Brady Jedlicka Pursues Passion for Flight and UAS

For University of Nebraska at Omaha Aviation Institute student Brady Jedlicka, what started as a childhood fascination with flying has grown into a passion for both manned and unmanned aviation.

Jedlicka’s interest in aviation began during family vacations and watching airplanes as a kid. Although he originally planned to study business when he first became interested in attending University of Nebraska Omaha, he ultimately decided to pursue aviation — a decision that quickly became a major passion.

Since beginning flight training, Jedlicka has earned his Private Pilot Certificate and is currently working toward his Instrument Rating in the Professional Flight concentration. He says earning his private certificate remains one of the biggest highlights of his aviation journey so far.

Alongside manned aviation, Jedlicka has also developed a strong interest in unmanned aircraft systems. After flying hobby drones and RC helicopters as a kid, he pursued a UAS minor and earned his Part 107 certificate in March 2025. Since then, he has expanded into commercial aerial photography, operating professional drones for real estate, motorsports, and scenic photography projects.

Outside the cockpit, Jedlicka stays heavily involved on campus. He serves as president of the Maverick Maniacs, plays trumpet in the Maverick Machine pep band, participates in Student Government with a focus on transportation, and works in the Office of Spirit, Tradition, and Signature Events. He is also active at the JPII Newman Center.

After graduation, Jedlicka plans to become a flight instructor to build hours before pursuing his dream career flying cargo aircraft professionally, ideally for FedEx, while continuing aerial photography on the side.

For students considering aviation, Jedlicka encourages them to simply give it a try.

“You won’t know if you like it until you try,” he said. “There’s a good chance you’ll love it.”