Global Aviation Course Demo

My name is Ryan Tanner and I am very excited to be your instructor for this course. My interest in aviation began in High School but I didn’t actively pursue a career in the field until I found out about the aviation program at UVSC. Since that time, I have felt very fortunate to be involved in a field that I enjoy so much.

Here are a few items of information about me: I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Utah Valley State College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Technology Management with an Aviation Emphasis. I hold a Commercial ASEL/AMEL Certificate with an Instrument Rating, as well as Advanced Ground Instructor and Instrument Ground Instructor certificates. I am currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Business Administration. I have been married for 5 years and have two children. I became a member of the Global Aviation Degree Center staff in January 2001.

"It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression & knowledge."

--Attributed to Albert Einstein

My name is Rick Vincent. I am the Director of Online Learning for the Global Aviation Degree Center at Utah Valley State College. I discovered aviation through the computer, when I played one of the earliest versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator in 1988. I soon discovered that flying a real airplane was much more fun than flying a computer.

While finishing my private, commercial, and instructor ratings, I became a member of the staff of the UVSC Aviation Science Department. I later became the Chief Instructor, Assistant Director, and Director of Internet Courses for AviationUniversity.com

In 2000, I was awarded a National Meritorious Achievement Award from the University Continuing Education Association for my course, Survey of Aviation Science.

In addition to teaching and developing the internet courses, I also flew regional jets for one of the Nation's largest national airlines. I strongly believe that continuing to fly is essential for good flight instruction: "I've always felt that a good teacher should balance the academic world with the real world. My past career in the airlines and continuing my flight instruction gives me the perspective I need to be a better teacher."

Many students ask why I left the airlines. This was the toughest decision I ever made, but I did it because I love teaching and knew I could make a bigger difference in aviation as a teacher than as a pilot. I still miss the CRJ, and fly whatever corporate jet, turboprop, or small airplane I can.