Michael Kroes is an aviation practitioner and educator and has more than 35 years of experience in the field. He holds or has held several FAA certifications, including an Airframe & Powerplant Certificate, Inspection Authorization, Designated Mechanic Examiner, Designated Engineering Authority, and a Commercial Pilot's License. Professor Kroes has worked for some of the top aviation companies, including Raytheon and Allied Signal, and spent 25 years as a professor and Department Head at Purdue University. Recognized as a leading expert on FAA technician certification, he authored a comprehensive study funded by the FAA. This study was used to develop new FAA technician certification content and guidelines.
Dr. Ronald Sterkenburg is a professor at the Aviation Technology Department at Purdue University. He is a certificated Airframe & Powerplant mechanic (A & P), holds an Inspector Authorization (IA), and performs the duties as a Designated Mechanic Examiner. Dr. Sterkenburg's main research interests are in advanced composite materials for aerospace vehicles. He has published many articles, book chapters, and books on all types of aviation maintenance topics.