WMU Alumnus, Assistant Professor and Chief Flight Instructor
WMU College of Aviation Hall of Honor Class of 2012
Prior to graduating from WMU in 1960, Pat Schiffer had already begun to leave his mark in aviation. Even before accepting his diploma, Schiffer was hired as the aviation program’s second flight instructor, and soon rose to the positions of WMU Chief Flight Instructor and Assistant Professor. Prior to his WMU tenure, Pat had served in the Army in WWII, learned to fly a Stearman on the Michigan family farm, and trained Air Force pilots to fly AT-6s, T-28s and T-34s during the Korean War. Schiffer devoted himself to WMU’s aviation program, teaching almost every class and countless students, while working tirelessly to enhance the program through his 23 years of service as an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner and FAA Safety Counselor. With over 27 years of support and commitment to WMU’s program, Pat was pivotal to its successful development and well-deserved reputation. Through his determined rigor and focus on excellence, Pat contributed to every aspect of the program. He was personally involved with his students, helping them find jobs, and even offering free checkrides. Most importantly, Pat inspired students with his passion and enthusiasm for flying.