the Ninety-Nines, Striped Wings Ambassadors, Alpha Eta Rho, and Women in Aviation, solidifying her involvement in the future of Aviation.

In June of 2024, Emily was awarded the "National Intercollegiate Flying Association Top Certified Flight Instructor" award. To demonstrate her proficiency at flight instruction, she taught a series of topics before a judge and successfully outperformed flight instructors from across the country to earn the award.

Emily Brutko is currently a flight instructor for the School of Aviation. Her credentials include CFI and CFII. In June of 2025, Emily will join the War Eagle Women as they compete in the cross-country Air Race Classic.

In her free time, Emily loves to work out, read, and spend time with her friends. We are so proud to call Emily Brutko an Auburn Aviation alumna!

Air Race Classic: 2025 War Eagle Women

The Auburn School of Aviation is excited to announce the 2025 Air Race Classic teams! This year, we are sending two teams to compete in the 2,400 statute mile cross-country race. Student Campbell Glasgow and CFIs Emily Brutko and Maggie Peacock will be flying for the Orange Team. The Blue Team is comprised of student Aspen Hood and CFIs Bailey Wells and Page Zuccaro. We are excited to see what they will accomplish in the coming months. To keep up with our ARC teams, follow them on Instagram @WarEagleWomen25 as well as auburn-arc.com