Amy Hoover was named the 2022 National Flight Instructor of the Year. Dr. Hoover comes from a background in general aviation, corporate aviation, and aviation education at the Community College and University levels. Her administrative experience includes Chief Instructor and operator of FAA 141 flight schools, owner of her own flight school, Aviation Program Director and Department Chair at institutions in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.  She served two elected terms as Department Chair for CWU Aviation from September 2007 through June 2015 and now teaches full time in the department. She achieved the rank of Full Professor in 2012.

Dr. Hoover has over 7000 flight hours, including 3500 hours giving flight instruction. She has logged over 1200 hours of instruction time in flight simulators. Her journey into Aviation started in the early 1980s when her work as a geologist and white water river guide entailed flights into the remote river canyons in central Idaho; she has been hooked ever since.  Hoover obtained her private license in 1989 in Salmon, Idaho, and bought a 1947 Cessna 120, which she flew from Idaho to Florida and back, stopping over for the winter to obtain her instrument rating, commercial pilot license, and flight instructor rating. In 1992, she landed a job as a backcountry Air Taxi pilot and began teaching mountain flying for the FAA. 

Hoover received the Amelia Earhart Scholarship from the International 99’s in 1994, which she used to complete her multi-engine commercial rating. She combined her love of flying with that of teaching and began work as a full-time flight instructor in 1995. Hoover is one of the three original co-founders of McCall Mountain/Canyon Flying Seminars in McCall, Idaho, where she spent 4 years developing the curriculum and creating the company’s training materials. Realizing her desire to reach out to a broader spectrum in aviation training, Hoover took the position as Director of Aviation at Mt. Hood Community College in Oregon, before joining the faculty at Central Washington University.

Dr. Hoover has B.S. and M.S. degrees in Geology and a Ph.D. in Education. She has published approximately 25 articles in technical and aviation journals and magazines, including Pilot Getaways, and Power Cruising, and over a dozen scholarly publications and book chapters on aviation Human Factors and research methods, including papers for the International Journal of Aviation Psychology, Collegiate Aviation Review, and International Journal of Applied Aviation Studies (IJAAS). Hoover served as a reviewer and contributing editor for IJAAS, and is a reviewer for the Journal of Aviation and Education Research (JAER). She has given more than 100 presentations on mountain and canyon flying to various organizations and forums throughout the U.S. Hoover has been nominated by students for “Who’s Who in America’s Teachers” and is a past recipient of the National Residence Hall Association Outstanding Faculty Award. In 2011 she was selected for the “President’s Faculty of the Year” Award at Central Washington University. She was awarded the Marquis Who's Who "Albert Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award" in 2018.

Hoover has published approximately several manuals on Mountain and Canyon Flying and is the primary author of the book Mountain, Canyon, and Backcountry Flying. She given more than 200 presentations to various organizations through the U.S.  She started and operated the grant-funded CWU ACES Academy for girls to explore education and Careers in Aviation, Construction, Engineering, and Safety, in which more than 200 girls have participated.  Her current research interests are in single pilot concurrent task management and multi-crew cockpit operations.  She is also the owner of Canyon Flying, a company specializing in tailwheel and backcountry flying in Idaho and Washington.

Dr. Hoover owns a 2011 American Champion Scout and teaches backcountry flying in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. 

Education:

Ph.D.  Education (Community College Leadership Program), 2005; Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR               

            Summa Cum Laude, Chancellor’s List, Wolf Aviation Fund Grant

M.S.    Geology, 1987; Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
             Summa Cum Laude, Texaco and Chevron scholarships, Graduate                    Teaching Assistantship
B.S.     Geology, 1983; Texas Christian University, Fort Worth Texas 
             Summa Cum Laude, National Merit Scholar, Senior Honor Scholar,                   President's Scholar   
A.A.    General studies, 1980; University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida  
            Summa Cum Laude, National Merit Scholar, President's Scholar,                      Varsity Rowing

Distinctions and Awards related to Education and Aviation:

• Federal Aviatin Administration 2022 National Flight Instructor of the Year
• 2019  Marquis Who's Who Albert Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award
• 2018 Marquis Who's Who in Professional Women
• 2015 Outstanding Teaching Award, CWU College of Education and Professional Studies
• 2012   Outstanding Service Award, CWU College of Education and Professional Studies
• 2011   Recognition for University Service in Strategic Planning, CWU Board of Trustees
• 2011   Presidential Faculty Leadership Award, CWU President
• 2008   Rotary Club of Ellensburg, Service above Self Award
• 2008   Research Award, Department of Aviation; CEPS Award
• 2008    Who’s Who in American Women
• 2008    Outstanding Scholar Award, Department of Aviation; CEPS
• 2008    Who’s Who in American Women
• 2007    Outstanding Scholar Award, Department of Aviation; CEPS
• 2007    Who’s Who in America
• 2006    CEPS Excellence in Teaching Award, CWU Alumni Association
• 2006    Women’s Achievement Award, CWU Center for Student Empowerment
• 2006    Distinguished Educator VIP, United States Air Force
• 2005    Who’s Who in America’s Teachers (student nominated)
• 2004    Outstanding Teacher award, National Residence Hall Honorarium
• 2001    Leadership Award for Outstanding Service, Mt. Hood Community College
• 2000    Who’s Who in America’s Teachers (student nominated)
• 1994    Amelia Earhart Scholar, International 99’s Women Pilots

Books:

Hoover, A.L. and Williams, R.K. (2009) Mountain, Canyon, and Backcountry Flying. Newcastle, WA: Aviation Supplies and Academics.

Peer-reviewed Scholarly Publications:

Hoover, A.L. (2008).  Educational Learning Theories: Informing the Fundamentals of Instruction.  International Journal of Applied Aviation Studies, 8(2), 363-370. Oklahoma City; FAA.

Hoover, A.L. (2008).  Long Term Effect of Concurrent Task Management Training on Single Pilot Task Prioritization Performance.  International Journal of Applied Aviation Studies, 8(1), 12-19. Oklahoma City; FAA.  - Lead Article

Hoover, A.L. (2007). Prioritizing Tasks in the Cockpit: A Review of Cognitive Processing Models, Methods of Dealing with Cognitive Limitations, and Training Strategies. Collegiate Aviation Review, 23(1). Auburn, AL: University Aviation Association.

Hoover, A.L. & Russ-Eft, D.F. (2005). Effect of Concurrent Task Management Training on Single Pilot Task Prioritization Performance. International Journal of Applied Aviation Studies, 5(2), 233-252. Oklahoma City; FAA. - Lead article

Russ-Eft, D. & Hoover, A. L. (2005). Experimental and quasi-experimental designs. In R.A. Swanson & E. F. Holton (Eds.), Research in organizations: Foundations and methods of inquiry, pp.75-95. San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler. 

Hoover, A.L. & Funk, K. H. (2005). Experimental Analysis of Task Prioritization Training for a Group of University Flight Technology Students. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Aviation Psychology, Oklahoma City, OK, April 18- 21, p. 247-252.

Editorial reviewed Publications:

Hoover, A.L. (2007).  Pier Group.  Power Cruising, 7(2), 12-15.

Hoover, A. L. (2005). Bend, Oregon: High Desert Splendor. Pilot Getaways, 8(1), 30-36.

Hoover, A. (2004). Canyon weather part 2; convergence, turbulence, venturis, and more. Pilot Getaways, 7(2), 82.

Hoover, A. (2004). Canyon weather part 1; the effects of wind and sun. Pilot Getaways, 7(1), 82.

Hoover, A. (2003) Manzanita, Nehalam Bay. Pilot Getaways, 6(3), 36-42.

Hoover, A. L. (2003). New designs for career and technical education design review No. 46: transportation, distribution, logistics career cluster. In Wolfe, J. & Copa, G. (Eds.), New Designs for Career and Technical Education at the Secondary and Postsecondary Levels: Compendium of Design Reviews of Related Research, Policies, and Exemplary Practices (pp. 123-125). St. Paul, Minnesota: National Research Center for Career and Technical Education, University of Minnesota.

Hoover, A. (2002) Uphill, downhill; airstrips with a gradient. Pilot Getaways, 5(2),

Hoover, A. L. (2001). Canyon turns: between a rock and a hard place. Pilot Getaways, 4(4), 62.

Hoover, A. L. (2001). Smiley Creek, Idaho: Sawtooth adventure. Pilot Getaways, 4(2), 50-54.

Hoover, A. L. (2001). Soft, hot, & high takeoffs: it's a different game at high density altitude. Pilot Getaways, 4(2), 58.

Hoover, A. (2000). McCall, Idaho: lakeside mountain adventure. Pilot Getaways, 3(2), 47-52.

Hoover, A. (2000). Go-arounds: making the decision. Pilot Getaways, 3(2), 54.

Hoover, A. L. (2000). Mountain and canyon flying (2nd edition). McCall, ID, McCall Mountain/Canyon Flying Seminars, 67 pp.

Hoover, A. (1999). How to lighten up: understanding density altitude. Pilot Getaways, 2(3), 45-46.

Hoover, A. (1999). Flying a constricted approach. Pilot Getaways, 2(2), 54.

Hoover, A. L. (1998). Mountain and canyon flying (1st edition). McCall, ID, McCall Mountain/Canyon Flying Seminars, 62 pp.

College and University courses developed and taught

• Advanced Navigation
• Aerodynamics
• Air Transportation
• Aircraft Systems
• Applied Meteorology
• Aviation Career Planning/Professionalism           
• Aviation Human Factors
• Aviation Management
• Aviation Physiology and Survival
• Commercial Pilot
• Crew Resource Management
• Fundamentals of Flight Instruction
• History of Aviation
• Instrument Pilot
• Instrument Flight instructor
• Mountain and Canyon Flying
• Multiengine Operations
• Multiengine simulator/ EFIS
• National Airspace System
• Principles of Flight I and II
• Turbine Simulator/FMS

Aviation and Education Experience

• Commercial Pilot ASEL, ASES, AMEL, Certified Flight Instructor, Airplane, Instrument - As Flight Instructor: 4000
• Certificated under FAR 141 - As Simulator instructor: 1200

Professional Speaking Engagements: date and location

International Presentations

• July 18, 2019, Up and Down and Round and Round; Backcountry operations, Internatial 99's Convention, Dayton, OH
• February 24, 2011 Mountain and Canyon Meteorology. 22nd Annual Women in Aviation International Conference; Reno, NV
• October 18, 2007 Prioritizing Tasks in the Cockpit: A Review of Cognitive Processing Models, Methods of Dealing with Cognitive Limitations, and Training Strategies.University Aviation Association Annual Conference, San Jose, CA
• April 19, 2005 Experimental Analysis of Task Prioritization Training for a Group of University Flight Technology Students. International Symposium on Aviation Psychology, Oklahoma City, OK
• November 7, 2004 Mountain and Canyon Flying Tips. 15th Annual Women in Aviation International Conference; Reno, NV

Regional Presentations

• February 28, 2020, Human Factors of a Midair Collision, Montana Aviation Conference, Great Falls, MT
• February 27, 2020, Up and Down and Round and Round, Montana Aviation Conference, Great Falls, MT
• February 22, 2020, Weather or not, should I go; NW Aviation Conference, Puyallup, WA
• October 19, 2019, Invited Speaker, Idaho Aeronautics Annual Safety Standdown, Boise, ID
• September 28, 2019, FAA WINGS presenter, full-day workshop, Washington Pilots Association Moses Lake Chapter, Moses Lake, WA
• July 17, 2019, Human Factors of a Midair Collision, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
• July 11, 2019, Distinguished Speaker, Treasure Valley Chapter, Idaho Aviation Association, Boise, ID
• July 6, 2019, Life is not a straight Line, so follow your Dreams, Keynot Speaker, City of McCall Airport Day, McCall, ID
• June 1, 2019, Before  you go; preparing for backcountry flight, Cascade Flyers, Renton Washington
• May 13-15, Backcountry operations, weather, takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds, Idaho Aviation Association Annual Conference, Idaho Falls, ID
• May 4, 2019, Human Factors of a Midair collisions, Washington Pilot's Association, Pasco WA
• March 11-14, Peaks to Pavement Backcountry Seminar, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Air Safety Foundation Burlington, Seattle, Puyallup WA and Portland OR
• October 26, 2018 Backcountry Adventure and skills Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Air Safety Foundation; Gulf Shores, Alabama
• October 5, 2018 Backcountry Adventure and Skills Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Air Safety Foundation; Carbondale Illinois
• September 15, 2018 Midair Collision in the Backcountry; Aviation Human Factors:  Washington Pilots    Association Invited speaker; Winthrop, Washington
• August 26, 2018 Mountain and Canyon Weather.  Oregon Pilots Association, Pacific City Oregon
• July 16, 2016  Midair Collision in the Backcountry; Aviation Human Factors:  FAA WINGS Seminar,    McCall Idaho
• April 30, 2016  Surviving the Unexpected: Great Alaska Aviation Gathering, Anchorage, AK
• September 11, 2015 Surviving the Unexpected: FAA/Idaho Aeronautics Safety Stand-down.  Boise, ID
• June 13-14, 2015 Course Instructor, Mountain Flying Clinic, Civil Air Patrol Oregon Wing, Prineville, OR
• October 17, 2014 Canyon Meteorology in the Idaho Back Country: FAA/Idaho Aeronautics Safety Stand-down.  Boise, ID, FAA WINGS Seminar
• May 31, 2014  Course Instructor, Mountain Flying Clinic, Civil Air Patrol, Oregon Wing, Bend, OR
• October 17, 2014 Canyon Meteorology – Idaho Bureau of Aeronautics Safety Standown, Boise ID
• May 31, 2014 Course Instructor, Mountain Flying Clinic, Civil Air Patrol, Oregon Wing, Bend, OR
• November 13, 2013 FAA WINGS Seminar; Safety of flight operations & meteorological phenomena unique to mountain and canyon terrain, Spokane, WA
• May 18, 2013 Canyon Flying - Airport Operation; Idaho Aviation Expo, Idaho Falls, ID
• May 17, 2013 Canyon Meteorology in the Idaho Back Country; Idaho Aviation Expo, Idaho Falls, ID
• May 17, 2013 Density Altitude and Aircraft Performance; Idaho Aviation Expo, Idaho Falls, ID
• May 5, 2013 Canyon Flying; Meteorological Phenomena as they affect flight planning and performance, Great Alaska Airman’s Gathering, Anchorage, AK
• February 26, 2013 FAA WINGS Seminar, Flight Safety and back country operations, Washington Pilot’s Association annual banquet, Spokane, WA
• February 21, 2013 Aviation Career Forum, NW Aviation Tradeshow, Puyallup, WA
• February 16, 2012 Emergencies and post-crash survival, Washington Pilot’s Association, Spokane WA
• November 8, 2011 FAA WINGS Seminar, Washington Pilots Association, Spokane, WA
• February 25, 2011 Keynote Speaker, Washington Pilots Association Annual Banquet, Spokane WA
• June 4, 2010 FAA WINGS Seminar; Density Altitude and Aircraft Performance. Yakima WA
• October 10, 2009 FAA WINGS Seminar; Mountain/Canyon meteorology, Emergency Operations, and flight safety, Yakima WA
• June 3-4, 2009 Visiting Lecturer: Experimental research designs and analysis. Oregon State University College of Education, Corvallis, OR
• March 1, 2008 Keynote Speaker, Washington Pilots Association Annual Banquet, Spokane WA
• September 18, 2007 Mountain and Canyon Flying. Oregon Pilots Association Annual Conference, Albany, OR
• March 10, 2007 Pilot Multi-tasking Skills. Northwest Aviation Safety Education Conference, Aurora, OR
• March 11, 2007 IFR Cockpit Task Management. Northwest Aviation Safety Education Conference, Aurora, OR
• May 4-5, 2006 Visiting Lecturer: Experimental research designs and analysis. Oregon State University College of Education, Corvallis, OR
• October 21, 2005 Stall/Spin Awareness Training for Flight Instructors. Idaho Transportation Dept Flight Instructor Refresher Clinic, Lewiston, ID
• October 22, 2005 Aeronautical Decision Making. Idaho Transportation Dept Flight Instructor Refresher Clinic, Lewiston, ID
• August 12, 2005 Canyon Weather; FAA Northwest Family Fly-in; McCall, ID
• March 19, 2005 Glass Cockpits. Northwest Aviation Safety Education Conference, Aurora, OR
• September 26, 2004 Keynote speaker, Mountain Flying, Density Altitude, Safety, Weather, Washington Dept of Transportation Mountain Flying Clinic, Wenatchee WA
• September 25, 2004 Keynote speaker, Mountain Flying, Density Altitude, Safety, Weather. Washington Dept of Transportation Mountain Flying Clinic, Wenatchee WA
• August 20, 2004 High Density Altitude Operations. Northwest Aviation Education Symposium, Aurora, OR
• August 14, 2004 Canyon Meteorology. FAA Northwest Family Fly-in; McCall, ID
• August 13, 2004 Canyon Meteorology. FAA Northwest Family Fly-in; McCall, ID
• June 4, 2004 Canyon Weather. FAA River of No Return Mountain Flying Clinic, Challis ID
• May 24,2004 Mountain and Canyon Flying. Washington Pilot’s Association, Yakima, WA
• April 24, 2004 Aviation, Construction, and Engineering Careers for Young Women. Expanding Your Horizons Workshop, Spokane, WA.
• October 25, 2003 Aerodynamics. Idaho Transportation Dept Flight Instructor Refresher Clinic, Post Falls, ID
• October 24, 2003 Instructor Professionalisms. Idaho Transportation Dept Flight Instructor Refresher Clinic, Post Falls, ID
• June 24, 2003 Mountain/Canyon Flying Tips. Experimental Aircraft Association; Grand Junction, CO
• June 5, 2003 Flying A Constricted Approach. Experimental Aircraft Association; Mulino, OR
• June 2, 2003 How to Lighten Up; High Density Altitude Operations. Oregon Pilots Association; Troutdale, OR
• May 28, 2003 Mountain/Canyon Flying Tips. Association of Naval Aviators High Desert Squadron; Bend, OR
• May 13, 2003 How to Lighten Up; High Density Altitude Operations. Oregon Pilots Association; Salem, OR
• March 20, 2003 High Density Altitude Operations. Oregon Pilots Association; Mulino, OR
• January 21, 2003 Flying A Constricted Approach. International 99’s; Portland, OR
• October 22, 2002 Aircraft Loading and Density Altitude. Oregon Pilots Association; Beaverton, OR
• October 10, 2002 Aeronautical Decision Making. Washington Pilots Association; Vancouver, WA
• August 19, 2002 Flight Instructor Professionalism. Oregon Air Fair; Albany OR
• August 9, 2002 Canyon Meteorology. FAA Northwest Family Fly-in; McCall, ID May 30, 2002 Canyon Meteorology. Experimental Aircraft Association; Mulino, OR
• May 20, 2002 Mountain/Canyon Flying Tips. Experimental Aircraft Association; Troutdale, OR
• April 24, 2002 Aeronautical Decision Making. International 99’s; Vancouver, WA
• March 15, 2002 High Density Altitude Operations. Idaho Aviation Festival; Boise, ID
• March 14. 2002 Mountain/Canyon Flying Tips. Columbia Aviation Association; Aurora, OR
• September 7, 2001 Aeronautical Decision Making for Flight Instructors. Oregon Air Fair, Albany OR
• August 10, 2001 Canyon Meteorology. FAA Northwest Family Fly-in; McCall, ID
• June 7, 2001 Mountain and Canyon Flying. Experimental Aircraft Association; Mulino, OR
• May 22, 2001 Canyon Turns. Experimental Aircraft Association; Troutdale, OR
• May 9, 2001 Flying A Constricted Approach. Washington Pilot’s Association, Vancouver, WA
• September 8, 2000 Mountain Flying. Oregon Air Fair, Albany OR
• August 5, 2000 Backcountry flying weather. FAA Northwest Family Fly-in; McCall, ID
• June 9, 2000 Aeronautical Decision Making.FAA River of No Return Mountain Flying Clinic, Challis ID
• May 17, 2000 Density Altitude and Aircraft Performance. International 99’s, Vancouver, WA
• April 20, 2000 How to Lighten Up; High Density Altitude Operations. Oregon Pilots’ Association, Beaverton, OR
• June 4, 1999 Mountain/Canyon Meteorology. FAA River of No Return Mountain Flying Clinic, Challis ID
• February 11, 1999 Density Altitude and Aircraft Performance. Oregon Pilots Association, Beaverton, OR
• March 20-21, 1998 How to Lighten Up; Flying at High Density Altitudes. Idaho Aviation Festival, Boise, ID
• February 12, 1998 Density Altitude and Aircraft Performance. Columbia Aviation Association; Aurora, OR

Local Presentations

• February 11, 2016 Human Factors in Aviation Risk Management, EAA Chapter 492, Ellensburg, WA
• October 9, 2012 Aviation Opportunities for Washington students – Ellensburg Rotary Club, Ellensburg WA
• October 14, 2010 Managing Tasks in the Cockpit. EAA Chapter 492 Speaker, Ellensburg, WA
• March 7, 2009 Aviation and Safety – a Great combination. 16th Annual Expanding Your Horizons Workshop, Ellensburg, WA
• February 19, 2009 Unique Avian populations of Baja, Mexico – Kittitas Audubon society, Ellensburg, WA
• October 15, 2008 Aviation Opportunities for Washington students – Ellensburg Rotary Club, Ellensburg WA
• May 15, 2008 Pilot Task Prioritization Performance. SOURCE Presentation, Ellensburg, WA
• May 15, 2008 CWU Women’s ACES Academy. SOURCE Presentation, co-authored, Ellensburg WA
• April 7, 2008 American Democracy Project Stewardship of Public Lands, CWU Academic Service Learning Faculty Fellows, Ellensburg, WA
• November 28, 2007 Invited Speaker, Scholarship Assessed Workshop. Office of the Provost, CWU. Ellensburg, WA
• March 3, 2007 Aviation, Construction, Engineering, and Safety Careers for Young Women. 15th Annual Expanding Your Horizons Workshop, Ellensburg, WA
• May 2006 Aviation, Construction, and Engineering Career Academy for Young Women. College of Education and Professional Studies Professional Colloquium, Ellensburg, WA
• May 2006 Effect of Concurrent Task Management Training on Single Pilot Task Prioritization Performance. College of Education and Professional Studies Professional Colloquium, Ellensburg, WA
• April 14, 2006 Mountain Flying tips. FAA Wings Safety Seminar, Ellensburg, WA
• March 4, 2006 Aviation, Construction, Engineering, and Safety Careers for Young Women.14th Annual Expanding Your Horizons Workshop, Ellensburg, WA
• March 24, 2005 Mountain Flying Safety. FAA Wings Safety Seminar, Ellensburg, WA
• March 5, 2005 Aviation, Construction, and Engineering Careers for Young Women. CWU 13th Annual Expanding Your Horizons Workshop, Ellensburg, WA.
• October 2004 Aviation, Construction and Engineering Career Academy for Young Women. College of Education and Professional Studies Fall Colloquium, Ellensburg, WA

Professional Associations (year joined)

• Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (1989)
• Experimental Aircraft Association (1990)
• National Association of Flight Instructors (1996)
• Vice President, EAA Chapter 492, 2003, 2004
• Oregon Pilot's Association (1999) - Vice President, 2002 Idaho Aviation Association (1990)
• International 99's (1990)
• Amelia Earhart Scholar, 1994
• Women in Aviation International (1999)
• University Aviation Association (1999)
• Seaplane Pilot's Association (2019)
•  

Related Service Activities:

• Aviation Department Chair: September 2007 to June, 2015
• Journal Reviewer, International Journal of Applied Aviation Studies:  2005 to present
• CWU Academic Service Learning Faculty Fellow: 2004 to present
• Flight technology Living Learning Community Faculty advisor: 2003 ? 2005
• Director, CWU Women?s ACES Academy: 2004 to 2008 implemented and operated industry-sponsored summer camp to introduce girls to education and career fields in aviation, construction management, engineering, and industrial safety
• Judge and Session Chair, CWU SOURCE – 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015
• CWU One Book One Campus Selection Committee 2006 - 2009
• AOPA Project Pilot Instructor: 1994 to present
• EAA Young Eagles volunteer:  2003 to 2005
• Boise Parks and recreation Volunteer:  2002 to present - Wilderness Within Reach program to introduce physically and developmentally challenged individuals to outdoor activities and opportunities

Other Activities and interests:         

• Beekeeper
• Ellensburg Campus Community Orchestra , 2005 to 2008
• KittitasCounty Audubon Society , 2004 to 2007

Dale Wilson joined the faculty in the Department of Aviation at CWU in September 1996 and retired from full-time service in April 2020. Prior to this, he taught for thirteen years at the Institute of Aviation at Trinity Western University in Canada, where as a Class 1 Flight Instructor he provided academic instruction and flight training to private, commercial, multi-engine, and flight instructor pilot candidates.  He also provided training in mountain flying and tail-wheel operations. He has over 3,600 flight hours, and holds Airline Transport Pilot certification in the United States and Canada as well as FAA-certified flight and ground instructor certificates.

His formal education includes a Master's degree in Aviation Safety and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology (human performance emphasis).  His passion is aviation safety. To that end he teaches courses dealing with flight crew physiology, psychology, and safety; aviation safety management; and aviation weather. Since his arrival at CWU he has published several safety articles and presented papers at national and international conferences on the visual limitations of flight and the problem of VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).  See list of publications and links below.

While in Canada he held the Class 1 Flight Instructor Rating (the highest of four levels), and since 1999 he has been awarded the "Master CFI" designation from the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) seven times.  He won the CWU Alumni Association "Excellence in Teaching Award" for the College of Education and Professional Studies in 2001 and was nominated for the university-wide "Distinguished Professor in Teaching" award in 2004. He served as an FAA-designated “Aviation Safety Counselor” for the Spokane FAA office since 1999, and later as an “FAAst Team” representative.

Mr. Wilson chose CWU because he was impressed with both the quality and quantity of the flight and academic curriculum offered and because of the opportunity to continue to engage in research and education related to flight crew safety. His interests outside of aviation include spending time with his family, worshipping at Mercer Creek Church in Ellensburg, reading, and riding his 125cc Honda Monkey around town and his new Can-Am Maverick X3 Turbo RR in the sand dunes of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho with family and friends.

Research & Scholarship

Professor Wilson's research interests include: pilot decision making (especially how it applies to the decision to continue VFR flight into deteriorating weather); visual landing illusions; and, night flying. He has written (or co-authored in some cases) the following articles, some of which are included in the links below.
 

Books

• Wilson, D (2020). Human Factors: Enhancing Pilot Performance. Newcastle, WA:  Aviation Supplies & Academics. More information about paperback and digital versions can be found HERE.
• Wilson, D & Binnema, G. (2014).  Managing Risk:  Best Practices for Pilots. Newcastle, WA:  Aviation Supplies & Academics.  More information about paperback and digital versions can be found HERE.
• Professional Journals
• Wilson, D. R. (2017, January). In the Dark: Unique perceptual errors permeate all phases of night flight. AeroSafety World (cover story for journal of Flight Safety Foundation). article
• Wilson, D. R. (2016, November). Failure to Communicate: Hearing— and understanding—the spoken word is crucial to safe flight. AeroSafety World (Journal of Flight Safety Foundation). article
• Wilson, D. R. (2016, October). Inadvertent Errors: Cognitive limitations in human perception, attention, memory and decision making play a role in many aviation accidents.
• AeroSafety World (Journal of Flight Safety Foundation). article
• Wilson, D. & Binnema, G. (Dec 2014-Jan 2015). Lessons Learned: GA operators should look to the airlines for proven accident-prevention strategies. AeroSafety World, 9(10): 23-27. Official publication of the international Flight Safety Foundation. article
• Wilson, D. & Underhill, J. (2014, Jul/Aug). Managing Weather Threats (Part II): Inflight Countermeasures. NAFI Mentor, 16(4), 30-35.
• Wilson, D. & Underhill, J. (2014, Mar/Apl). Managing Weather Threats (Part I): Preflight Countermeasures. NAFI Mentor, 16(3), 12-16.
• Wilson, D. & Underhill, J. (2014, Mar/Apl). Managing Risk: A Threat & Error Management Approach. NAFI Mentor, 16(2), 20-24.
• Wilson, D. R. (2012, January). Flying in the dark: Managing the risks. NAFI Mentor, 14(1), 16-19. article
• Sloan, T.A., Lundin, M., Wilson, D., & Robinnette, R. (2010, Fall). The use of test anxiety assessment and anxiety reduction training to predict and improve performance of collegiate pilot trainees. Collegiate Aviation Review, 28(2), 60-68.
• Sloan, T. A., & Wilson, D. R. (2009). Assessment and intervention strategies for test anxiety in aviation students. Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education and Research, 19(1), 9-14.
• Wilson, D. R. (2005, April). VFR into IMC: Helping Students Avoid GA's Number One Killer. NAFI Mentor, 7(4), 7-11. article
• Wilson, D. R. (2004, February). Deceptive approaches: Helping students overcome landing illusions. NAFI Mentor, 6(2), 8-11.
• Wilson, D. R., & Sloan, T. A. (2003). VFR flight into IMC: Reducing the hazard. Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education and Research, 13(1), 29-42.
• Wilson, D. R. (1999, Nov/Dec). Darkness increases risks of flight. Human Factors and Aviation Medicine, 46(6), 1-8. article
   

Aviation Magazines & Newsletters

• Wilson, D. (2015, April). VFR into IMC: Trapped by Weather or Trapped by Ourselves? Alaska Aviation Safety Foundation Newsletter, 2-4. article
• Wilson, D. (Winter 2014). VFR Flight into IMC: It Won’t Happen to Me! The Rudder Flutter, 60(4): 5, 7, 11, 22-23. Official publication of the Idaho Transportation Department-Division of Aeronautics. article
• Wilson, D. (Dec 2013/Jan 2014). Don’t Get Caught in the Dark: Managing the Risks of Flying at Night. The Transponder, 13-14. A publication of the Alaska Airmen’s Association.
• Wilson, D. R. (2011, Spring). “VFR flight into IMC won't happen to me; but if it does I can get out of it!”Aviation Safety Letter (Issue 2/2011), 17-18. Transport Canada publication distributed to over 80,000 subscribers nationwide, including all licensed pilots. article
• Wilson, D. R. (2004, Fall). Avoiding Black Holes. Pilot Getaways, 7(3), 79 & 82. article
• Wilson, D. R. (Winter 2003/04). Don't be in a fog: Dealing with nature's veiled hazard. Pilot Getaways, 6(4), 78. article
• Heiler, J., & Wilson, D. R. (2001, Spring). The dark side of night flying. Aviation Safety Letter (Issue 2/2001). article
   

Presentations

• Wilson, D. Managing Risk. Presented at Northwest Aviation Conference & Trade Show, Puyallup, WA, Feb 20 & 21, 2016.
• Wilson, D. VFR Flight into IMC: Avoiding the Trap. Presented at the Alaskan Aviation Fall Safety Seminar, Anchorage, Nov 15, 2014. PowerPoint PDF available HERE.
• Wilson, D. Flying at Night: Don’t Get Caught in the Dark. Presented at the Alaskan Aviation Fall Safety Seminar, Anchorage, Nov 15, 2014. PowerPoint PDF available HERE.
• Wilson, D. VFR Flight into IMC: Avoiding the Trap. Presented at the Aviation Safety Standdown, Boise, Oct 17, 2014.
• Wilson, D. R., & Fallshore, M. (2001). Optimistic and ability biases in pilots' decisions and perceptions of risk regarding VFR flight in IMC. Proceedings of the 11th International Biennial Symposium on Aviation Psychology, March 5-8, 2001, Columbus, OH. article
• Sloan, T. A., & Wilson, D. R. (2000). Avoiding a midair collision (unpublished paper). Presented at the 11th Annual International Women in Aviation Conference, March 9-11, 2000, Memphis, TN.
• Wilson, D. R. (1999). Educating pilots on the hazards of visual flight at night. Proceedings of the 2nd annual Instructor Conference: Innovations in flight instruction, April 9-10, 1999 (pp. 261-270), Daytona Beach, FL.
• Wilson, D. R. (1997). Trapped by the Weather or Trapped by Ourselves? The Problem of VFR Flight into IMC (unpublished paper). Presented at the 10th Annual Get S.E.T. (Safety, Education, Training) Workshop, April 4-6, 1997, Calgary, Alberta.
   

Reviewer

• Reviewer for the Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education and Research, a refereed scholarly publication for educators and researchers as well as professionals in the aviation and aerospace industry.
• Reviewed two chapters on aerodynamics (Chapter 10 & 11) for Heath Science Dimensions 8, an 8th grade science text adopted by the province of Manitoba, 1992.

Courses Taught

• AVP 101 - Private Pilot Flight Laboratory I
• AVP 102 - Private Pilot Flight Laboratory II
• AVP 103 - Private Pilot Flight Laboratory III
• AVP 141 - Principles of Flight I
• AVP 142 - Principles of Flight II
• AVP 211 - Meteorology for Pilots
• AVP 312 - Aviation Weather Services
• AVP 319 - Applied Aerodynamics for Pilots
• AVP 337 - Aviation Physiology and Survival
• AVP 340 - Human Factors in Flight
• AVM 417 - Aviation Safety Management
• AVM 418 - Threat and Error Management in Aviation
• AVP 444 - Multiengine Simulator, EFIS
• FLT 498 - Dash 8 (Q200) Aircraft Systems