D.K. (Denny) Acheson

Col. (ret.) D.K. (Denny) Acheson was awarded Emeritus Faculty status after retiring from full-time teaching with the Aviation Institute in May, 2004.  Denny served as Senior Community Service Associate in the College of Public Affairs and Community Service and was instrumental in the development of the Institute’s undergraduate aviation programs.

He received his Bachelor of Science degree in History and Political Science from Purdue University and earned a Master of Political Science from Auburn University. 

A veteran U.S. Air Force Command Pilot, he acquired nearly 5,600 flying hours, primarily in C-130 and KC-135 aircraft. A Life Member of the  Air Force Association, he is a past president of the Nebraska State Air Force Association as well as a Life Member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and Daedalians.   The UNO College of Continuing Studies named him Teacher of the Year for 1999-2000.  He was inducted into the Purdue University ROTC Hall of Fame in April 2002.  

David A. Byers

Dr. Byers currently serves as an associate professor for the Aviation Institute.  He teaches courses in Airport Planning, Design, and Management in addition to courses for other aviation- related topics such as aviation technical writing.

Dr. Byers holds a B.S. in Air Commerce (Transportation Technology) from Florida Institute of Technology, an MBA-Aviation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and a Ph.D. in Science Education (Aviation) from Florida Institute of Technology. 

In addition to his academic credentials, he brings 30+ years of experience in airport facilities development, environmental analysis, and financial planning with commercial service and general aviation airports throughout the U.S.  He also serves on the policy board of the U.S. Contract Tower Association (USCTA), representing a constituency of over 240 airports.

Dave started flying in 1973 and holds a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating (1,700 flight hours) and an Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic’s License.  He is a certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

Patrick D. O’Neil

Pat O’Neil is Assistant Professor of Aviation and Public Administration.  He teaches a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses including safety and security, aviation law, transportation analysis, and research methods.   His research interests focus on error mitigation, safety assurance, and performance improvement of critical public agencies and transportation systems.

Dr. O’Neil received a BS in Psychology from Washington State University, a MA in Strategic Studies and National Security from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, and a PhD in Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Prior to entering academia, Capt. (ret.) O’Neil served for over 26 years in the United States Navy as a carrier Naval Aviator. He was assigned to numerous operations and maintenance positions leading to selection for senior operational and staff positions while completing seven deployments including Persian Gulf combat operations. During his last tour he was assigned to the Joint Staff National Airborne Operations Center in direct support of Presidential and Secretary of Defense global operations.

Dr. O’Neil has logged over 5,000 hours in complex, high performance aircraft and holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. 

David G. Smith

Dave Smith's responsibilities as the Aviation Institute’s Flight Training Coordinator include oversight and instruction of pilot certification courses, supervising all simulator laboratory courses, and coordinating with UNO’s flight training providers. His top priority is to instill a professional ethos into all UNOAI pilots through a rigorous academic and practical training curriculum.

Dave earned his BS in Civil Engineering and his MS in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.

A retired US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and pilot, Dave has over 4,500 flight hours in the KC-135, RC-135 and T-38.  He is a veteran of the Persian Gulf and Balkan conflicts, a former primary and advanced USAF instructor pilot.  He has extensive experience in operations management, budgeting, aircraft acquisition, and organizational innovation.

Dave is currently the Chief of Staff of the Civil Air Patrol’s Nebraska Wing.  The CAP is the civilian auxiliary of the USAF and the Nebraska Wing’s volunteer pilots fly 5 Cessna 172/182 aircraft to provide search-and-rescue missions and aerial reconnaissance in support of disaster relief operations.  Dave also serves as a director on the boards of Concordia Lutheran Schools of Omaha and Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church of La Vista.

Scott E. Vlasek, MPA

Mr. Vlasek is the Director of the Aviation Institute.  He holds a Master of Public Administration with an Aviation Administration minor as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Studies with minor concentrations in Space Studies and Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Mr. Vlasek’s teaching includes Introduction to Aviation, History of Aviation, Business and Corporate Aviation Management, General Aviation Services.  He is currently developing an Airline Management course that utilizes computer simulation.

Mr. Vlasek oversees the Aviation Institute’s internship program and is faculty advisor to the Institute’s Flight Team, the Flying Mavs, which is sponsored by Jet Linx Aviation.  Scott is active in a number of aviation organizations including the Nebraska Business Aviation Association, the University Aviation Association, and the National Intercollegiate Flying Association.  He also serves as post advisor for the local Boy Scouts of America Aviation Explorers Post.  Vlasek is perhaps most well known for his efforts in establishing and managing the annual UNOAI Golf Classic, which has raised over $58,000 for student scholarships in the last 14 years.

Scott holds a Private Pilot Certificate and enjoys golf, swimming, UNO Hockey, and spending time with his wife, Karisa, and their 2-year-old daughter.