Kevin Kuhlmann

Professor Kevin Kuhlmann is associate chair of aviation and aerospace science at Metropolitan State University of Denver. He is the faculty adviser for students pursuing Bachelor of Science degrees as professional flight officers. Kuhlmann actively works with commercial airlines to establish cadet programs with MSU Denver to help aspiring pilots plan their transition from the classroom to the flight deck.

Kuhlmann expertise is in the area of commercial and military flight operations training, safety standards and human factors in flight operations. His research interest includes aviation safety, flight deck automation and navigation systems. Kuhlmann holds multiple Federal Aviation Administration pilot certifications including Flight Instructor and airline transport pilot, all with multi engine and instrument ratings.

Before joining the faculty at MSU Denver in 1994, he worked as commercial airline pilots for Horizon Air, a regional airline that is part of Alaska Air Group. A 30-year Air Force enlisted and officer veteran, Lieutenant Colonel Kuhlmann spent seven years as an aircraft commander and instructor pilot for the F-111A/D/F Aardvark, which is a supersonic variable sweep wing tactical fighter aircraft. His service spanned the Cold War, Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2009, Lt. Col. Kuhlmann deployed to serve at the Combined Air Operations Center on Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. He also served as a safety officer in the Air Force and conducted accident investigation duties.

A professor with a passion for both aviation safety and technology, he holds a master’s degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a bachelor’s in aviation training and management from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.