Updates from the School of Aviation

The newest instillation of the NOTAAM newsletter!

It has been a very busy spring semester in Auburn Aviation. Over the past four months, the School of Aviation has continually and efficiently operated with our highest student body to date. However, we still have kept our mind on the future, recruiting from coast to coast. We are so excited to share what the School has been able to accomplish the past few months, as well as recognize some exceptional people who continually allow the Auburn School of Aviation to stand out.

Striped Wings Aviation Ambassadors

Student Recruitment Events

Our Striped Wings Aviation Ambassadors have had a tireless semester when it comes to the School's recruitment efforts. In the past four months, we have had ambassadors attend five airshows and conferences to spread the word about Auburn's aviation program.

To start off, this year marked the first time that the Striped Wings attended the National Gay Pilots Association conference in Palm Springs, CA. Auburn is in the inaugural semester of its NGPA chapter, and was thrilled to send Striped Wings alongside the founding members of Auburn's NGPA.

"Attending this year’s NGPA conference as a Striped Wings Ambassador was an incredible honor. The opportunity of connecting with so many prospective students and industry professionals was priceless, as was the chance to spotlight the work being done by Auburn University’s own NGPA chapter."



- Dominique Verville

Senior, Aviation Management

Striped Wings also had a presence at this year's Women in Aviation International Conference in Orlando, FL. Over the three-day event, they were able to talk to prospective students, connect with alumni, meet industry leaders, and network potential job opportunities. They were also able to catch up with our industry partners, including Propel by Delta, United Aviate, and Southwest Destination 225°. Not only were we exhibiting this year, but this was the first year that the War Eagle Chapter of Women in Aviation was able to have members present.

The last day of the conference was "Girls in Aviation Day," where girls of all ages and backgrounds had the opportunity to visit the conference. This allowed our Striped Wings to speak with many potential Auburn aviators, share their experiences, and talk about futures in the field of aviation.

"Attending the Women in Aviation conference on behalf of Auburn Aviation was an incredible opportunity. The inspirational women within this industry have profound impacts on the next generation. Meeting trailblazers from all aviation outlets was very eye-opening, as well as being able to connect with perspective, collegiate students and inspire them in my own small way."



- Ella Szucs

Director, Striped Wings Aviation Ambassadors

Senior, Professional Flight

In April, the Striped Wings attended the 50th year of the Sun 'n Fun Airshow in Lakeland, FL. Sun 'n Fun is one of the largest airshows in the country, allowing our ambassadors to connect with alumni and reach out to a large volume of prospective students. Jason Adkins and Maggie Peacock, seniors in the Professional Flight program, were able to fly one of Auburn's Cessna 172s into KLAL. Having a static aircraft display allows prospective students to see the emphasis Auburn has on maintaining a modern fleet. With such a large attendance at the airshow, it was instrumental for Auburn to have a presence here, talking to upwards of 400 people per day.

During the six-day event, the Striped Wings were also able to utilize the numerous amounts of corporations present to increase their networking in the industry. We would like to thank Southern Cross Aviation, Envoy, and all those that were able to stop by our booth to meet our students.

"Going to Sun 'n Fun has always been a dream of mine, and I am so honored that I was able to go while representing Auburn's School of Aviation. The Thunderbirds were one of the first memories that planted the aviation bug in me, and it was a full circle moment to see them perform while being able to spread the word about aviation to the next generation. I am so grateful to have had an exceptional group of Striped Wings with me, all who effortlessly were able to share their personal experiences about how Auburn Aviation has been able to give us so much in our short times as students."



- Jason Adkins

Assistant Director, Striped Wings Aviation Ambassadors

Senior, Professional Flight

Lastly, our Striped Wings recently returned from the Memphis Fly In. This was the inaugural year for the one-day event organized by the Memphis Student Association, and we were so glad that we could be in attendance to represent Auburn.

Faculty Highlight: Col. Earle Thompson, UAS Program Manager and Sr. Lecturer

Since 2011, Earle "ET" Thompson has been an integral part of the Auburn University School of Aviation. Before coming to Auburn, ET had an extensive career serving in the United States Air Force. Retiring as a Colonel, ET flew both the A-10 Warthog and F-16 Fighting Falcon. Flying 10 combat sorties in Operation Just Cause and 43 in Operation Desert Storm, he has a vast knowledge of aviation that he is able to apply in the classes that he instructs. ET has been paramount in developing the curriculum in aviation, instructing Airspace Management, Aerodynamics and Propulsion, as well as Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

In March of this year, United States Senator Tommy Tuberville named ET the Veteran of the Month, something we are immensely proud to share.

At Auburn, ET serves as the advisor to the Striped Wings Aviation Ambassadors. He is irreplaceable in the recruitment efforts for the School, and he has first hand seen the rapid growth in our program. His efforts in leading our recruiters have been invaluable to the sustained growth and continued professionalism that our program embodies around the country.

In his free time, ET is surrounded by his wife Jamea and his son Matthew. ET is actively involved in the Opelika First Baptist Church, where he sings in their choir weekly. We are so thankful that ET has brought his knowledge to Auburn, and we know his future here will be just as bright and impactful as his 13 years here.