Randy Gibb to lead aviation research at ASU
Randy Gibb has joined Arizona State University’s College of Technology and Innovation (CTI) as director of the Aerospace, Aviation & Defense Collaboratory (AADC) to lead aviation research opportunities, promote the college's aviation programs, develop courses for ASU Online and teach graduate-level classes in Human Factors, Aviation Psychology and Aviation Safety. Gibb comes to ASU after working at Apollo Group as the director of educational consulting for Apollo Educational Services for the past year.
The aviation program at CTI allows students to graduate with a Bachelor of Science and major in aviation management, air traffic management or professional flight. With a projected shortage of commercial airline pilots in the next decade, ASU’s professional flight program is uniquely positioned to provide its students with strong career opportunities. In the ASU aviation program, students gain first-hand, real-world knowledge from seasoned aviation professionals like Gibb in a state-of-the-art facility that contains industry-standard air traffic control systems and flight simulators.
The campus is situated across the street from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway airport, allowing CTI students to fly with ATP Flight School, a private company conducting the flying training. This summer nearly 90 students are actively flying with ATP, earning their private pilot, commercial, multi-engine and/or instructor ratings.
“The combination of our unique location next to a rapidly-growing commercial airport, our impressive simulator capabilities and our experienced aviation professionals creates an experience that aviation students can’t get in any other program,” said Gibb. “We are consistently engaged with key partners in the aviation industry so that we can stay on top of the technology, education and training.”
Gibb earned both his master's degree and doctorate in engineering from ASU’s Industrial Engineering Department in Human Factors. He previously served in the U.S. Air Force and retired as a colonel in 2012. While in the Air Force, he flew six different aircraft, commanded two flying units and served as chair of the Behavioral Sciences and Leadership Department at the U.S. Air Force Academy. His research expertise covers aviation safety and spatial disorientation, and he was the lead author of the book, “Aviation Visual Perception: Research, Misperception, & Mishaps,” published in 2010. He earned his undergraduate degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1986 and earned his Air Force pilot wings at Williams Air Force Base in 1987. Gibb also earned a master's degree from the Naval Command & Staff College in Newport, R.I. in 2001.