Aviation Research

Oklahoma Sate’s aviation students are very lucky to have some of the top faculty in the nation. Between the aviation faculty members, there is a wealth of experience and knowledge spanning the entire field of aviation. From aviation business to aviation accidents and even aircraft accidents, the Oklahoma State Faculty have got it covered.

            Perhaps the most interesting research topic covered by an Oklahoma State aviation faculty member is aviation security. Dr. Jon Loffi worked in law enforcement for years on the Oklahoma City Police department, then later went on to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations. There, he specialized in aviation security. At Oklahoma State, he researches the flaws in our nations airport’s security systems and governing agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration. Hearing Dr. Loffi talk about his experiences in aviation security is a real privilege because of his wealth of insider information and expert opinion on the topic of aviation security.

            Another faculty member, Dr. Tim Bliss, does work with fiscal and economic aspects of the airline industry. This work is especially important to anyone looking to go to work in the airline industry because the financial state of the airlines has a direct impact on hiring and retention rates. Also, it’s nice to know when hiring will peak in the industry for future planning. Right now, many experts are predicting a pilot shortage, and thus hiring boom, in 2015. This is especially exciting to me because that’s my expected graduation date.

            Overall, Oklahoma State professors do a lot of research into the aviation and aerospace communities and some have received national recognition for their work.