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The Aviation Journey of Ryan Stepp: From UNO to Air Traffic Control

ryan stepp sitting at his desk

Ryan Stepp at his desk at Eppley Airfield in Omaha.

Ryan Stepp’s career in aviation is a compelling story of how passion, education, and perseverance can chart a course to success in one of the world’s most demanding industries. As an alumnus of the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), Ryan’s journey from a young aviation enthusiast to the Air Traffic Manager at Omaha Eppley Air Traffic Control Tower illustrates the impact that a well-rounded education and a strong work ethic can have on a professional trajectory.

Growing up in Seward, Nebraska, Ryan’s fascination with aviation began early. A pivotal moment came when he took his first flight on a passenger plane as a child. “I remember the feeling of lifting off the ground, watching the world get smaller beneath me,” Ryan recalls. “That experience left a mark on me—I knew from that moment that I wanted to be part of the aviation world.” This early encounter with flight sparked a lifelong passion that would eventually shape his career.

Soon after starting his college education in general studies at another school, Ryan realized his true calling was in the skies. “Aviation has always been in my blood,” Ryan explains. “That first flight really solidified it for me—I’d watch planes and feel this pull, knowing that’s where I belonged.” This realization led him to seek out a UNO program that matched his ambitions—the Bachelor of Science in Aviation, with a concentration in Professional Flight.

The program at UNO didn’t just teach me how to fly, it gave me a deep understanding of the entire aviation ecosystem—from airport operations to airline management. That kind of education is invaluable.”

 Ryan Stepp, Air Traffic Manager at Omaha Eppley Air Traffic Control Tower

His decision to attend UNO was bolstered by a scholarship from a private business, which allowed Ryan to fully dedicate himself to his studies. Through UNO’s Aviation Institute, Ryan was exposed to a comprehensive curriculum that not only prepared him to be a pilot but also gave him a broad understanding of the aviation industry. “The program at UNO didn’t just teach me how to fly,” Ryan explains. “It gave me a deep understanding of the entire aviation ecosystem—from airport operations to airline management. That kind of education is invaluable.”

Ryan graduated in 2008 with a solid foundation in aviation and aspirations to become a pilot. As he began working at the Council Bluffs Airport, a friend suggested he consider a career with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an air traffic controller. Though it was not the path he initially envisioned, Ryan’s passion for aviation and his desire to stay connected to the industry led him to pursue this new opportunity. “I was ready to fly for no pay just to get the experience,” Ryan says, “but when the FAA opportunity came up, I knew I had to take it seriously. It was a chance to stay in aviation and make a real impact.”

The journey to becoming an air traffic controller was challenging. The FAA’s rigorous selection process required a series of aptitude tests, psychological evaluations, and a full day of assessments in Chicago. Ryan’s persistence through the process paid off, and in November 2008, he began his training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City—a critical step in what would become a successful career in air traffic control.

Ryan’s first assignment was in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he spent the next decade guiding aircrafts safely through the skies. His ability to be calm under pressure and deep understanding of aviation operations quickly distinguished Ryan as a leader in the field. In 2019, Ryan was promoted to supervisor, a role that required him to manage a team of controllers and make critical decisions that ensured the safety and efficiency of the airspace. “One of the most intense moments in my career was when I had to step in and redirect an aircraft that was headed to the wrong runway,” Ryan recalls. “That decision was recognized by the FAA’s Vice Presiden or Air Traffic, and it’s something I’ll never forget.”

In 2021, Ryan took on a new challenge as the Air Traffic Manager at Omaha Eppley Air Traffic Control Tower where he oversees the daily operations of one of the busiest airports in the region. His role involves not only managing the current team of controllers but also training the next generation of air traffic professionals. “No two days are the same,” Ryan notes. “I love the unpredictability and the responsibility that comes with making sure everything runs smoothly. It keeps me on my toes, and that’s what I thrive on.”

Reflecting on his education at UNO, Ryan credits the university with providing him the tools needed to succeed in his career. He particularly recalls the impact of Dr. Tarry’s class, which challenged him to push beyond his comfort zone and prepared him for the complexities of the aviation industry. “Dr. Tarry’s class was tough, but in hindsight, it was one of the best things that could’ve happened to me,” Ryan shares. “It taught me to push myself, even when it’s uncomfortable. That’s where real growth happens.”

Today, the aviation industry is facing a significant need for skilled professionals, especially as many current air traffic controllers near mandatory retirement. The FAA is actively seeking to recruit thousands of new air traffic controllers, and the demand for well-prepared graduates is higher than ever. Programs like UNO’s Aviation Institute are crucial in meeting this need, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in various aviation roles. “There’s a huge demand right now,” Ryan says. “We’re looking to hire between 1,500 and 1,800 controllers in the next year or so. The industry is changing fast, but the need for skilled professionals isn’t going away.”

Ryan Stepp’s journey from a young student at UNO to a leader in air traffic control serves as a powerful reminder of the opportunities that education can provide. His story is one of adaptability, commitment, and the pursuit of excellence—a journey that continues to inspire those who aspire to reach new heights in the world of aviation.