Meet Steve Kugler | Vice President Business Development

We had the good fortune of connecting with Steve Kugler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Steve, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
US Aviation Academy contributes positively to the community and the world in several ways through education, employment opportunities, and global outreach. Here are some of the key areas of impact:

1. Workforce Development
• Aircraft Mechanics Training: Through partnerships like those with Sun Country Airlines and Delta Air Lines, US Aviation Academy provides accelerated aircraft and powerplant mechanic training. With a projected 35,000 Mechanic shortfall over the next 10 years, these programs help meet the growing demand for qualified mechanics, thereby supporting both local and national aviation industries and reducing the mechanic shortage in the U.S.
• Pilot Training: By offering comprehensive pilot training, including multi-engine commercial training at locations like Poughkeepsie New York, US Aviation Academy equips aspiring pilots with the skills they need to enter the aviation workforce, supporting global aviation needs. Industry leading partnerships with Southwest Airlines and United Airlines ensures that the stability of the Airlines Industry continues with highly qualified Professional Pilots.

2. Economic Growth
• Local Employment: By creating jobs for instructors, administrative staff, and maintenance personnel, US Aviation Academy boosts local economies in communities where its campuses are located, including Denton, Texas, and Poughkeepsie, New York.
• Partnerships with Airlines: The academy’s alliances with airlines and aerospace companies provide career pathways for its graduates, enabling more rapid employment and contributing to economic growth in the aviation sector.

3. International Outreach
• Global Aviation Workforce: US Aviation Academy plays a role in training international students, helping to address the global pilot and mechanic shortage. Programs in coordination with organizations like Paras Education Services enable students from around the world to receive financing and study in the U.S., making quality aviation training accessible to a broader demographic.
• Certification Programs: Collaborations like those with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation India (DGCA) expand the reach of U.S.-standard aviation training, helping to improve aviation safety and quality standards worldwide.

Through these initiatives, US Aviation Academy not only enhances the lives of its students and their communities but also contributes to a safer, more efficient, and globally interconnected aviation industry.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always operated on the assumption that hard work will always be the key to success. I started at the Academy in the mail room, as a dispatcher managing students day to day flight operations. Within four years, I moved between several key positions to include Ground School Administrator, FAA Records Manager, Military Program Manager, Director of Admissions to ultimately the Vice President of Business development. The ability to grow personally and professionally, while watching the organization develop into an Aviation Industry powerhouse with partnerships with United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines just to name a few.

Accomplishing such goals are never easy, it takes discipline and determination to work hard day in, day out, without slowing down. One must be driven and determined to achieve success regardless of how unsurmountable the obstacles may seem. US Aviation Academy will continue to lead the way in an industry that requires strong leadership for continued growth and success.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
That is one of the beautiful things I love about Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. There is so much to do for those wanting to visit, from the night life of downtown Dallas, to playing Cowboy in Fort Worth. Of course, no trip to DFW is complete without the immersive and unforgettable experience of Billy Bobs in the Stockyards of Fort Worth. If the season is right, visiting Jerry’s world whether on game day or not is always impressive. As an Steak connoisseur, there is no shortage of delicious places all across the metroplex. I have made it one of my goals to eat at every Steakhouse here one day! A hidden gem of the northside of DFW is a BBQ place called 407 BBQ in Argyle, Texas. They simply have the best Brisket in Dallas!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We have a huge support staff at US Aviation Academy, and while sometimes the Business Development team gets the front end recognition, it takes an entire team to operate such a prestigious training center while maintaining standards and discipline across nine campuses between five states nationwide. Each person in our organization is vital to the success of the Academy!

Website: https://www.usaviationacademy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usaviationacademy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-k-962744148/

Twitter: https://x.com/usaviationgroup

Facebook: http://facebook.com/USAviationAcademy

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG8jHSDLiOzOdTGRIv999CA

Image Credits
US Aviation Academy