Dave DC D. Delcastillo
- Title
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
- Francis.Delcastillo@erau.edu Email
- Department
- Department of Applied Aerospace Science
- College
- College of Aviation
Areas of Expertise
Aviation, Acquisition, Logistics test, Computer/software/database managementBiography
Francis David DelCastillo is an adjunct professor with the Department of Applied Aerospace Science. Professor "Dave "DC" DelCastillo holds a Master of Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, an Associate in Applied Science in Aviation Maintenance from the Community College of the Air Force, and an FAA Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic Certificate. He has over 42 years working in aviation maintenance field on multiple heavy aircraft types and has experience with all aspects of aircraft maintenance.
Professor DelCastillo specializes in all aspects of aviation maintenance technology. He has a strong interest in advanced aircraft systems, improved aircraft systems automation and technology. He has spent the last few years working helping to develop and improve C-130 battle management systems. This includes writing and updating aircraft maintenance manuals and technical orders for system modifications, then verifying the accuracy of the data on the aircraft. He also enjoys mentoring young and new aircraft maintenance technicians on the flightline.
Professor DelCastillo has worked in aviation since 1982 having served in the USAF. In 2002, After 21 years as a Flight Chief, Crew Chief, and aircraft mechanic maintaining KC-135 refuelers, EC-135 Airborne Command Post aircraft, and B-52 bombers, he retired from the USAF. He then worked as a General Aviation mechanic at a small FBO repairing and inspecting Piper and Cessna single and twin engine aircraft. In 2003 he worked at NAS Pensacola as a contract aircraft mechanic and corrosion control specialist maintaining T-34 training aircraft.
He worked as civilian for the Department of the Air Force as an Equipment Specialist from October 2004 until January 2025. Working in the Acquisition and Logistics Test environment, he earned a Professional Maintenance Certification (Level II). As an equipment specialist, his duties included verification of AC-130 maintenance procedures and modifications. The goal is ensuring accurate maintenance technical manuals are provided to the AC-130 maintenance community. Duties include supervising personnel, performing flightline tech manual verification, and managing verification operations and coordinating with Major Commands to complete tasking efforts.
He began his career with Embry-Riddle in 1996 as an adjunct Instructor. Duties include working as course monitor and developer for AMNT 240 General Aeronautics within the College of Aeronautics. His hobbies are aviation, computers, and teaching. He also certified by the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) as a certified computer repair and networking technician.
Education
- M.A.S. - Master of Aeronautical Science in Aviation Aerospace Management, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- B.S. - Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics: Aviation Business Administration, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- A.S. - Associate of Science in 4VAD Aircraft Systems Maintenance Technology, Community College of the Air Force
Ratings and Certificates
Currently Teaching
- AMNT 271: Airframe Systems & Application
- AMNT 240: General Aeronautics & Appl