Curtis "Doc" Swanson - WMU Aviation Hall of Honor Inductee

Published by Tom Thinnes on Fri, Feb 28, 2014

"Doc" was born and raised in Illinois where he began looking to the skies and dreaming of flying an airplane.  He started taking flying lessons at the age of fifteen and received his PPL at seventeen.  "Doc" graduated from the University of Illinois, Institute of Aviation with an A&P Mechanics license, then entered WMU to complete his aviation education.

At WMU "Doc" started his MS, and also began teaching as a graduate instructor. In 1983, "Doc" graduated with a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia.  Before he knew it, 31 ½ years of teaching had passed by and he retired as an Associate Professor in the College of Aviation in 1999.  During his tenure at WMU, "Doc" focused on curricula, course, and laboratory equipment development. "Doc" was instrumental in forming the Department of Aircraft and Automotive Engineering. He was a Faculty Senator, AAUP representative, and served on many University, college and departmental committees. 

"Doc" served outside the university on various boards and committees that included SAE International, Transportation Research Board, AIAA and AABI.  He also served as a technical expert for Technical Advisory Service for Attorneys.  For many years "Doc" served as an FAA Designated Mechanics Examiner.  

"Doc" considered the direction and development of the FSc and BSc degrees in Aviation Management at London Metropolitan University, London, England, as one of his most satisfying and challenging work experiences of his career.  "Doc" returned to the College of Aviation as Interim Chairperson of the College Faculty. 

In 2007, "Doc" and his wife, Sylvia, retired to Florida, where "Doc" found his way to Piper Aircraft.  At Piper he became a Lead Systems and Propulsion Engineer for the Altaire jet aircraft project.  While there "Doc" continued to inspire young people to experience the wonders of aviation, while passing on his passion for aircraft design, maintenance and flight.