Desirable Faculty Qualifications as Assessed by Students in the Aeronautical Science Program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Over 89% of the sophomore aerodynamics students (182 out of 207) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University were surveyed during Spring Term 2003 to explore student preferences relative to instructor qualifications in the Aeronautical Science Program. The study was initiated because of the great difficulty that particular department, as in many aviation-focused universities, has had recruiting PhD credentialed faculty with significant professional or military flight experience. To perhaps aid in the hiring process, a tough question was asked: Do students prefer PhD level faculty with limited flight experience or Masters level faculty with significant professional or military flight experience? Results indicated that although students would like to see both PhD credentials and significant profession or military flight experience, when given a choice they prefer faculty with significant professional or military flight experience, even if the faculty member has only obtained a Master's degree. It is speculated that the reason might relate to the evidence that shows, "... students engaged in pursuing collegiate aviation programs are 'different' from traditional college students. Aviation students are not searching for a career; they have found one and are taking steps to realize their dreams. They approach learning as an adult." (Brady, Stolzer, Muller and Schaum, 2001). Aeronautical Science students from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Science and a Commercial Pilot's license with multi-engine and instrument ratings. Most also have flight instructor credentials. It is said an Embry-Riddle graduate occupies one of four cockpit seats in the airline industry. These Aeronautical Science students arrive their freshman year focused and remain that way. They are much more conservative than students at traditional universities. They know what they want to do with then* lives and they appreciate the various courses that pertain to their professional future. It was concluded by (Brady, Stolzer, Muller and Schaum, 2001),"... students engaged in pursuing collegiate aviation programs are "different" from traditional college students. Aviation students are not searching for a career, they have found one and are taking steps to realize their dreams. They approach learning as an adult." We thought these students also might feel differently about the value of the academic credentials of their instructors compared to the value of the flight experience of their instructors. An opinion survey was conducted of 207 Aeronautical Science students in seven sections of a relatively technical Aerodynamics course. 182 students (87.9%) completed the survey. They are predominately sophomore year students. JAAER, Fall 2003 Page 9 1 Lewis and Smith: Desirable Faculty Qualifications as Assessed by Students in the A Published by Scholarly Commons, 2003