A Study of College Level Academic Courses for Airport Management Personnel

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to determine and compare the respnnses of public use airport managers in Arizona, New York, North Carolina, and Ohio to an opinionaire developed for the study. Specific areas investigated were academic courses most desirable for a future airport manager, if a college degree was important, and should the airport manager have experience as a pilot or mechanic. A review of the related literature indicated that post-secondary education in aviation and airport management was important to practitioners. It was also found that colleges and universities are becoming more involved in aviation education. The 298 public use airport managers selected for the study included 108 members of the American Association of Airport Executives (A.AP_E) and 109 non-AAAE members. Each potential respondent received a survey packet which included the opinionaire and supporting documents.