Michael Benton
- Title
- WW Adjunct Faculty
- bentonm4@erau.edu Email
- Department
- Department of Aeronautics
- College
- College of Aviation
Areas of Expertise
Helicopter Operations, Air Medical Transport, Safety Management, Line Operations Safety Audits (LOSA)External Links
The views expressed on faculty and external web pages are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Biography
Michael founded VyClimb Consulting, LLC in 2015 to support aviation and air medical organizations with safety, compliance, and operational strategy. His work spans air medical transport, offshore helicopter, search and rescue, and airline operations across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, offering deep insight into global best practices.
He serves on the Boards of CAMTS and NEMSPA, is an Ambassador for the Fred North Helicopter Safety Mentoring Program and contributes to several industry safety committees. Michael is adjunct faculty at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a frequent speaker at aviation and safety conferences. He holds a master’s in aeronautical science and a bachelor’s in professional aeronautics from ERAU and an MBA from Colorado State University.
An Army combat veteran, former OH-58D standardization instructor pilot and master gunner, he also served as Director of Aviation Compliance at Air Methods. He has worked on scene and served as a party member in five major NTSB accident investigations.
Education
- M.A.S. - Master of Aeronautical Science in Aeronautics: Aviation/Aerospace Education Technology and Aviation Aerospace Operations, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- M.B.A. - Master of Business Administration, Colorado State University
- B.S. - Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics: Aviation Safety, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Undergraduate Certificate in Aviation Safety, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University