Department of Flight Faculty & Staff

Proof That The Right People Make All The Difference

Embry-Riddle’s staff, faculty and instructors continue our university’s long-standing history of providing uncompromisingly diverse academic and operational experience to the university’s flight training program.

By utilizing the department’s advisory council, contacts in the aviation industry and association with major carriers, our Flight Training Department remains on the leading edge of the latest industry requirements so our graduates take point and provide leadership and innovation in today’s technology-focused world. Furthermore, we adhere and adapt to the changing needs and necessary degree qualifications that match each student’s career path as we prepare them for the future of their choosing.

Our Department of Flight staff is supplemented by the staff from UHI Helicopters, who oversee the Rotary Wing program.

Flight Staff

Parker Northrup

Chair
Flight

Parker is a retired USAF command pilot with deep experience in aviation education and training. He directs a team of instructors, maintainers, and support personnel to guide more than 400 students enrolled in Embry-Riddle’s Professional Pilot degree-granting program. He has instructed in military and general aviation environments since 1994.

Ryan Albrecht

Chief Flight Instructor

Ryan is an alumnus of Embry-Riddle and has been a flight instructor since 2000. He is currently the Chief Flight Instructor for the Prescott Flight Training Department.

Sol Ka'awaloa

Team 1 Manager
Flight

Solomon is an alumnus of Embry-Riddle and has been a flight instructor since 2000. He is currently the Team 1 Training Manager for the Prescott Flight Training Department.

Dave Warnke

Team 3 Manager
Flight

David is an alumnus of Embry-Riddle and has been a flight instructor since 1998. He is currently the Team 3 Training Manager for the Prescott Flight Training Department. He holds a Commercial and Airline Transport Pilot certificate. 

Josh Donaldson

Standards Manager 
Flight

Josh is an Embry-Riddle alumnus with a bachelor's and master's degree. He holds a Commercial and Airline Transport Pilot certificate and currently acts as a Flight and Check Instructor, Training Manager, and Assistant Chief Instructor for the University.

Rusty Norrell

Director of Maintenance
Flight

Rusty leads the team of dedicated professionals that maintains the Prescott Flight Training Department fleet of aircraft. His aviation background includes general, commercial, and military aircraft operations, maintenance and modification programs. He is the Director of Maintenance for the Prescott Flight Department, and has been actively involved in aviation since 1986.