WMU College of Aviation
Jump to Content
|
Phone: (269) 964-6993 Fax: (269) 964-6473 gil.sinclair@wmich.edu |
Gil SinclairFaculty ChairMr. Sinclair received his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from The University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England. He also holds a MA in Career &school Instructor and Academic Standards Instructor for the JAA program, and holds a FAA Ground Instructor Certificate with Advanced and Instrument ratings. Mr. Sinclair has been teaching baccalaureate courses since Fall 2002, currently teaching courses in Aviation Physiology, Aviation Safety and Crew Resource Management. He has also been involved in developing and teaching the groundschool for the Jet Orientation and Handling courses conducted on the College's full motion Flight Training Device (based on the 737-400). |
|
Phone: (269) 387-0674 Fax: (269) 387-0355 lisa.whittaker@wmich.edu |
Lisa WhittakerAssociate ProfessorLisa Whittaker earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical studies with a minor in aviation management in 1981 and a Master of Science Degree in Aeronautical Science in 1993 from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She began flying gliders in 1975 and has since acquired licenses and certificates through Certified Flight Instructor- Instrument Airplane Certificate (CFI-IA). Lisa spent approximately 17 years in the industry working for aircraft manufacturers, including Douglas Aircraft, Fairchild Aircraft, and Cessna Aircraft. Most of her work was in the technical Product Support area, with assignments in Field Service, Customer Service, DC-10 Aging Aircraft program, Citation X support, and Supervisor of Maintenance Engineering for Citation. Lisa kept actively involved in General Aviation over the years while providing flight instruction in Long Beach, San Antonio and Wichita. Professor Whittaker joined the faculty at Western Michigan University in the Fall of 2000 and teaches courses including Aerodynamics, Introduction to Aviaiton, Aviation Safety, Airline Flight Operations, Airport Administration and Finance, and Airline Administration. Her research work blends two areas of focus; Women’s Studies and Maintenance Engineering Education. Most recently, she presented a paper at the Air Transport Research Society Conference in Nagoya, Japan, titled “On Globalization of Maintenance Engineering Education”, which was co-authored with Dr. Risukhin. She has participated in grants and curriculum development with the goal of establishing a master’s degree program in Maintenance Engineering. She has been active in the Women in Aviation, International organization since 1993. |
|
Phone: (269) 964-6874 Fax: (269) 964-6473 benton@wmich.edu |
Patrick BentonAssociate ProfessorProfessor Benton has been with the College of Aviation for ten years and has a B.S. in Aviation Technology and an M.S. in Manufacturing Administration. He holds an A & P license and a commercial pilot license. His teaching specialty areas are aircraft reliability and maintainability, non-destructive testing, and transport aircraft systems. He has set up several powerplant test cells for turbine and reciprocating engines while here at WMU. Mr. Benton's experience includes military air traffic controller, aircraft repair facility owner/operator, technical field service representative, and manager of logistic support for an aircraft hydraulic manufacturer. |
|
Phone: (269) 964-6991 Fax: (269) 964-6473 mervyn.elliott@wmich.edu |
Mervyn ElliottFaculty Specialist II - LecturerBecame Program Manager to the National Diploma in Aerospace Studies as Engineering Licensing transitioned to JAR 66. After 10 years he joined Western Michigan University in January 1999 teaching Aerodynamics and Aircraft Systems to the international students (British Airways, Air Lingus and Emirates) at the International Pilot Training Center at Western, and now teaches Aerodynamics and Performance both at Freshman and Advanced level along with Aircraft Systems. He attained his FAA PPL in 1990 and now holds a JAA CPL. He has grown up playing rugby at school and rowing outside of it. He continues to coach soccer which he has done for many years in Battle Creek and is on the board of the local American Youth Soccer Organization. He met his wife whilst at the American School and now has 2 children. |
|
Phone: 269 964-9448 Fax: 269 964-6473 lori.brown@wmich.edu |
Lori BrownFaculty Specialist I - LecturerLori Brown joined the Department of Aviation Sciences, College of Aviation, in 2001, as Faculty Specialist Lecturer. She obtained her B.Sc. in Aviation Management, and is currently pursuing a Master's of Technology in Aviation Human Factors at Swinburne University of Technology, Department of Engineering, in Australia. She continued her Airline education with Continental Airlines' Management and Inflight Training Programs. She has over 20 years of industry training and exprience on the B727,B737, B757, B767, B747, DC-10, A300, and several turboprop aircraft, with Continenta Airlines, Northwest Airlink, Flight Safety International, and American Eagle Airlines. She has trained International pilots as well as pilots from the F.A.A., F.B.I., C.I.A., N.O.A.A.,Walmart, and the Government of Mexico. For several years Lori Brown has worked as a part-time instructor at College of Aviation as a lecturer, and JAA Instructor for our IPTC Program, instructing international students from British Airways, and KLM, in the classroom and 737 Simulator. She holds an Airline Transport Rating, FEX, JAA MCC, AGI and IGI certifications and type ratings. Her past and presesent affiliations with professional organization, to name a few, Alpha Eta Rho, Women in Aviation and Who's Who Among America's Teachers Civil Air Patrol, Ninety-nines, and Coast Guard Auxiliary. She was recently nominated for WMU's, Distinguished Teacher Service Award. Her teaching assignments have centered around Line Oriented Flight Crew Simulation, Airline Flight Operations, and theory course for Commercial Pilot and Multi-Engine pilot certification, Aviation Meteorology, and Advanced Aircraft Systems Laboratory. She also teaches Community Education Programs for Community Enrichment Programs, to promote aviatio n in our community. Her current research investigates the interface between flight deck and cabin crews during onboard emergencies and the communicaton barriers that exist which can impede the flow of information between cockpit and cabin environments. |
|
Phone: (269) 964-5132 Fax: (269) 964-6473 kevin.high@wmich.edu |
Kevin HighAssociate ProfessorMr. Kevin C. High earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation Technology from Purdue University and went on to earn a Master of Arts Degree in Management from Webster University. Kevin is an FAA Certified Airframe and Powerplant mechanic who also holds a private pilot certificate. Before joining Western Michigan university's faculty in 20000, Kevin worked in Vincennes University as an Aviation Maintenance Technology Coordinator. While at Vincennes University, Kevin participate in designing and writing a new FAA Part 147 aviation maintenance curriculum. He also taught aviation maintenance classes, and advised students on their career paths. Prior to working at Vincennes Kevin spent 12 years working with aircraft turbine engines in the manufacturing and airline industry. Mr. High will be teaching Reciprocating Engine Overhaul (AVS 360) and Aircraft Turbine Engines and Systems (AVS 464). |
|
Phone: (269) 964-6740 Fax: (269) 964-6473 willem.homan@wmich.edu |
Willem HomanProfessorDr. Homan holds a Doctorate in Leadership from Northern Arizona University and an MBA from Arizona State. He also completed a Master's in Aeronautical Technology at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and is a licensed pilot (ATP) and Flight Instructor. Willem teaches courses in Safety, Crew Resource Management, Aviation Law, and Flight Physiology. His research focuses on safety and performance in the aviation workplace. Areas of investigation include human factors, air transportation safety, and flight simulation. Dr. Homan's current papers center on the globalization of air travel, safety issues confronting air transportation professionals and the challenges associated with the utilization of simulated training environments in the aviation industry. He has numerous publications and recently received a NASA grant (in collaboration with Wayne State University) to study safety issues at the Kennedy Space Center. |
|
Phone: (269) 387-0354 Fax: (269) 387-0355 william.rantz@wmich.edu |
William RantzAssociate ProfessorDr. Rantz earned a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Operations. He also holds a Master of Arts in Career and Technical Education and a Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Western Michigan University. He also earned a Doctor of Philosophy in psychology with a concentration in behavior analysis. Dr. Rantz holds an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instrument Instructor, and Advanced Ground Instructor certificates. He has flight experience in corporate aviation, flight school management, and air taxi operations. He has taught multi-engine flight instruction and unusual attitude procedures and recovery. Currently Dr. Rantz teaches Introduction to Aviation (AVS 1200), International Navigation (AVS 3220), Airline Operations (AVS 4110), Corporate Aviation Management (AVS 4240) and International Aviation (AVS 4280). Dr. Rantz's current research investigates behavior-based safety, systems analysis, and total performance improvement in the aviation environment. Research is being conducted in collaboration with Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation, Department of Psychology and the University of New South Wales, Australia. One such project is a behavior-based safety initiative designed to improve the safety performance of flight training. This project uses safety data to pinpoint at-risk training behaviors, which in turn prompt development of observational checklists and safety management system solutions. Dr. Rantz left his commercial pilot career to become a Western Michigan University Flight Instructor in 1993 and joined the Faculty in August 1995. Please visit Professor Rantz’s web page http://homepages.wmich.edu/~rantz/. |
|
Phone: (269) 964-6615 Fax: (269) 964-6473 vladimir.risukhin@wmich.edu |
Vladimir RisukhinProfessorDr. Vladimir N. Risukhin is an internationally recognized authority in crew resource management, automated aircraft flight operations and flight crew training. Vladimir obtained his Ph.D. degree in Aeronautical Engineering form St. Petersburg Academy of Civil Aviation (Russia) and Doctor of Science degree in Air Transport Operations from Moscow State Technical University of Civil Aviation (Russia). Vladimir is a former instructor pilot of Boeing 777, Boeing 767, Airbus 310 aircraft, and of severalRussian-built aircraft. His total flight time is above 15,000 hours. In 2002 Vladimir became a WMU College of Aviation faculty, and retired from Aeroflot - Russian Airlines. |
|
Phone: (269) 964-6652 Fax: (269) 964-6473 aardema@wmich.edu |
Robert AardemaAssociate ProfessorMr. Aardema received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Hope College with additional undergraduate work in Mechanical Engineering at Michigan State University. He continued as an undergraduate studying Aircraft Technology at Western Michigan University and earned his Master of Science in Manufacturing Administration from WMU as well. After working for a time as a corporate pilot and flight department manager, he joined the faculty at WMU in 1979. Mr. Aardema is a former U.S. Air Force and Michigan Air National Guard pilot who retired in 1993 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. With time in such aircraft as the KC-135, O-2, A-37, and A-10, as well as numerous civilian aircraft, he also holds an FAA Airline Transport Pilot certificate with Single and Multi-engine Land, Instrument rating and Certificated Flight Instructor. In addition, he is an A & P mechanic with an Inspection Authorization. Mr. Aardema teaches such courses as Aircraft Structures, Systems, Engines and Advanced Aerodynamics. |
|
Phone: Fax: gregory.pinnell@wmich.edu |
Gregory PinnellAdjunct ProfessorDr. Gregory Pinnell is a board certified family practitioner/Senior AME licensed in Michigan. He serves as a Senior Flight Surgeon for the 434th Air Refueling Wing, Grissom Air Reserve Base. Dr. Pinnell works with the Department of Defense Human Space Flight Support and has worked multiple Space Shuttle missions. He is a veteran of Operation Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom having been deployed to the Persian Gulf in 2002 and 2004. He was also deployed in support of the Balkan’s Operation Joint Forge. Dr. Pinnell serves as an adjunct professor for Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation. |
|
Phone: (269) 964-6741 Fax: (269) 964-6473 blair.balden@wmich.edu |
Blair BaldenAssociate ProfessorDr. Balden joined the WMU faculty in 1996. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Regents College and a Master's degree in Technology Education from West Virginia University. He received his Doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2006, graduating magna cum laude. Dr. Balden has been active in the aviation industry for over 25 years. He has experience in aircraft manufacturing, having worked for Cessna, Learjet, and Raytheon. He worked in avionics/electrical systems installation and testing, as well as in quality assurance/inspection. While employed at Raytheon, Dr. Balden was selected by the FAA to serve as a Designated Manufacturing Inspection Representative (DMIR). He has worked for several air carriers, including Virgin Islands Seaplane Shuttle (Grumman G-73, G-73T), American Airlines (MD-80), United Feeder Service (BAe ATP), and Spirit Airlines (MD-80). He is an FAA-licensed Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic. He holds an Inspection Authorization (IA) from the FAA, and a General Radiotelephone Operator License with Radar Endorsement from the FCC. Dr. Balden was first designated by the FAA as a Mechanic Examiner (DME) in 1999. He is also an Examiner for FCC licensing. His research interests are in the occupational licensing and professional credentialing of aviation maintenance personnel; he has published several articles and given several presentations in this area. Before coming to WMU, he taught Aviation Technology for four years at Fairmont State College in West Virginia. His primary teaching areas are avionics, electrical systems, and aviation law. |
|
Phone: (269) 964-4982 Fax: (269) 964-6473 martin.grant@wmich.edu |
Martin GrantFaculty Specialist II - LecturerMy name is Martin Grant and I am currently a Faculty Specialist at the College of Aviation, a position I have held for the last nine years. Prior to this I spent two years in the sunshine teaching mainly European students at Flight Safety International in Florida. My wife and I came to America ten years ago following my retirement from the Royal Air Force. I spent twenty two happy years in a variety of positions, ten of those on front line helicopter squadrons, to a desk job at the Joint Headquarters on the Rhine, and ending with a very enjoyable few years with the Aircraft Engineering Development and Investigation Team. I was recruited in 1999 to teach at WMU on the International Pilot Training Program, and during that time I taught many British Airways and Aer Lingus students, as well as many independent students from Holland, Belgium and the Arab Emirates. I now teach both maintenance and flight students at our college, as well as having formed a link with industry in developing a course for Smith’s Industries (noe General Electric), a leading manufacturer of avionic instruments based in Grand Rapids. I very much enjoy the interaction with young people, and feel fortunate that our Aviation students are highly motivated and dedicated to their studies. |
|
Phone: (269) 964-8333 Fax: (269) 964-6473 gail.y.rouscher@wmich.edu |
Gail RouscherFaculty SpecialistMrs. Rouscher earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Management and Organizational Development from Spring Arbor University, and is pursuing a Master’s in Organizational Management with Spring Arbor University. Mrs. Rouscher is a U. S. Naval Veteran and holds an A and P license. Mrs. Rouscher has 15 years of aviation maintenance training and experience encompassing military, cargo, and corporate aircraft. Professional affiliations have included PAMA and Women in Aviation. She has presented to the WIA members at their annual conference within the maintenance forum. |
|
Phone: (269) 387-0675 Fax: (269) 387-0355 geoff.whitehurst@wmich.edu |
Geoff WhitehurstAssistant ProfessorGeoff Whitehurst earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics at London University, England, his Master of Arts in Evaluation, Measurement and Research (EMR) at WMU and is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in EMR. Geoff spent over 20 years as a Navigator in the Royal Air Force before retiring to teach ab-initio airline pilots. He has taught fixed wing pilots in the United States, including 5 years as Chief Ground Instructor at WMU’s International Pilot Training Center, and the Middle East (Qatar), as well as rotary pilots at Bristow Academy in Florida. Geoff returns to WMU to join the faculty and teach such courses as Introduction to Aviation, Aircraft Safety, Global Navigation and Aviation Meteorology. |
|
Phone: (269) 387-0347 Fax: (269) 387-0355 annemarie.bates@wmich.edu |
Annemarie BatesDirector of Aviation Advising in April of 2009Bates came to Western Michigan University in the year 2000 and was hired as the Director of Aviation Advising in April of 2009. Prior to coming to the College of Aviation Annemarie served as an advisor in the College of Education for several years. She began working at WMU as an assistant volleyball coach and transitioned from coaching into advising through an opportunity in the Office of Athletic Academic Services for student-athletes. WMU is home to Annemarie, she grew up in Portage, Mi. She met her husband, Clayton, at WMU and they have two children. She is a 1996 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. |
