The Aviation Institute was established in 1989 to address Nebraska’s need for aviation/aerospace research and education. Inspired by the vision of Don Smithey, Executive Director of the Omaha Airport Authority, and led by co-founders Charles Durham, Walter Scott, and Mike Harper, support from the community funded the first four years of the program.

In 1995 a collaboration with UNO’s College of Public Affairs and Community Service (CPACS) enabled the Institute to join the School of Public Administration and expand its training in such areas as public administration, transportation policy, and airport security. Faculty bring extensive experience from service in major airlines, governments, and military sectors of the aviation industry. In addition to teaching and research, they provide resources on state and national aviation issues and administer grants for research, scholarships, and community outreach.