Alumni
Western Michigan University's College of Aviation Alumni have more in common than their Bronco heritage. They also have a love for aviation. This makes for an uncommon fraternity of fellowship not shared by many other avocations. Our distinguished alumni have achieved significant success in their careers and span the aviation industry. Getting involved in the College of Aviation's alumni group will help you continue building lifelong relationships, while also providing an opportunity to expand your networking base.
We are currently in the process of making our alumni database more useful and relevant for the graduates of our programs. Please check back in the future for the changes. If you are an alumnus and would like to contact us in the meantime, please call 269-964-6375 or e-mail at avs-info@wmich.edu.
Western Michigan University Alumni and Friends 
Attention Alumni!
Western Michigan University's 2nd Annual Golf Outing benefiting the SkyBroncos and the Multi-cultural Association of Aviation Professionals is Saturday, Jun 16 2012. Register Here
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Recent Graduates:
Each year, we collect data on our recent graduates through the Grad Survey. We use the information to determine what our new alumni do after graduation. If you are a recent grad please complete the Grad Survey and you will help us gain important information to benifit our current students
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WMU Alumnus Proves It is a Small World After All!
Flying around the world isn't a dream, it is a reality for Bill Charney. As a WMU Air Transportation student from September 1954 to January 1961, Charney continued his quest and passion for aviation that began as a young boy. In addition to spending time at WMU during 1954 - 1961, Charney also spent over two and a half years in the United States Air Force in the pilot training program. After a military career which included piloting during the Berlin Crisis and the Vietnam War, Charney returned to civilian life as an airline pilot and a successful career with United Airlines.
During his formative years, Charney saw and fell in love with the Staggerwing. In 1994, fifty-four years after first laying eyes on this magnificent machine, Charney was in a position to purchase one. After eight good years of flying, the Staggerwing went through a restoration process which took over three years. Upon exiting the hanger, the renovated and renewed "Red Rockette" and Charney were ready for their greatest adventure: Around the World in a Staggerwing.
Join the College of Aviation as we follow Charney's progress around the globe. Please visit Bill Charney Web-site or for his personal narrative, please visit Bill's Blog
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WMU ALUM SOARS TO NEW HEIGHTS
Capt. Jacob "Jake" Fielstra, a 2000 graduate of WMU, was a featured pilot at the August 20-22, 2010 air show held in Portland, OR. Flying the Harrier (called Blacksheep 01) at speeds ranging from zero to 562 knots in less than 30 seconds, Fielstra performed dazzling feats before a throng of airplane enthusiasts drawn from around the U.S. and Canada.
The Harrier's hovering capabilities brought the crowd to their feet with rousing cheers. It is designed for short takeoffs and landings, allowing the craft to move vertically and horizontally, while suspended in mid air.
Selected by his commander to fly the Harrier, Capt. Fielstra explained its control system: "The Harrier is probably the last of the tactical fighters which still requires 'stick and rudder' skills. Its flight control system is not as advanced as other tactical platforms. "From high to low speeds and in the hovering regime," Fielstra cautioned, "the Harrier can quickly become a handful without knowledge of the laws of aerodynamics the Harrier community painfully learned early in its career."
Capt. Fielstra, age 32, earned his B.S. degree in Aviation Flight Science at WMU. He taught in the College of Aviation as flight instructor and at several other airfields. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, received his commission December 13, 2003, and was later promoted to his current rank.
He recently returned from a seven month tour of duty in Afghanistan, where he flew Blacksheep 01 with the Marine Attack Squadron 214. His was the same squadron Pappy Boyington made famous during WW II.
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