Erik Hartley

Erik Hartley is a lecturer in the Aviation Management program at Central Washington University, bringing a wealth of industry experience to the classroom. With a background spanning both military and civilian aviation, Erik’s expertise includes airport planning, aviation operations, and infrastructure development.

Before transitioning into academia, Erik served six years in the military, working on F-16 and C-130 aircraft and deploying to Afghanistan and Central America. Following his service, he built a career in airport planning and Management. 

At CWU, Erik teaches courses on airport planning, airport management, career development, airport operations, safety management systems, and facilities an aviation management capstone. Passionate about preparing students for careers in aviation, Erik draws on his extensive industry knowledge to provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of airport operations and planning.

Erik’s approach to education is straightforward: to develop industry professionals who are prepared to make an immediate impact in their careers. He emphasizes practical knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, ensuring that his students graduate with not only a strong theoretical foundation but also the hands-on expertise and confidence to excel in the aviation industry. By integrating real-world case studies, industry projects, and guest speakers from the field, Erik creates an engaging and immersive learning experience that equips students with the tools they need to succeed.