Dr. Frank Ayers is a Professor of Aeronautical Science. He teaches Safety Management Systems (SMS) and Safety Program Management to master’s and PhD candidates. For the last three years, he has chaired the Daytona Beach College of Aviation’s (COA) Task Force on Aviation Mental Health. Dr Ayers is a Senior Editor at Plane and Pilot Magazine, and authors two monthly columns titled, “Pro Tips for Private Pilots” and “This Incredible Airplane”.
Dr Ayers is an experienced aviation safety professional as well as a lifelong aviator. He is an active CFI and holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, with type ratings in the B757/767. He has logged over 6,300 flight hours, 4,000 in the B-52 Stratofortress, and the rest in a wide variety of General Aviation aircraft.
Dr Ayers has been with Embry Riddle for nearly 25 years and has served as the Chairman of the Flight Training Department and Chancellor of the university’s Prescott Arizona Campus. Prior to joining Embry-Riddle, Ayers served in the U.S. Air Force for 26 years, as a B-52 instructor pilot, B-52 Squadron Commander, Combat Support Group Commander and Chief of Joint Military Education Policy at the Pentagon, among other assignments. He retired as a Colonel in the year 2,000.
Frank is an active General Aviation pilot and he and his wife Debbie are the proud owners of a beautiful 1976 Cessna Cardinal. He has a passion for Aviation Safety and teaches the principles of “Safety Management Systems” and “Electronic Flight Management Systems” and has spoken and written frequently on these and many other aviation related topics.