Robert Priestley, M.S.

Assistant Professor of Aeronautics Kent State University, Kent, OH, January 2013 to Present                          

• CAEST POC/Representative for the Association of Collegiate Training Institutions
• Principle Air Traffic Instructor for Terminal Operations, Control Tower and Approach Control
• Principle ATC Lab Instructor for Fundamentals of ATC Terminal Operations I and Terminal Operation II
• ATC Senior Capstone Instructor for Lecture and Lab
• Member Aviation Advisory Committee
• Faculty Advisor for Student Chapter of Student Air Traffic Controller Association

FAA Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, August 2008 – December 2012

Air Traffic Control Instructor

• Radar Approach Control National Subject Matter Expert for Raytheon Technical Services redesign of FAA Course 50034 Terminal Radar and analysis of new training platforms.
• Facilitate and lead classes consisting of up to 24 students attending FAA Air Traffic Control Courses 50046 (Terminal Controller) and 50034 (Radar Approach Controller).
• Utilize multiple assessments in compliance with FAA requirements to measure student progress.
• Use innovative methods and materials to produce effective learning experiences including cooperative learning, thematic instruction and problem solving.
• FAA Certified Instructor in classroom, tower simulator and radar simulator
• Certified to teach classroom and simulation for advanced radar skill enhancement for FAA Level 10-12 Radar Approach Control Facilities.

Highlighted Achievements

• Member of National ATCOTS Training Transformation Team providing Subject Matter Expertise for TRACON curricula re-design
• Provided Subject Matter Expertise and analysis of new air traffic training platform proposals being considered by the FAA
• Mentored and coached students to help boost their confidence and competencies, as evidence by scores and successful completion of FAA job jeopardy qualification courses in Tower and Radar

Federal Aviation Administration, May 1978 - October 2006

• Certified Professional Air Traffic Controller at Pittsburgh Air Traffic Control Tower 1982-1995
• Front Line Manager, PIT Tower and TRACON 1996-2006
• Staff Specialist for Training. Conducted Pilot briefings and outreach for General Aviation, Air Carrier and Military OPS