Practical Aeronautics

From a practical perspective, we teach introductory aeronautics and propulsion short courses to anyone working directly or indirectly in the field of aviation.

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About Us

Started and owned by USAF veterans, PAI provides unrivaled big picture, systems-level workforce development/continuing education short courses in aeronautics, jet engines, and aircraft systems/operations to increase confidence, boost motivation, and improve communication.

What We Do

aircraft landing gear

We teach professional workforce development short courses by presenting the fundamental laws and basic principles that govern atmospheric flight, aircraft systems, and jet propulsion in practical, interesting, exciting, and fun ways! We do that through our unique content design, focus, approach, and selection of instructors.

Who We Are

We are a team of dynamic, engaging instructors with professionally recognized expertise as pilots, test pilots, test navigators/combat systems operators and engineers, highly experienced with military and civilian aircraft/engines! Courses are team-taught by award winning educators, typically an aviator and PhD engineer. We are experts in all major disciplines, including:

  • Aerodynamics
  • Propulsion
  • Flight Mechanics
  • Structures & Materials
  • Airframe & Engine Design

In addition, Practical Aeronautics has years of experience in:

  • Ground & Flight Testing
  • Accident Reconstruction
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Flying & Air Operations
  • Logistics & Supply Chain Management
  • Maintenance & Sustainment
  • Structural Repair
John Norton - Freedom Award nominee 2019

2019 Freedom Award Nominee

Practical Aeronautics was recognized as a 2019 Freedom Award nominee! The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their outstanding support of employees serving in the Guard and Reserve. We are incredibly humbled by the recognition and are honored to continue our support of the United States Military. John Norton, our VP of Aeronautics, attended the Colorado ESGR Awards Banquet, in Colorado Springs, on June 1st.

Leadership

Keith Boyer

President

Keith M. Boyer, PhD

Founder: Wayne F. Hallgren, PhD

Founder

Wayne F. Hallgren, PhD

John Norton

Vice President for Aeronautics

John Norton

Brian Tom

Vice President for Operations

Brian A. Tom, PhD

Dr. John Wissler

Vice President for Business Development

John B. Wissler, PhD

Jennifer Ellsworth

Director of Operations and Finance

Jennifer Ellsworth

Susan Norton

Materials and Supplies Director

Susan Norton

Teaching associates

  • Dr. John Blanton
    Owner and Chief Engineer, Classic Engineering, LLC
  • Mr. Steve Brandt
    Director of UAV Flight Research at the USAF Academy
  • Dr. Aaron Byerley
    Professor Emeritus, Department of Aeronautics, U.S. Air Force Academy
  • Mr. C.B. Cain
    Flight Test Consultant
  • Dr. Brenda A. Haven
    Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Arizona
  • Mr. Carl Hawkins
    Aviation and Mission Engineering Consultant
  • Dr. Link Jaw
    Founder, Scientific Monitoring, Inc.
  • Mr. Mark Jones Jr.
    Flight Test Pilot, Federal Aviation Administration
  • Dr. Walter Merrill
    Founder and President of Bluberry, LLC
  • Dr. Scott Nowlin
    Chief Engineer, Strategic Systems, BAE Systems, Inc.
  • Dr. Allen L Peterson
    CEO, XP Consulting Services
  • Dr. Kurt Rouser
    Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Oklahoma State University
  • Craig Seymour, PE
    Past President
  • Dr. Angela Trego
    Structures Director
  • Dr. Kenneth W. Van Treuren
    Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development, School of Engineering and Computer Science
    Baylor University

consulting associates

  • Dr. John D. Anderson, Jr.
    Curator for Aerodynamics, National Air and Space Museum (NASM ) and Professor, University of Maryland
  • Dr. Dale A. Cope
    Associate Professor of Practice Mechanical Engineering Department, Texas A&M University
  • Dr. Kyle Kolsti
    Aeronautical Engineering Consultant
  • Dr. Steven L. Morris, P.E.
    Principal, Engineering Systems, Inc., Manager of Colorado Operations

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability, and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.

Contact Information

Practical Aeronautics, Inc.
P.O. Box 461434
Aurora, Colorado 80046-1434

Phone: (719) 659-7319
Email

What’s Special About PAI Courses?

What's special about PAI courses?

After attending a PAI course, you’ll leave with: Improved foundational understanding of airplane … Learn More

Who Should Attend a PAI Course?

Who Should Attend a PAI course?

Which Introductory or Advanced course is right for you? Anyone looking for a “big picture” … Learn More

In Affiliation with Dr. Link Jaw and with exclusive rights granted by Dr. Jack Mattingly

Practical Aeronautics is Proud to Offer:
Fundamentals of Aircraft Engine Controls, Accessories, and Health Management

Aircraft Engine Systems Design Introductory Systems Analysis

Aircraft Engine Systems Design Intermediate Engine Design

Aircraft Engine Systems Design Advanced Component Design

Cycle Analysis of Gas Turbine Engines

Why Take A Course with Practical Aero?

More than ever, today’s aircraft are complex systems requiring skilled professionals to combine their specific expertise into a fully integrated vehicle. The professionals who engineer, test, manufacture, and in any way support these aircraft are accomplished specialists, but often lack an overall understanding of the airplane system as a whole. Fundamental understanding of the airplane-engine system gives you improved ability to communicate more effectively and frame thinking beyond your area of expertise.

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