Program Director’s Message

Greetings, Future Eagle!

Thank you for your interest in the Polk State College Aerospace Program.

Why would anyone not want to be an aviator?  While growing up and living off the end of Niagara Falls Airport and Air Force Base, Runway 28 (an experimental test site for Bell Aircraft), I had a daily view of aircraft and the eye-catching X-22 often making trips around the pattern or down the road in its flight test area.  At that time, flying was only a dream for me.  After a move to Florida, my eyes were really opened to aviation, by just watching aircraft at the Orlando International Airport and being amazed by the Apollo launches from Kennedy Space Center. But as a high school sophomore visiting the University of Florida, Gainesville, a UH-1V MEDEVAC helicopter was on static display.  I took the opportunity to get in, and the second I sat in its front seat, I was sold.  Its mission captured my eyes and heart.  Aviation was where I needed to be and where I am still most at home.

I am an Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University graduate with a Master’s in Aviation Safety and Aerospace.  I served more than 36 years as an active duty service member in the United States Army and served for 30 of those years in Army Aviation as a rotary-wing and fixed-wing pilot with further flight qualifications as an instructor pilot, safety officer, and maintenance test pilot.  My favorite flight mission was that of a medical evacuation pilot. The thrill of flight was only surpassed by my hunger to achieve all missions safely as a leader and as a manager of aviation units.

After achieving outstanding aviation results from several commands, I sought the opportunity to pass on my aviation opportunities and education to the next generation of aviation professionals.  Polk State Aerospace provides the best practical, experiential, aviation education you can obtain thanks to our amazing teaching staff and their variety of backgrounds and experiences.  Whether it’s an Associate’s Degree in Aviation Maintenance Administration, a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Pilot Science, or our other degree options, Polk State Aerospace provides you with what you need to succeed in today’s and tomorrow’s Aerospace community.

Gordon Mayes
Aerospace Program Director
Campus Office: Airside Center – East, ASE 107
Phone: 863.297.1010 x 4081
Email: gmayes@polk.edu