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., has over 30 years of experience as an instructor, specializing in Airport Planning and Design; Airport Operations, Management, Safety, and Certification; Aviation Legislation; and Aviation Human Factors and Safety.
A graduate of the University of Southern California (B.A. in Psychology) and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Master’s in Aviation Management and Master’s in Aeronautical Science), Mr. Arena served in professional administrative, management and operational roles at eight U.S. public-use airports between 1987 and 2014. These included four commercial service airports and four general aviation airports. He is an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.), certified by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), and has contributed to the industry through his service on the AAAE Board of Examiners, where he supported professional development and accreditation efforts. He also held board memberships with the Arizona Airports Association (AzAA) and the Southwest Chapter of the AAAE (SWAAAE). From 2013 to 2014, Mr. Arena worked as an airport consultant, specializing in Airport Emergency Preparedness and Certification.
In May 2024, Mr. Arena retired from his role as the Aerospace Program Magnet Manager and FAA Certified Ground Instructor – Advanced (AGI) for The Academies @ South Mountain High School in metropolitan Phoenix, AZ. South Mountain High School is among the few in the U.S. offering a comprehensive Aviation and Aerospace curriculum, including 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 School.
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: Oper'l 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-four (34) 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.