Shawn A. Arena
- Title
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
- Shawn.Arena@erau.edu Email
- Department
- Department of Applied Aerospace Science
- College
- College of Aviation
Areas of Expertise
Airport Operations, Safety, and Management; Aviation Human Factors; Aircraft Accident Investigation; Aviation Legislation; Air Traffic Control; Aeronautical Science & HistoryBiography
Mr. Shawn Arena, A.A.E., brings more than 30 years of instructional experience with a focus on airport planning and design, airport operations and management, safety and certification, aviation legislation and aviation human factors and safety.
He holds a B.A. in psychology from the University of Southern California and two graduate degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in aviation management and aeronautical science. From 1987 to 2014, Mr. Arena worked in administrative, management and operational roles at eight U.S. public-use airports that included four commercial service airports and four general aviation airports. He is an Accredited Airport Executive certified by the American Association of Airport Executives and contributed to the industry through his service on the AAAE Board of Examiners, supporting accreditation and professional development. He also served on the boards of the Arizona Airports Association and the Southwest Chapter of AAAE. From 2013 to 2014, he worked as an airport consultant with a focus on airport emergency preparedness and certification.
In May 2024, Mr. Arena retired from his position as Aerospace Program Magnet Manager and FAA Certified Ground Instructor Advanced (AGI) for The Academies at South Mountain High School in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona. The school is one of the few in the nation offering a comprehensive aviation and aerospace curriculum that includes courses in aviation human factors, aircraft accident investigation, UAV operations, aircraft maintenance, aviation history, air traffic control and FAA private pilot ground school and flight training.
Education
- M.A.S. - Master of Aeronautical Science in Aviation Aerospace Management, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- M. - Master in Aviation Management, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- B.A. - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Southern California
Ratings and Certificates
Currently Teaching
- ASCI 254: Aviation Legislation
- ASCI 202: Intro to Aeronautical Science
- ASCI 491: Operl Apps in Aeronautics
Courses Taught
MGMT 408 - Airport Operations and Management
ASCI 401 - Airport Development and Operations
ASCI 202 - Intro to Aeronautical Science
ASCI 491 - Oper'l Apps in Aeronautics
ASCI 254 - Aviation Legislation
MGMT 412 - Airport Planning and Design
Professional Experience
Thirty-five (35) years of Instructor experience as an Adjunct Assistant Professor, for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide Campus. Currently assigned to the College of Aeronautics, Mr. Arena has also served as a full-time Assistant Professor with the College of Business, one term as a Worldwide Campus Faculty Senator, and Director of Academics for the Luke AFB Campus. His instructional specialties include Airport Planning and Design; Airport Operations, Management, Safety, and Certification; Aviation Legislation, and Aviation Human Factors and Safety.
Professional administrative, management, and operational positions at eight (8) public-use airports in the United States from 1987-2014. These airports included four commercial service airports and four general aviation airports. He is an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) as designated by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), and served on the AAAE Board of Examiners, responsible for professional development and Accreditation. Additionally, he held Board memberships with the Arizona Airports Association (AzAA) and Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (SWAAAE). Additional professional roles included an airport consultancy company, specializing in Airport Emergency Preparedness, and Certification from 2013-2014.
Currently, the Aerospace Program Magnet Manager, and FAA Certified Ground Instructor-Advanced (AGI) for the Academies @South Mountain High School in the metropolitan Phoenix, AZ area.