Aeronautical Science
Lauren Bitikofer
Title: Professor, Department Chair of Flight Science
E-mail: LaurenBitikofer@letu.edu
Began teaching at LETU in Fall 1977
Background
I was born into a farming community in central Kansas, so I learned to operate farm machinery and take care of livestock at an early age. I got interested in flying when my dad arranged for a penny-a-pound airplane ride at a local airport when I was 6 or 7 years old. From that time on, I was fascinated with airplanes. I started flying model airplanes but abandoned them at age 15 when I started taking flying lessons. I soloed on my 16th birthday, got my private certificate at 17 and my commercial certificate at 18.
I graduated from Hesston High School in Hesston, Kan. in 1971 and attended LeTourneau College to obtain my A&P mechanics certificate. I interrupted my LeTourneau education to spend a year at Word of Life Bible Institute. I did this because I felt God calling me to do something more than just airplanes. At Word of Life, I met the girl who would become my wife five years later. I returned to LeTourneau and finished my A&P training. Then I returned to Kansas to work on a research and development project building small jet airplanes. After several years, I returned to LeTourneau as in instructor in Aviation Technology.
I graduated from Hesston High School in Hesston, Kan. in 1971 and attended LeTourneau College to obtain my A&P mechanics certificate. I interrupted my LeTourneau education to spend a year at Word of Life Bible Institute. I did this because I felt God calling me to do something more than just airplanes. At Word of Life, I met the girl who would become my wife five years later. I returned to LeTourneau and finished my A&P training. Then I returned to Kansas to work on a research and development project building small jet airplanes. After several years, I returned to LeTourneau as in instructor in Aviation Technology.
Education and Training
- FAA Inspection Authorization Renewal, March 2005
- FAA Designated Mechanic Examiner, March 2005
- M.S. Technology, Vocational Education, University of Texas, 1989
- B.S. Aviation Technology, LeTourneau University, 1988
- Hughes Helicopter Training School, June 1980
- McCauley Propeller Training School, August 1978
- A.S. Aviation Technology, LeTourneau University, 1975
- Word of Life Bible Institute, 1973
Awards, Grants, and Certifications
- FAA Certificated Mechanic, A&P Rating, 1975 (No expiration)
- FAA Inspection Authorization, 2008
- FAA Designated Mechanic Examiner, 2007
- FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate for Single and Multiengine, and Helicopter 2006
- Minnie Stevens Piper Nominee, 2005
- FAA Flight Instructor Certificate and Helicopter, 2004
- FAA Instrument Rating, 2004
- Teacher of the Year 2003-2004
- Robert H. Selby Teaching Scholar 2001
Publications
- Presents university status reports at annual International Association of Missionary Aviation (IAMA) conference
Professional Activities and Affiliations
- Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), member
- Experimental Aircraft Association , member
- Academy of Model Aeronautics , member
- International Association of Missionary Aviation (IAMA), member
- I serve as the faculty sponsor for the engineering Aero Design team .
Conferences and Meetings Attended
- International Association of Missionary Aviation, 2004 - 2008
- Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Aero Design Competition, 2004 - 2008
- Women in Aviation International Conference, 2002, 2005
- FAA meeting in Oklahoma City, helping rewrite the testing standards for A&P Mechanics
- FAA Des Renewal Course
- FAA Certified Flight Instructor Renewal Course
Professional Growth Activities
- Certified Flight Instructor Renewal Course, 2002 - 2007
- Designated Mechanic Examiner Renewal Course, 2002 - 2007
- Inspection Authorization Renewal, 2002 - 2007
- Added an instrument rating to my flight instructor certificate 2004
Service (Community Involvement)
- I teach the college Sunday school class at Kilgore Bible Church.
- I am the academic advisor for the Aero Design team
Personal Statement
First and foremost, I’m at LeTourneau because this is where God has placed me. I enjoy teaching because I love to see students excel. It gives me great joy to be able to help students understand new concepts. I enjoy the challenge of making the material as easy as possible to understand.
