Frank H Ayers

Title
Professor
Email
Department
Aeronautical Science Department
College
College of Aviation

Office Hours

d

Areas of Expertise

Aviation Theory and Practice, Safety Management Systems and Aircraft Accident Investigation, Organizational Leadership and Change Management, 
Frank H Ayers

Dr. Frank Ayers is a tenured Professor of Aeronautical Science at the Daytona Beach Campus. He is an active pilot and holds both the ATP and CFI ratings. He is an experienced aviation safety professional as well as a lifelong professional aviator. He, and his wife Debbie, are the proud owners of a beautiful 1976 Cessna Cardinal. Dr. Ayers joined the university in the year 2,000 as an assistant professor, after a 26 year career in the US Air Force.  

Dr. Ayers was recently (Dec, 2021) named a "Senior Editor" of Plane and Pilot magazine, a monthly publication focused on General Aviation pilots. He authors two monthly columns for the magazine on aviation techniques, procedures and history. 

Ffrom September 2009 to June 2019 he was privileged to serve as the 7th Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of the Prescott Arizona campus, of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.  As chancellor, he oversaw a full range of academic, operational and professional activities, and set strategic direction in academics, business operations, enrollment management, academic support, financial aid and student life. His other responsibilities included leadership at the University Cabinet level, philanthropic initiatives and external relationships with government and industry.  Dr. Ayers is a professor of aeronautical science.

During his tenure, the Western Campus of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, has experienced simultaneous growth in the quantity and quality of all aspects of academic and co-curricular life. The campus has increased enrollments by over 50 percent in the last five years while increasing entering student academic profiles, first year retention, diversity and four and six year graduation rates significantly. With the addition of nine new academic programs, seven intercollegiate sports, the nation’s first and only College of Security and Intelligence, and the recently created School of Business, the campus has matured into a premier Aerospace and STEM university.  With the unwavering support of the University Board of Trustees, the Prescott campus has been transformed by several new academic, athletic, and residence life facilities.

Previously, Dr. Ayers was chairman of the flight training department at the University's Daytona Beach, Florida Campus. In that position, he managed a staff of 250 personnel, training more than 1,000 students annually, and flying more than 70,000 flight hours per year. Prior to joining Embry-Riddle, Ayers was in the U.S. Air Force for 26 years, serving as a B-52 instructor pilot, commander of a B-52 Training Squadron, Support Group Commander and Chief of Joint Military Education Policy at the Pentagon, among other assignments. He earned an Airline Transport Pilot certificate, with type ratings in the Boeing 757 and 767, and is a certified flight instructor. Ayers has logged more than 6,500 flight hours in a wide variety of aircraft types.

Dr. Ayers received a B.A. in History from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, an M.S. in Aviation Management from Embry-Riddle and an Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University. He is a graduate of the Harvard University, Senior Leaders in Government course and the University of Southern California, Aircraft Accident Investigation Course. 

Dr. Ayers was an elected member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Council of Presidents and is President of the Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) Board of Electors. 

Dr. Ayers is the 2013 inductee in the Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Aviation Hall of Fame, for notable achievement in the fields of aerospace and aviation. Additionally, he was named the recipient of the University Aviation Association's 2005 Frank E. Sorenson Award, for "the professional educator who has made substantial contributions to the field of aviation research and scholarship."

 Dr. Ayers has been married to his wife Debbie for over 43 years and they have two married sons, Mike (Stacey) and Clif (Stephanie) , and three wonderful grandchildren. 

  • Ed.D. - Doctor of Education in Adult Education, Nova Southeastern University
  • M. - Master in Aviation Management, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
  • Flight Instructor - Federal Aviation Administration
  • Airline Transport Pilot - Federal Aviation Administration
  • Program for Senior Managers in Government - Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government
  • MSA 621: Avia/Aero Safety Program Mgmt
  • DAV 901: Dissertation Research 1
  • DAV 906: Dissertation Research 6
  • DAV 907: Dissertation Research 7
  • AS 435: Electronic Flt Mngmnt Systems

ASC 101 -  Student Success

AS 230/232 -  Instruments

AS 321 - Commercial Pilot

AS 330 -  Transcontinental Flight Navigation

AS 435 - Electronic Flight management Systems
AS 452 -  Electronic Navigation
AS 460 -  International Flight Operations
MSA 652 -  Continuing Educations Role in Aviation (Course monitor)
MSA 602 -  Air Transportation System (Course Monitor)
MSA 611 -  Aircraft Systems Safety

MSA 621 - Aviation/Aerospace Safety Program Management 

DAV 712 - Aviation Safety Management


Ayers, F. (2024) This Incredible Plane, Learjet 23, Plane and Pilot, 60 (2) 62-63

Ayers, F. (2024) Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Avoiding the Stall, Plane and Pilot, 60 (2) 56-58

Ayers, F. (2024) This Incredible Plane, Meyers/Aero Commander 200, Plane and Pilot, 60 (1) 62-63

Ayers, F. (2024) Pro Tips for Private Pilots, ADS-B, Are You In or Out, Plane and Pilot, 60 (1) 58-59

Ayers, F. (2023) This Incredible Plane, Boeing B-47 Stratojet, Plane and Pilot, 59 (10) 62-63

Ayers, F. (2023) Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Care for Your Airplane, Plane and Pilot, 59 (10) 58-59

Ayers, F. (2023) This Incredible Plane, Mooney Porsche M20L PFM, Plane and Pilot, 59 (9) 62-63

Ayers, F. (2023) Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Traffic Pattern, Manners and Etiquette, Plane and Pilot, 59 (9) 58-59

Ayers, F. (2023) This Incredible Plane, Cessna 150, Plane and Pilot, 59 (8) 62-63

Ayers, F. (2023) Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Time for a New Golden Age, Plane and Pilot, 59 (8) 58-59 

Ayers, F. (2023) This Incredible Plane, T-38 Talon, Plane and Pilot, 59 (7) 62-63

Ayers, F. (2023) Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Organize Your Flight Like a Pro, Plane and Pilot, 59 (7) 56-59

Ayers, F. (2023) This Incredible Plane, Bede BD-1, Plane and Pilot, 59 (6) 62-63

Ayers, F. (2023) Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Supplemental O2, Plane and Pilot, 59 (6) 58-61

Ayers, F. (2023) This Incredible Plane, Champion 402 Lancer, Plane and Pilot, 59 (5) 20-21

Ayers,F. (2023) Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Manage Risk Like the Jet Jocks, Plane and Pilot, 59 (5) 44-47

Ayers, F. (2023) This Incredible Plane, Tupolev ANT-25: The Voyager 50 Years Before, Plane and Pilot, 59 (4) 26-27

Ayers, F. (2023) Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Secrets of Single Pilot IFR, Plane and Pilot, 59 (4) 46-48

Ayers, F. (2023) This Incredible Plane, Varga Kachina, Plane and Pilot, 59 (3) 30-31

Ayers, F. (2023) Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Keeping Your Bird Healthy, Plane and Pilot, 59 (3) 34-35

Ayers, F. (2022) This Incredible Plane, The Ted Smith/Piper Aerostar, Plane and Pilot, 58 (10) 30-31

Ayers, F. (2022) Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Trim Like a Pro, Plane and Pilot, 58 (10) 32-34

Ayers, F. (2022) This Incredible Plane, Britten-Norman Trislander, Plane and Pilot, 58 (9) 20-21

Ayers,F. (2022) Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Take Off Like a Pro, Plane and Pilot, 58 (9) 22-23

Ayers, F. (2022) This Incredible Plane, Bellanca Super Viking, Plane and Pilot, 58 (8) 22-23

Ayers, F. (2022) Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Staying Ahead of the Airplane in the Modern Age, Plane and Pilot, 58 (8) 24-25

Ayers, F. (2022) This Incredible Plane, The T-37 Tweety Bird, Plane and Pilot, 58 (7) 26-27

Ayers, F. (2022) Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Formation Flying, Plane and Pilot, 58 (7) 28-29

Ayers, F. (2022) This Incredible Plane, Helio Courier, Plane and Pilot, 58 (6) 24-25

Ayers, F. (2022) Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Making the Most of Your Flight Review, Plane and Pilot, 58 (6) 26-27

Ayers, F. (2022) This Incredible Plane, Lockheed YO-3: A Quiet Star, Plane and Pilot, 58 (5) 26-27

Ayers, F. (2022) Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Flying in High Terrain, Plane and Pilot, 58 (5) 28-29

Ayers, F. (2022) This Incredible Plane, The V-173 Flying Pancake, Plane and Pilot, 58 (4) 24-25

Ayers, F. (2022) Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Right Stuff Secrets to Transitioning to New Planes, Plane and Pilot, 58 (4) 28-29

Ayers, F. (2022) This Incredible Plane, Mooney M22 Mustang, Plane and Pilot, 58 (3) 24-25

Ayers, F. (2022) Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Deadly Attitudes, Plane and Pilot, 58 (3) 26-27

Ayers, F. (2022) This Incredible Plane, Robin DR 400/401, Plane and Pilot, 58 (2) 24-25

Ayers, F. (2022) Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Taxi Like a Pro, Plane and Pilot, 58 (2) 26-27 

Ayers, F. (2022) This Incredible Plane, Globe /TEMCO Swift, Plane and Pilot, 58 (1) 24-25

Ayers, F. (2022) Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Flying Checkrides Like the Pros, Plane and Pilot, 58 (1) 26-27

Ayers, F. (2021) This Incredible Plane, Extra EA 400, Plane and Pilot, 57 (11) 62-63

Ayers, F. (2021). Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Winter Flying, Plane and Pilot, 57 (11) 24-25

Ayers, F. (2021), This Incredible Plane, The First Bizjet! The McDonnell 119/220, Plane and Pilot, 57 (10) 62-63

Ayers, F. (2021). Pro Tips for Private Pilots, The Three Keys to a Successful Landing, Plane and Pilot, 57 (10) 16-17

Ayers, F. (2021), This Incredible Plane, Piper Pillan, Plane and Pilot, 57 (9) 62-63

Ayers, F. (2021), Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Making Good Use of Local Knowledge, Plane and Pilot, 57 (9) 34-35

Ayers, F. (2021), This Incredible Plane, The Hacienda, Plane and Pilot, 57 (8) 62-63

Ayers, F. (2021), Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Speed is Life, Plane and Pilot, 57 (8) 16-17

Ayers, F. (2021), This Incredible Plane, Mooney 301, Plane and Pilot, 57 (7), 60-62

Ayers, F. (2021), Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Create Guardrails to manage Fatigue Like the Pros, Plane and Pilot, 57 (7), 18-19

Ayers, F. (2021), Long Distance Weather Planning for Personal Flying, Plane and Pilot, 57 (7), 38-41

Ayers, F. (2021), This Incredible Plane, The P 80 Shooting Star, Plane and Pilot, 57 (6), 64

Ayers, F. (2021), Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Learning Situational Awareness, Plane and Pilot, 57 (6), 18-19

Ayers, F. (2021), This Incredible Plane, The Comanche 400, Plane and Pilot, 57 (5), 64

Ayers, F. (2021), Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Communicate Like a Pro, Plane and Pilot, 57(5), 16-17

Ayers, F. (2021), This Incredible Plane, The Pond Racer, Plane and Pilot, 57(4), 64

Ayers, F. (2021), Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Practice for Inflight Emergencies Like a Pro, Plane and Pilot, 57(4), 18-19

Ayers, F. (2021), This Incredible Plane, The Douglas Sleeper Transport (DST) SkySleeper, Plane and Pilot, 57(3), 64

Ayers, F. (2021), Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Airline-Style Checklist Flows for Private Pilots, Plane and Pilot, 57(3), 16-17

Ayers, F. (2021), This Incredible Plane, The First X Plane: Wright Model R, Plane and Pilot, 57(2), 64

Ayers, F. (2021), Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Help Your Airplane Fly Better, Plane and Pilot, 57(2), 16-17

Ayers, F. (2021), This Incredible Plane, Windecker Eagle I, Plane and Pilot, 57(1), 64

Ayers, F. (2021), Pro Tips for Private Pilots, Night Flying Tips from the Night Owls, Plane and Pilot, 57(1), 14-15

Ayers, F. (2020), This Incredible Plane , Cessna 620, Plane and Pilot, 56(11) , 64

Ayers, F. (2020), Pro Tips for Private Pilots, What Is Your Bingo Fuel?, Plane and Pilot, 56(11), 20-21

Ayers, F. (2020), Pro Tips for Private Pilots, How to Survive Automation Surprises, Plane and Pilot, 56(10), 18-19

Ayers, F. (2020), Pro Tips For Private Pilots, Form Good Habits With Callouts. Plane and Pilot, 56(9). 24-25

Ayers, F. (2020). Pro Tips For Private Pilots, Descend Like a Jet Jockey. Plane and Pilot, 56(8), 16

Ayers, F. (2009). Student Perception of the Validity and Reliability
Of University Flight Training Assessment, Collegiate Aviation Review, 27 (1), 20-41

Ayers, F. (2008). A Study of Student Perception of the Validity and Reliability
In University Flight Training Assessment, (Doctoral Dissertation),
NOVA Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Ayers, F. (2006) The Application of Scenario Based Recurrent Training to
Teach Single Pilot Resource Management (SRM) under the FAA
Industry Training Standards (FITS) Program. Journal of
Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research, 15(2), 13-26

Ayers, F., (2004). Single Pilot FITS, COPA uses scenarios to improve pilot
Decision-making. NAFI Mentor, 6 (10), 8-10

Ayers, F. & Connolly T., (2003). Teaching FITS, New Training Program
Addresses Next-Generation GA Aircraft. NAFI Mentor, 5(10), 10-13

Ayers, F. (2002). A Day in the Life, Woman Pilot Magazine, 10, 16-19

Ayers, F. (1996). Mission Type Orders and Joint Air Employment Doctrine.
(Available from the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, PA
17013-5050)

Ayers, F. & Gravatt, B. (1988). The Fireman, Twelve O Clock High
Revisited. Aerospace Historian, 35, 20-25

Technical Reports

Summers, M., Ayers, F., Connolly, T. and Robertson, C. (2007) Managing
risk through scenario based training, single pilot resource management,
and learner centered grading, http://www.faa.gov/education
_research/training/fits/

Ayers, F., Summers, M., and Connolly, T. (2005). Scenario Based Training
Course Developers Guide: A Guide for training providers, Fixed
Base Operators, and Aircraft manufacturers,
http://www.faa.gov/education _research/training/fits/


Ayers, F., Robertson, C, & Connolly, T. (2004), FITS Private Instrument Generic Syllabus for technically Advanced Aircraft, Version 1.0, http://www.faa.gov/avr/afs/fits/, (Located under the generic button)

Ayers, F., Robertson, C, & Connolly, T. (2004), FITS Piston Technically Advanced Aircraft Recurrent Training Syllabus and Standards, Version 1.0, http://www.faa.gov/avr/afs/fits/, (Located under the generic button)

Ayers, F., Robertson, C, & Connolly, T. (2003), FITS Master Instructor Syllabus TAA Scenario Based Instructor Guide, Version 1.0, http://www.faa.gov/avr/afs/fits/, (Located under the generic button)

Ayers, F., Robertson, C, & Connolly, T. (2003), FAA Industry Training Standards (FITS) Scenario-Based Transition Syllabus and Standards For Technically Advanced Piston Aircraft, http://www.faa.gov/avr/afs/fits/ (Located under the generic button)

Fiduccia, P., Wright, B., Ayers, F., Edberg, J., Foster, L., Henry, M., et al. (2003).General Aviation Technically Advanced Aircraft FAA-Industry, Safety Study, Final Report.http://www.faa.gov/avr/afs/fits/ (Located under the
whats new button)

Industry, Professional, and Congressional Presentations /Testimony

Ayers, F. (2024) Traffic Pattern Manners and Etiquette, Federal Aviation Administration Safety Team (FAAST), January 30, 2024, Daytona Beach International Airport, Florida  

Ayers, F. (2023) Invited Panelist, Navigating Mental Health in Aviation, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), December 6, 2023, Washington DC

NTSB Safety Summit - Navigating Mental Health in Aviation (Panel 3) (youtube.com)

​Ayers, F. (2023) Secrets of Single Pilot IFR, Federal Aviation Administration Safety Team (FAAST), May 30, 2023, Daytona Beach International Airport, Florida

Ayers, F. (2009) Congressional Testimony 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLtfWKzEjdc

Video provided by U.S. House of Representatives. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure - Rayburn 2167 - Regional Air Carriers and Pilot Workforce Issues (Part 2 of 2) - Subcommittee on Aviation. WITNESSES: MEMBER PANEL: The Honorable Louise McIntosh Slaughter, The Honorable Christopher John Lee. PANEL I: The Honorable Mark V. Rosenker, Acting Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board, Accompanied by: Mr. Thomas E. Haueter, Director, Office of Aviation Safety, National Transportation Safety Board; The Honorable J. Randolph Babbitt, Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration; The Honorable Calvin L. Scovel, III, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Transportation. PANEL II: Mr. John Michael Loftus, "Families of Continental Flight 3407", Father of Madeline Loftus/victim of flight 3407 crash, Former pilot with Continental Airlines; Captain John Prater, President, Air Line Pilots Association, International; Mr. Roger Cohen, President, Regional Airline Association; Mr. Daniel Morgan, Vice President, Safety and Regulatory Compliance, Colgan Air, Inc.; Mr. James C. May, President and CEO, Air Transport Association; Dr. R. Curtis Graeber, Ph.D., Fellow, The Flight Safety Foundation; Dr. Frank Ayers, Chairman, Flight Training Department, Professor of Aeronautical Science, Empty-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Research Presentations

Ayers, F. (26 March, 2009) Making the Business Case for ADS-B
In Your Organization. Invited to present at the Aviation Week
Management Forum on ADS-B & Next Gen Air Traffic Modernization,
Washington, DC


Ayers, F. (4 June, 2008). A Study of Student Perception of the Validity and Reliability
In University Flight Training Assessment, a paper presented to the FAA
Center for General Aviation Research (CGAR) Spring Conference,
Anchorage, AK

Ayers, F. (20 March, 2008). Maximizing Use of Simulation in Ab Initio Education,
Panel address delivered to the National Training Aircraft Symposium,
Daytona Beach, FL

Ayers, F. (19 March, 2008). Working Together as Flight Training Teams,
Panel Charge delivered to the National Training Aircraft Symposium,
Daytona Beach, FL

Ayers, F. (28 June, 2006). Learner Centered Grading, presented to the FAA
Center for General Aviation Research (CGAR) Spring Conference,
Prescott, AZ

Ayers, F. and Connolly, T. (8 October, 2004). The FITS Project Approach to Flight Training, University Aviation Association Fall Education Conference, Toronto Canada

Ayers, F. and Wright, B.. (4-7 November, 2003) Joint Training Standards Development for New Technology General Aviation Aircraft-FAA/Industry Training Standards, Federal Aviation Administration Centers of Excellence, 3rd Joint Annual Meeting, Daytona Beach, FL.

Ayers F., Connolly, T., & Dubuque, D., FAA Industry Training Standards, (11-12 June 2003), Federal Aviation Administration, General Aviation Center of Excellence, 2nd Annual Meeting, Anchorage, AL.

Industry/ University Presentations

Ayers, F. (23 August, 2004). 'Using Guided Discussion and Learner Centered Education in the College Classroom' Invited presenter at the ERAU Faculty Teaching and Learning Seminars. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Fl.

Ayers, F., and Wright, B., (July, 2003) FAA Industry Standards,), Tent Forum, Experimental Aircraft Association Annual Fly-Inn, Oshkosh WI

Ayers, F. (Jan , 2002). Personal Leadership Style, Matching Your Skills to the People and the Task. Invited presenter 4th Annual Student leadership Conference, Embry Riddle University, Daytona Beach, Fl

Ayers, F. (Jan , 2001). Leadership In Large Organizations. Invited presenter 3rd Annual Student leadership Conference, Embry Riddle University, Daytona Beach, Fl

Harvard University -  Graduate , Senior Leaders in Government Course

University of Southern California - Graduate,  Aircraft Accident Investigation Course

Flight Experience and Ratings
Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) with type ratings in the Boeing 757 and 767,
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Commercial Pilot, Single Engine Land,
Over 6,300 flight hours in the following aircraft B 757, B-52, T-37, T-38, KC 135, C-47, C 177, PA 28, B 19, and a wide variety of light single engine aircraft

Prior Life/Work Experience - Colonel (Retired) United States Air Force
Chief of Joint Military Education, The Pentagon
Commander, 37th Support Group, Lackland Air Force Base Texas
Commander, 329th Combat Crew Training Squadron (B-52), Castle Air Force Base California
Commander, Camp Phillips, Guantanamo Bay Naval Base Cuba

Named - Senior Editor - Plane and Pilot Magazine (2021 to present) 

Member - Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education (appointed by Governor Doug Ducey) 2018-2022

Member - National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Council of Presidents - 2015-2019

President - Yavapai County Hospital Board of Electors, 2011-2019


Dr.Ayers is the Principal Investigator for the FAA Industry Training Standards (FITS) program. He is the lead researcher and project manager of a one million dollar, three and one half year grant from the Federal Aviation Administration. Professor Ayers supervises eight researchers at two separate institutions plus two graduate assistants. He coordinates the efforts of the FAA, four major general aviation manufacturers, and three major universities.

Dr. Ayers was an invited member of the FAA Technically Advanced Aircraft Safety Study. The final report of this group of industry, government, and academic experts identified root causes and interventions for a string of 13 accidents over a two-year period in the Cirrus and Lancair aircraft. The recommendations of this study endorsed the FITS training philosophy and execution and provided valuable insight for the FITS team.

President, Flagler, Palm Coast High School, School Advisory Committee, 2001-2002
Lay Leader, Palm Coast United Methodist Church, 2002-2003
Board Member , Sonrise Walk to Emmaus Community, Ormond Beach, FL
Musician, Dr. Rick Martorano 18 piece Jazz Band, 2002-2003

Dr. Ayers is the 2013 inductee in the Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Aviation Hall of Fame, for notable achievement in the fields of aerospace and aviation. Additionally, he was named the recipient of the University Aviation Association's 2005 Frank E. Sorenson Award, for "the professional educator who has made substantial contributions to the field of aviation research and scholarship."


National Award Winner: Professor Ayers is the recipient of the 2005 University Aviation Association (UAA) Frank E. Sorenson Award. This national award is presented for research and publication excellence and was presented at the UAA National Convention in September of 2005.

National Recognition: Professor Ayers is included in the eighth and ninth editions of 'Who's Who Among America's Teacher's, published in September of 2004. He was nominated by a former student and formally accepted in June of 2004.

University Wide Award Nominee/Recipient: Professor Ayers is the winner of the 2004 Outstanding Faculty Award, Presented April the 7th 2004 at the '2004 Student Activities Awards Ceremony'. Presented to the single outstanding faculty member at the Daytona Beach campus who 'has provided outstanding support of an organization.'

Outstanding Aeronautical Science Faculty Member Award, 2001-2002 (awarded second year in the department)

FITS recognized as the Center of Excellence (COE) as the General Aviation Research 'Success Story' at the 3rd Annual COE Conference from over 30 ongoing research efforts