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
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
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
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 - 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. Kyle Kolsti
Aeronautical Engineering Consultant - Dr. Jack Mattingly
Professor Emeritus - Dr. Walter Merrill
Founder and President of Bluberry, LLC - Dr. Kurt Rouser
Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK - 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, Waco, Texas
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. Steven L. Morris, P.E.
Principal, Engineering Systems, Inc., Manager of Colorado Operations - Dr. Scott Nowlin
Technical Manager
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.