Christian Powell

Title
Assistant Professor
Email
Department
Applied Aviation Sciences Department
College
College of Aviation

Office Hours

Tuesdays/Thursdays 0930-1015/1145-1215/1530-1400, or virtual hours by request

Areas of Expertise

Air Traffic Control Tower Operations

Contingency Air Traffic Control/Airfield Operations

Project Management

Leadership

Operations Management

Christian Powell began his aviation career in 2016 when he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Over nearly seven years of active-duty service, he advanced to the position of Senior Watch Supervisor and Designated Examiner, overseeing daily tower operations and certifying new controllers at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Arizona. During his tenure, he gained extensive experience managing complex air traffic operations in both peacetime and high-tempo training environments, ensuring safety and efficiency in the national airspace system.

In 2023, Christian transitioned from active duty to the Wyoming Air National Guard, where he continues to apply his expertise in expeditionary air traffic control. His current role involves operating in remote and austere environments, supporting aircraft at both prepared and semi-prepared landing zones: missions that require adaptability, precision and leadership in challenging conditions.

Following his transition from active duty, Christian also joined the Phoenix-Goodyear Airport (GYR) tower team during what became the busiest year in the airport’s history. That year, Phoenix-Goodyear earned recognition as the busiest single-runway airport in America, giving him valuable experience in managing intense traffic volumes and complex sequencing operations within a dynamic training and general aviation environment.

Today, Christian serves as a Professor of Air Traffic Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona, where he teaches under the FAA’s Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (E-CTI) program. In this role, he instructs future generations of air traffic controllers using advanced simulation technologies in the university’s state-of-the-art ATC laboratory. His teaching focuses on tower operations, safety management and real-world application of FAA procedures, blending operational experience with academic rigor to prepare students for careers in the National Airspace System.

Christian’s career reflects a deep commitment to aviation safety, mentorship and professional excellence, which are values he continues to pass on to the next generation of air traffic controllers.

  • B.S. - Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
  • Control Tower Operator - Federal Aviation Administration
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) Certificate - Project Management Institute
  • Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) - Project Management Institute
  • Air Traffic Control Specialist - Federal Aviation Administration
  • Remote Pilot - Federal Aviation Administration
  • AT 415: Advanced ATC Tower
  • AT 315: Introduction to ATC Tower

USAF ATC: 2016-2023 (FD, GC, LC, CT, OS)

ANG ATC/LZSO: 2023-Current

ATC Specialist (FCT): 2023-Current (CD, FD, GC, LC, CIC)

National Society of Leadership and Success

Project Management Institute

Summa Cum Laude - 2021