Kurt Reesman Consulting, LLCAviation Human Factors
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Curriculum Vitae

Kurt Reesman, Ph.D.

Pilot, Aviation Educator, & Human Factors Consultant · Pilot Performance · Pilot Training & Standard of Care · Flight Operations Safety

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Qualifications Summary

Current practice. Boeing 737 flight crew training instructor and Flight Operations human factors SME at Southwest Airlines.

Pilot-training educator. Designer of the FAA-mandated Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP), authoring twelve of its eighteen ground-school courses; sixteen years a USAF instructor and evaluator pilot (T-37, F-15E/S); twelve years a Part 141 university flight instructor, stage-check, and spin pilot; fifteen years a university aviation professor and lecturer (Liberty, Auburn, Middle Tennessee State).

Pilot educator & Flight Instructor certifier. AOPA Air Safety Institute national presenter and instructor, with 120 safety seminars to nearly 18,880 attendees and 61 Flight Instructor Refresher Courses producing 2,548 instructor renewals.

FAA standards & rulemaking committees. Industry member, FAA Human Factors Task Force Aviation Rulemaking Committee; Industry member, FAA Airman Certification Standards Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (PTS-to-ACS); FAA Pilot Examiner (Administrative) and Airman Certification Representative, Part 141.

Credentials. Ph.D.; Airline Transport Pilot with Boeing 737 type rating; CFI (ASEL/AMEL/Instrument); Fellow, Royal Aeronautical Society; no FAA certificate actions.

Current Roles

Founder & Principal, Aviation Human Factors Consultant

Kurt Reesman Consulting, LLC · 2012 to present

Aviation human factors and pilot-training consulting spanning curriculum development, instruction, and advisory work, including engagements with the AOPA Air Safety Institute. Provides expert-witness services to plaintiff and defense counsel: case review, human-factors and training analysis, and standard-of-care assessment.

Flight Crew Training Instructor & Flight Operations Human Factors SME

Southwest Airlines, Boeing 737 · 2024 to present

As a type-rated B-737 flight instructor, trains flight crews (new-hire first officers and captain upgrades) in the simulator under the FARs, the Advanced Qualification Program Manual, and the Flight Operations Training Manual. Serves in the Flight Operations Human Factors group: conducts literature reviews and research supporting human-factors proposals, advises multiple safety groups on operational initiatives, and leads extended-reality (XR) training-technology research.

Past Professional Experience

Lecturer & Assistant Chief Flight Instructor, School of Aviation

Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama · 2017 to 2023

Created and taught Human Factors in Aviation, Commercial Aviation Safety, and related courses. Co-Principal Investigator, FAA grant HF0015 on training and checking methods for the emerging pilot workforce (information management, decision-making, command judgment). Helped lead the safety, compliance, and instructor supervision of a Part 141 program; FAA Administrative Pilot Examiner and Airman Certification Representative.

Program Manager / Curriculum Designer (Contractor)

Aerosim Technologies / L3, Burnsville, Minnesota · 2014 to 2017

Program Manager and lead developer for the FAA-mandated ATP-CTP course, authoring twelve of its eighteen ground-school courses. Developed and gained FAA approval of the A-320 type-rating curriculum and the Part 142 quality-assurance program.

Lecturer, Professional Pilot Concentration

Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee · 2016 to 2017

Collaborated with Professional Pilot faculty to increase productivity in student training and the efficient, effective use of existing resources.

Quality Assurance SME & Instructor (Contractor)

Convergent Performance, Colorado Springs, Colorado · 2015 to 2016

Quality-assurance SME for United Airlines' Leadership, Excellence and Professionalism (LEaP) training program; presenter at the Textron Aviation Customer Conference.

National Safety Seminar Presenter & FIRC Instructor (Contractor)

AOPA Air Safety Institute, Frederick, Maryland · 2008 to 2016

Delivered 120 safety seminars to nearly 18,880 attendees and 61 Flight Instructor Refresher Courses producing 2,548 instructor renewals nationwide. Created FIRC lessons and test questions.

Associate / Assistant Professor of Aviation & Flight Instructor

Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia · 2005 to 2013

Taught Aerospace Law, Human Factors, Aeronautical Decision Making, Airplane Aerodynamics, and FAA certificate ground schools. Flight and spin instructor for all FAA certificates and ratings.

USAF Instructor / Evaluator Pilot (T-37, F-15E)

United States Air Force · 1989 to 2005

Flight, simulator, and classroom Instructor and Evaluator for pilots and weapon systems officers, from initial pilot training through combat-ready and instructor-upgrade qualification. Chief of Standardization for two training squadrons.

F-15S Instructor / Evaluator Pilot

Royal Saudi Air Force, King Khalid Air Base, Saudi Arabia · 2000 to 2001

Instructed and evaluated Royal Saudi Air Force F-15S aircrew. Authored five training syllabi and manuals and advised squadron and wing leadership on combat readiness.

Education

Ph.D., Adult Education (2022)

Auburn University, Auburn, AL

Dissertation: Training the Emerging Pilot Workforce: Does Generation and Gender Influence Curriculum Design?

Master of Aeronautical Science, Aviation Operations (1994)

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

B.A., Psychology & Religious Studies, double major (1982)

Western Kentucky University

Professional Military Education

Middle East Orientation Course (MEOC), in residence (2000)

Hurlburt Field, Florida

Air Command and Staff College (ACSC), by seminar (1997)

Maxwell AFB, Alabama

Arctic Survival School, in residence (1995)

Eielson AFB, Alaska

Squadron Officers School (SOS), in residence (1992)

Maxwell AFB, Alabama

Combat Survival Training, in residence (1986)

Fairchild AFB, Washington

Water Survival School, in residence (1985)

Patrick AFB, Florida

Flight Experience

Total Flight Time

3,887 hrs

Pilot-in-Command

3,625 hrs

Flight Instruction

2,078 hrs

Evaluator

174 hrs

Aircraft flown and taught:

T-37, T-38, RF-4C, and F-15E with the USAF, the F-15S with the Royal Saudi Air Force, and a range of general aviation aircraft. Command flying is in military and Part 141 university programs.

FAA Certificates & Ratings

Airline Transport Pilot: Airplane Multi-Engine Land; B-737 Type Rating (-700NG/-800NG, MAX8)
Commercial Pilot: Airplane Single-Engine Land; Instrument Airplane
Flight Instructor: ASEL, AMEL, Instrument Airplane; Tailwheel endorsement
FAA Pilot Examiner (Administrative) and Airman Certification Representative, Part 141
No FAA certificate actions or violations

FAA Rulemaking & Committee Service

  1. Industry Member of the FAA Human Factors Task Force Aviation Rulemaking Committee.
  2. Industry Member of the FAA Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC), Airman Testing Standards and Training Working Group; contributed to the Private, Instrument, and Commercial Pilot Airman Certification Standards (PTS-to-ACS transition).

Publications & Professional Writing

  1. Birdsong, J., & Reesman, K. L. (2024). Training methods research opportunities for a pilot workforce in transition: A literature review. Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research, 33(2).
  2. Birdsong, J., & Reesman, K. (2023). Business aviation days: Mentorship and partnership. Collegiate Aviation Review International, 41(2), 193 to 201.
  3. Reesman, K., & Birdsong, J. (2023). Do different learning style inventories report similar findings among pilots? Collegiate Aviation Review International, 41(1), 148 to 179.
  4. Birdsong, J., Reesman, K., Sefton, J., Miller, M., & Witte, J. (2023). Effective training and checking methods for the emerging pilot workforce (Final Report, FAA-sponsored grant). [publication pending]
  5. Birdsong, J., Reesman, K., Sefton, J., & Miller, M. (2023). Efficacy of using virtual reality to support the training of the emerging pilot workforce. International Symposium on Aviation Psychology (ISAP).
  6. Reesman, Kurt L. (2022). Training the Emerging Pilot Workforce: Does Generation and Gender Influence Curriculum Development? Ph.D. dissertation, Auburn University.

LinkedIn Articles

  1. Highly Qualified and All In
  2. Pride in Authorship: When Is It a Liability?
  3. Altruism in Aviation: Is It in Our Nature, or Do We Have to Cultivate It?
  4. The Black Line
  5. Risk – All Things Considered
  6. The Debrief: Turning Experience into Expertise, One Flight at a Time
  7. Fire in the Belly
  8. Fatigue in Aviation: A Three-Part Focus on Prevention, Recognition, & Remediation
  9. Beyond the Checklist: The Dynamic Art of Pilot Monitoring (simplified)
  10. Asking "Why?" is Okay (and Actually Encouraged)
  11. Good, Better, Great, best... HOW: A Flight Deck Mindset
  12. Elevate Your Game: Why Professionalism Is not a Badge, It is a Daily Practice

Presentations

  1. Birdsong, J., Reesman, K., Sefton, J., & Miller, M. (September 2023). Effective Training and Checking Methods for the Emerging Pilot Workforce (Field Test). Poster presentation at the 76th University Aviation Association Annual Aviation Education Conference and Exposition Conference, St. Petersburg, FL.
  2. Birdsong, J., & Reesman, K. (September 2023). Business Aviation Days: Mentorship and Partnership. 76th University Aviation Association Annual Aviation Education Conference and Exposition Conference, St. Petersburg, FL.
  3. Reesman, K., & Birdsong, J. (September 2023). Do Different Learning Style Inventories Report Similar Findings Among Pilots? 76th University Aviation Association Annual Aviation Education Conference and Exposition Conference, St. Petersburg, FL.
  4. Reesman, K., & Birdsong, J. (September 2023). Business Aviation Days: Mentorship and Partnership. 76th University Aviation Association Annual Aviation Education Conference and Exposition Conference, St. Petersburg, FL.
  5. Reesman, K. (August 2023). Develop your communication and interpersonal influence. United States Air Force Air University Professional Development Workshop.
  6. Birdsong, J., & Reesman, K. (June 2023). Efficacy of Using Virtual Reality to Support the Training of the Emerging Pilot Workforce. International Symposium on Aviation Psychology (ISAP) 2023, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY.
  7. Reesman, K. (January 2023). Auburn University School of Aviation and partnerships within Alabama to meet the demands of the aviation industry by reaching underserved populations. Alabama State Board of Education.
  8. Thomas, R., Fussell, S., Birdsong, J., & Reesman, K. (October 2022). The Future of XR in Training: A Conversation. Panel at the 2022 National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL.
  9. Fussell, S. G., Thomas, R. L., Kwasa, B., Birdsong, J., Reesman, K., Brow, L., Scharlat, J., & Ballo, W. T. (2022). XR in Aviation Training: Insight from Academia, Industry, and Non-Profit Institutions. National Training Aircraft Symposium, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
  10. Birdsong, J., & Reesman, K. (October 2022). Effective Training and Checking Methods for the Emerging Pilot Workforce. National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL.
  11. Birdsong, J., & Reesman, K. (October 2022). Analysis of the Emerging Pilot Workforce. Presentation at the 2022 National Training Aircraft Symposium (NTAS), Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL.
  12. Birdsong, J., & Reesman, K. (July 2022). Auburn Aviation Peer Support Program (AAPS). Presentation at the Aviation Accreditation Board International Annual Summer Meeting, Knoxville, TN.
  13. Birdsong, J., & Reesman, K. (October 2021). Military Pilot Training Next and Implications for Collegiate Aviation. Poster presentation at the Auburn University Warrior Research Center Tactical Athlete Human Factors Summit 2021, Auburn, AL.
  14. Reesman, K. (April 2016). Ten Feet Tall in a Six-Foot World: The Deliberate Practice of Professionalism. Textron Aviation Customer Conference.
  15. Reesman, K. (September 2016). Top 5 Mistakes Pilots Make. Kentucky Aviation Association Annual Conference.
  16. Reesman, K. (September 2014). GPS From the Ground Up. Kentucky Aviation Association Annual Conference.
  17. Reesman, K. (February 2009 – October 2016). 120 locations nationwide, Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA).
    • 10 Things Other Pilots Do Wrong
    • Chart Challenge Live
    • Close Calls, Lessons Learned
    • Flying for a Lifetime
    • GPS From the Ground Up
    • Real-world IFR
    • Say Again? Radio Communication Done Right
    • Mastering Takeoffs and Landings
    • Top 5 Mistakes Pilots Make
    • Wanted Alive – Reigning in the Fatal Accident Rate
    • Weather Challenge
    • What Went Wrong
    • Accident Case Study Live
  18. Reesman, K. (May 1992 – May 1994). United States Air Force.
    • 12th Flying Training Wing Mission Brief to Air Education and Training Command headquarters staff; foreign governments; United Kingdom Air Chief Marshal; Chilean Air Force Academy representatives; German Commander, General Air Force Office; 13 area Mayors; and U.S. Congress.
    • Code of Conduct presentation to the Lieutenants’ Professional Development Program attendees.

Professional Affiliations & Honors

  1. American Bar Association, Forum on Air & Space Law Specialty Group · 2026
  2. Human Factors & Ergonomics Society · 2025
  3. Reviewer, Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research (JAAER) · 2023
  4. Fellow, Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS) · 2022
  5. Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society · 2022
  6. Dean's Circle Award Scholarship · 2019

Litigation & Consulting Services

Available for retention as a consulting (non-testifying) or testifying expert: case review, human factors and training analysis, standard-of-care assessment, report preparation, and deposition and trial testimony, for both plaintiff and defense counsel. Fees are for professional time and are not contingent on the outcome or the substance of any opinion. A Rule 26(a)(2)(B) testimony list, fee schedule, and references are furnished on request.

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