by DEBBIE VIHSTADT
Communications Specialist, College of Public Affairs and Community Service
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), his 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, his 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,” Stepp 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,” Stepp said. “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,” Stepp said. “It gave me a deep understanding of the entire aviation ecosystem—from airport operations to airline management. That kind of education is invaluable.”
Stepp 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.
“I was ready to fly for no pay just to get the experience,” Stepp 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. Stepp’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.
Stepp’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, Stepp 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,” he said. “That decision was recognized by the FAA’s Vice President or Air Traffic, and it’s something I’ll never forget.”
In 2021, Stepp 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.
“No two days are the same,” he said. “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.”
Today, the aviation industry is facing a significant need for skilled professionals, especially as many current air traffic controllers are 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,” Stepp said. “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.”
