Prescott Campus - College of Aviation

College of Aviation

What Alumni Are Saying

Cody Hargreaves is a new graduate who is working for Alaska Airlines where he applies the knowledge the he gained at ERAU to the position of Flight Operations Courseware Developer. Name: Cody Hargreaves

Current Position: Flight Operations Courseware Developer

Current Employer: Alaska Airlines

Degree: Aeronautical Science

Graduated: Spring 2007

Home Town: Seattle, WA

"The education received at Embry-Riddle (ERAU) created a great backbone of knowledge. I am currently developing ground school courseware for 737 pilots. I feel like I have been exposed to everything I work on at Alaska, during my time at ERAU. Sometimes I may not remember everything but since I have seen it before, it comes back to me quickly. Just the other day I was explaining Mach Tuck to a six year FO. I am sure that graduating from ERAU has made me way more marketable than a student going to a non-aviation University and helped me get my foot in the door; helped me get an internship, which turned into a job. The friends and contacts made at ERAU have the greatest impact on me; they continue to be a huge asset. The aviation industry is really small and getting to know all these people will open doors for the rest of my life."

Paul Bing graduated in the Spring of 2007 and is already the First Officer for Trans States Airlines, where he is applying the knowledge that he learned while at Embry-Riddle. Name: Paul Bing

Current Position: First Officer EMB-145

Current Employer: Trans States Airlines

Degree: Aeronautical Science

Graduated: Spring 2007

Home Town: Albuquerque, NM

"The instruction I received throughout my time at ERAU was a significant contributor to my success in training for my new job. Ground school and the simulator training were very similar in scope to classes I had taken previously in airline operations and techniques. It made the transfer to an airline environment less stressful and I am eager to continue learning as I gain further experience in my new career."

Mark Holden flies for Republic Airways Holdings as a first officer. His training at ERAU helped him breeze through his training to become a crewmember of a Part 121 carrier. Name: Mark Holden

Current Position: First Officer

Current Employer: Republic Airways Holdings

Degree: Aeronautical Science

Graduated: Spring 2005

Home Town: Redmond, OR

Embry-Riddle prepared me extremely well for the type training needed to succeed in all positions I have served in from a Part 135 single-pilot cargo operator to becoming a crewmember for a Part 121 carrier.

Many of the people involved in my training here were blown away by my ability to study and master subjects that the average candidate struggles with. From Flight Safety training to "in-house" checkrides, I found myself saying "that wasn't as hard as I expected" or "that was very similar to the type of training I received at ERAU."

I am proud to say I am an ERAU alumnus.

Sascha Korzep is a first officer for PSA Airlines. Her courses at ERAU helped her easily transition to flying jet aircraft. Name: Sascha Korzep

Current Position: First Officer

Current Employer: PSA Airlines

Degree: Aeronautical Science

Graduated: Spring 2007

Home Town: Redlands, CA

"I would have to say that AS 420 taught by Art Saboski was an extremely helpful class. It teaches you how to transition from piston aircraft into jet aircraft. I found that while in my training at PSA Airlines I referenced my notes and textbook from that class many times."

Katie Pribyl's experience in a wide range of aviation activities while at Embry-Riddle helped her obtain a position of Director of Communications for General Aviation Manufactures Association. Name: Katie Pribyl

Current Position: Director, Communications

Current Employer: General Aviation Manufacturers Association

Degree: Aeronautical Science

Graduated: Fall 2000

Home Town: Great Falls, Montana

"One of the reasons I chose ERAU was their reputation among all sectors of the aviation industry. In the 3 1/2 years I attended the university, the school continually met and exceeded all of my expectations. The class curriculum and professors and the flight training program definitely prepared me for the rigors of flight training at the airline. Even today, as the worldwide spokesperson for manufacturers of general aviation airplanes, I continually pull from my experience at Riddle.

My first airline job came two weeks after I graduated from ERAU. I was very fortunate, but it was big step from 172s to CRJs. I quickly found that Embry-Riddle's flight program modeled very similar to the standard operating procedures and training environment you find at the airlines. I think this is one of the key reasons why Embry-Riddle students perform so well in initial airline and corporate training, even as a low-time hire.

It’s not only about my education or flight training, though. I had many opportunities at Embry-Riddle to develop my skills not only as a pilot, but also as a professional. My participation in the Golden Eagles Flight Team was probably the most helpful to me in that sense.

The Golden Eagles Flight Team had one of the greatest impacts on me. Like I mentioned earlier, the school provides many opportunities to develop yourself into more than just a pilot. Many people can become pilots, but not everybody can get hired. Airlines and companies hiring corporate pilots are looking for "the whole package." ERAU provides opportunities, like the flight team, to develop professional skills that will separate ERAU grads from the others: leadership, public speaking, networking, and teamwork.

There a lot of different ways that ERAU has contributed to my success, but alumni networking and the school's reputation are the two that come to mind most."

Brandon Bailey is an Officer and pilot for the Air Force. His time as an instructor at ERAU helped him refine his leadership skills. Name: Brandon Bailey

Current Position: Officer (Pilot)

Current Employer: United States Air Force

Degree: Aeronautical Science

Graduated: Fall 2003

Home Town: Corona, CA

"Embry-Riddle taught me the fundamental skills of what it means to be a leader and aviation professional. An overlooked benefit of the Embry-Riddle flight program is the maturity that it brings out of students who have graduated from this rigorous course. My time as an instructor at the university also allowed me to refine my leadership skills that I now use as an officer in the United States Air Force. I highly recommend Embry-Riddle to anyone who is committed to excellence and has a passion for aviation."

Jason Gunn is a professional pilot. His training and classes at Embry-Riddle have helped him fly both domestically and internationally. Name: Jason Gunn

Current Position: Professional Pilot

Current Employer: Private Employer

Degree: Aeronautical Science

Graduated: Fall 2006

Home Town: Sedona, AZ

"I feel that my education at Embry-Riddle has prepared me well for the challenges of being a corporate pilot. As a recent graduate and having the responsibility of flying a family domestically and internationally I can recall an instance where my education and training came together. Not too long ago, while flying solo over the Bahamas, I had to divert because of severe weather conditions. Instantly, I fell back on my training from AS-350 (Domestic and International Navigation) and remembered everything that was required. Having to change my international flight-plan and having to arrange for customs upon arrival was a challenge but it was accomplished. I could hear Professor Bedard saying, “Pay attention… This is going to save your bacon one day!” I remember thinking to myself, if only my instructors and professors could see me now!"