Our Mission Statement
The Aeronautical Center of Technology’s (ACT) mission is to immerse students in aviation, aerospace, and engineering disciplines. Our objective is to provide students with the vital knowledge and skills that will lead them to success in the aviation industry. We are specifically seeking students of underserved populations and students who currently do not have an aerospace curriculum in their school.
Erwin Salazar
ACT Director/Aviation Operations Instructor
Erwin Salazar
ACT Director/Aviation Operations Instructor
A Message from Our Director
Dear Future Aviators and Aviation Explorers,
Welcome to the ACT! As the director of our program, I'm excited to share a message with you, the future leaders of our industry.
The sky is not the limit—it's just the beginning. Every day, we're discovering new horizons, pushing boundaries, and reaching for the stars. And you, the next generation of innovators, are at the heart of this journey.
From building rockets that soar to designing planes that zip through the clouds, the possibilities are endless. But more than that, it's about dreaming big, believing in yourself, and never giving up, even when challenges arise. Here at the ACT I can promise you that we will help discover your passion and define your future path.
About the ACT
In November 2019, we began construction on a new building, the Aeronautical Center of Technology (ACT). The ACT is the future of elite STEM education through aviation and engineering. With hands-on learning areas, STEM pilot training stations, classrooms, hangar space where students will build an airplane, the ACT will provide the foundation for a career in aviation.
We are also proud to be in close partnership with the Tuskegee Airmen (Indianapolis Chapter). This national organization continues the legacy and perseverance of the first all-black squadron in World War Two by inspiring and encouraging young people of color to pursue aviation careers.
Meet Our Team
Take a minute to learn a bit about each one of our leadership team.
We are operating 100% completely by volunteers and we are grateful for each one of them and their contributions. Together, we are committed to providing the highest quality aviation education and helping our students achieve their dreams.
Erwin Salazar
Erwin is a lifelong aviation enthusiast. He holds a B.S. in aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
After college he joined the USAF and became an Air Traffic Controller serving in Spain and Texas. In 1991 he continued his controller career in the FAA retiring from Indy ARTCC in 2017. He has been certified in tower, approach control and enroute centers.
He is also a certified aviation weather observer and UAS pilot. Since retirement he has worked as both an adjunct aviation professor at Ivy Tech and a Senior Aviation Training Analyst for various contractors.
ACT Director/Aviation Operations Instructor
Roger Tomey
Mr. Tomey is a Private Pilot. He obtained a degree in Labor Relations from Indiana University. He is also the cofounder and founding President of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 1354. He is the former director of Indiana Aerospace Senior High School. He is a retired manager of CSX Transportation Corporation.
President of Board of Directors
USAF, AGI, UASI
Alan Gluff
1st Lieutenant 101st Airborne, Certified Electrician, Experienced Aircraft builder, Co-Founder EAA Chapter 1354, Adjunct Professor at Ivy Tech Community College.
Aircraft Engineering and Construction Lead
Dr. Pingnan Shi
PhD Electrical Engineering, Masters in Mathematics, Author, Founder of Micro School
Technical Mathematics & 3D Printing Instructor
Greg Hill
Mr. Hill has a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering/Computer Science from Purdue University. He is a Private Pilot and the current President of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 1354. Member of the National Rocket Association. He was a design engineer for National Semiconductor Corporation.
Rocketry & Launch Systems Instructor
Adam French
Mr. French is a Senior Airport Planner for a civil engineering and design company. He has a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Administration from Indiana State University and a Master of Public Administration from Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis. Mr. French is also an active pilot holding private, instrument, and commercial flight certificates as well as a remote (UAS) pilot certificate.
UAS Systems Instructor
Dave Gardea
Mr. Gardea has a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from California State Polytechnic University. He is a Private Pilot and builder of an aircraft from a kit that he has been flying around the Midwest for the past 14 years. He enjoys working with the young people enrolled in the ACT Aircraft Build Club and teaching those hands-on skills involved in aircraft construction.
Airplane Build Instructor & Website Manager
Our Valued Partners
