Yellow Ribbon Program

Florida Tech and FIT Aviation are proud participants in the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill Yellow Ribbon Program. For more information about how to apply for benefits, visit the Yellow Ribbon webpage @ Florida Tech.

Our Partnership

Established in 1968, we are a wholly owned subsidiary of Florida Institute of Technology, supporting the College of Aeronautics aviation program through our flight training activities.

Our Motto

Succeed Above and Beyond.

Using the latest in FAA publications for guidance and a very diverse fleet of 54 aircraft, we provide our students with the best in aviation education.

Our History

Florida Tech's College of Aeronautics began as the Aerospace Technical Institute (ATI) in 1968. Unable to secure space at either John Kennedy Memorial Airport (now Melbourne Airport) or near Valkaria Airport, Florida Tech purchased Campbell Aviation, a company with an existing facility on Melbourne Airport, on July 26, 1968.

The first classes began in September, 1968.

When ATI was integrated as part of the university in 1972, rather than a separate entity, it was divided between the School of Aeronautics for academics and F.I.T. Aviation, Inc. to handle flight training and to operate a for-profit FBO separate from the university.

On June 12, 1972, Jerry Lauderbaugh became the first President of FIT Aviation and Dean of the School of Aeronautics.

Office of the Director

Col. Glenn Vera (USAF Ret.) has a range of experience in aviation and aerospace-related activities, including more than 25 years of U.S. Air Force service. He was directly involved in the space career field for nearly half of those years.

From 1984 to 1989, Vera was assigned to the 50th Airmanship Training Squadron, eventually serving as the operations officer, and directing the largest flying training program at the U.S. Air Force Academy. In this role, he oversaw the instruction of more than 2,300 cadets annually and executed a 1,400-hour flying program. Under his direction, the squadron won the Air Force Association’s Citation of Honor.