Kansas State University Salina Appoints Levi Unruh as Executive Director of Flight Operations

Kansas, USA – Kansas State University Salina has appointed Levi Unruh as Executive Director of Flight Operations and Chief Flight Instructor for its professional pilot program, expanding his leadership responsibilities across regulatory compliance and day-to-day flight operations. 

• K-State’s professional pilot bachelor’s degree operates under FAA Part 141 and allows qualifying students to pursue a Restricted ATP certificate at 1,000 or 1,250 flight hours, depending on their academic pathway.
• The university’s Salina flight operation uses Cessna 172s for primary training, Piper Seminoles for multi-engine training and Super Decathlons for upset-recovery instruction, supported by Redbird and L3Harris flight training devices. K-State currently describes the wider professional pilot training inventory as more than 30 aircraft and flight training devices.
• K-State also operates five Cirrus SR20 aircraft at New Century AirCenter in Gardner, Kansas, where students can complete Part 141 professional pilot training and separate Part 61 advanced flight training.
• In February 2026, K-State Salina joined Delta Air Lines’ Propel Career Path Program. Eligible students who complete their flight training and subsequently instruct as CFIs can apply for a conditional employment pathway through Delta subsidiary Endeavor Air.

Learn more about Kansas State University Salina or connect with Levi Unruh via his LinkedIn profile here.

Source: Levi Unruh (Kansas State University Salina)