By Appointment
PhD, Auburn University (Adult Education)
Master of Aeronautical Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
BA, Western Kentucky University (Psychology and Religious Studies)
Kurt Reesman joined the Auburn Family as the assistant chief flight instructor in June 2017, bringing a wide variety of both military and civilian aviation experience. He retired from the Air Force where he spent most of his career in the training business. He flew the T-37, RF-4C and F-15E and instructed and evaluated student performance in the T-37 and F-15E. Additionally, he served as an instructor and evaluator to the Royal Saudi Air Force in the F-15S. After retiring from the Air Force in 2005, Reesman was hired to help Liberty University start their aviation program. During his nine-year tenure, he served as an associate professor, flight instructor, and National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) team coach.
While at Liberty, Reesman also represented the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) as a Safety Seminar presenter and Flight Instructor-Refresher Course instructor. Additionally, he was invited to serve as an industry representative for the re-write of the FAA Private Pilot and Instrument Rating practical test standards. These documents were converted into the recently released Airman Certification Standards for the Private Pilot Certificate and Instrument Rating. After leaving Liberty, L3 Commercial Training Solutions contracted Reesman as the project manager for the Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program (ATPCTP) course creation. While at L3, he also served as their manager of curriculum development and quality control, redesigning their training curriculum, streamlining their training process and establishing a quality control process. In October, 2015 Convergent Performance contracted Reesman to serve as a certified instructor and quality assurance subject matter expert for courses taught during United Airline’s Leadership, Excellence and Professionalism (LEaP) Training Program that was given to every United pilot. A portion of this program focused on Convergent Performance president Dr. Tony Kern’s books “The Blue Threat” and “Going Pro.”
Most recently Reesman was a lecturer at Middle Tennessee State University in their professional pilot concentration. While serving at Middle Tennessee he made significant contributions to the revitalization of the Crew Resource Management course. Reesman brings a wealth of academic, flight and industry experience to the Department of Aviation.
Reesman is a member of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and the Royal Aeronautical Society (MRAeS).