Aaron Dyches
Hyde Park,UT
Summary
Dynamic aviation executive with 18+ years of progressive leadership in university flight departments, including 16+ years at Utah State University (USU) advancing from Certified Flight Instructor to Director. Specializing in FAA Part 141 compliance, curriculum design, safety management systems (SMS), and enterprise-scale training optimization. Proven expertise in FAA Industry Training Standards (FITS) program development, including authoring a FITS-based curriculum for university aviation programs as a Master's project. Extensive hands-on experience instructing on the CRJ platform, with foundational knowledge of advanced systems and simulation. Oversaw high-volume fleet operations, mentored instructor teams to drive instructional excellence and operational resilience, and managed budgets exceeding $12M, fleets of 42 aircraft and 9 helicopters, and teams of 78+ CFIs in high-growth academic environments. Hold a Master's in Curriculum Design with a focus on aviation pedagogy, complemented by CRJ simulation instruction and safety policy development. Committed to bridging institutional policy with flight deck execution while aligning aviation technology with global pilot demand through innovative, student-centered strategies.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Airport Operations & Chief Flight Instructor
Utah State University
Logan, UT
01.2018 - Current
- Led troubleshooting, deployment, and optimization of flight operations across diverse aircraft fleets (e.g., DA40, DA42, TBM 700 C2, DA-62) and advanced simulation environments, including foundational CRJ ground and simulator instruction delivered 13 years ago, achieving seamless integration of advanced avionics and simulation tools.
- Developed and oversaw comprehensive Aviation Safety Programs and SOPs aligned with FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) best practices; served as Aviation Safety Officer and guided safety policies organization-wide, mitigating risks and standardizing safety protocols across multi-base operations.
- Managed end-to-end infrastructure projects, including fleet cross-training, CFI standardization, Part 141 record-keeping, and regulatory audits, ensuring 100% compliance and operational efficiency in high-demand environments.
- Championed modern instructional frameworks by elevating flight line operations through rigorous instructor training, process improvements, and delivery of complex ground school instruction, including advanced systems.
- Implemented and audited Safety Management Systems (SMS), standardized training maneuvers, and oversaw pilot certification tracks, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and regulatory adherence.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with university stakeholders and industry partners to align aviation technology strategy with global pilot demand, enhancing program maturity and recruitment efforts.
- Mentored senior flight staff and guided professional development initiatives, building team-wide operational maturity and supporting career progression in a growing academic aviation organization.
- Oversaw large-scale university flight department with direct leadership of 78 instructors, management of $12M+ budget, and coordination of 27,086 flight hours across fixed-wing and rotary aircraft last year.
- Contributed to safety program development as an emerging safety officer (started when I as an assistant chief), laying the foundation for ongoing policy guidance, hired a full time safety officer to carry on the work.
Chief Flight Instructor
Utah State University
Logan, UT
01.2012 - Current
- Architected the growth and hiring of additional chief instructors, opening of multiple satellite bases.
- Kept the FAA authorized position of Chief Flight instructor for Certified Flight Instructor course, guiding my new chiefs to be over Private, Instrument, and Commercial Chiefs.
- Supported oversight of Part 141-compliant flight training operations, including curriculum design and instructor standardization.
- Delivered FAA 141 ground schools and safety protocols to build foundational technical understanding for upcoming pilots.
Assistant Chief Flight Instructor
Utah State University
Logan, UT
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Supported oversight of Part 141-compliant flight training operations, including curriculum design and instructor standardization.
- Delivered advanced ground school and simulator training, focusing on CRJ systems and safety protocols.
Certified Flight Instructor
Utah State University
Logan, UT
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Provided foundational flight and ground instruction, building expertise in pedagogical techniques and FAA compliance. (All ratings, Private, Instrument, Commercial, CFI, Multi-Engine)
- Advanced to Stage Check Examiner (Line Check airman equivalent for part 141)
Education
Master of Science - Curriculum Design
Utah State University
Logan, UT01.2014
Bachelor of Science - Aviation Professional Pilot
Utah Valley University
Orem, UT01.2008
Skills
- Curriculum Design & FAA Industry Training Standards (FITS) Expertise
- Safety Management Systems (SMS), Developing Quality Management Systems (QMS) Currently & FAASTeam Best Practices
- FAA Part 141 Compliance & Regulatory Audits
- Fleet Management & High-Volume Operations
- Instructor Development & Mentoring Ongoing
- Quantitative Analysis & Process Optimization
- Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
- Advanced Avionics & Simulation Technologies
Websites
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 8 staff members.
- Collaborated with 8 Chief or Assistant Chief Flight instructor over 3 locations. Including Fixed wing and Rotorcraft disciplines.
- Oversaw 11 Mechanics in multiple areas to maintain the university fleet.
Affiliations
- Member, National Flight Training Association (NFTA)
- Active Participant, FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam)
Certification
- FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate (ASEL/AMEL)
- FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII/MEI)
- Aviation Safety Officer
- Current FAA Medical Certificate (Class 2)
- Total Flight Hours: 3,087 (including multi-engine, turbine, and simulator time)
- Aircraft Experience: DA40, DA42, TBM 700 C2, DA-62, R22, C172, PA28R-200, DA20, CRJ Simulator
- Proficient in advanced avionics (e.g., Garmin G1000), CRJ simulation, and modern flight training software (e.g., ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, Frasca, and Redbird simulators), and tracking software (e.g. Talon Systems (ETA) and FlightLogger)
Languages
Portuguese
Limited Working
Interests
- I like working with my hands and fixing things
- DIY and Home Improvement
- Hiking
- Camping
- Fly Fishing
- Bladesmithing
Section name
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director of Airport Operations & Chief Flight Instructor
Utah State University
01.2018 - Current
Chief Flight Instructor
Utah State University
01.2012 - Current
Assistant Chief Flight Instructor
Utah State University
01.2010 - 01.2012
Certified Flight Instructor
Utah State University
01.2008 - 01.2010
Master of Science - Curriculum Design
Utah State University
Bachelor of Science - Aviation Professional Pilot
Utah Valley University