Capitol Tech's Stephen McCaskey, VP of Academic Affairs, Invited to Join Royal Aeronautical Society

Capitol Technology University’s Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Stephen McCaskey, has been invited to become a Fellow with the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS). McCaskey was invited by RAes president, Prof Jonathan Cooper in October 2020. While anyone in the aerospace industry may apply to join the RAeS, select individuals may be specially invited to join the prestigious society.

“In exceptional circumstances, the President of the Society is empowered by the Council to invite senior people in the aerospace community,” states Cooper in his letter to McCaskey, “who are in a position to make a contribution to the activities of the Society, to become Fellows of the Society.”

The RAeS was founded in 1866 and now has over 22,500 members worldwide. The Society is the only professional group dedicated to the aerospace community and “has been at the forefront of developments in aerospace, seeking to promote the highest professional standards and provide a central forum for sharing knowledge,” reports the RAeS website.

The RAeS is responsible for producing AEROSPACE magazine, maintaining the National Aerospace Library (located in the United Kingdom), and offering education through training, conferences, and professional development.

Capitology Blog sat down with Dr. McCaskey to discuss this honor, what it means for CapTech, and the importance of aerospace and aeronautical fields of study.

Q: What did it mean to you to be offered to become a Fellow of the Society?

It was very exciting. I knew that I was submitted as a candidate (by Dr. Ian McAndrew, Dean of Doctoral Programs) but I had no idea what kind of timing or outcome to expect. It was humbling to get a presidential invite. I’m excited to be a part of the world’s oldest aeronautical society.

Q: What does it mean to Cap Tech to be connected to the RAeS?

I think it can be a great promotional tool. We’re getting some aviation degrees off the ground, including a forthcoming new bachelor of science in Aviation Professional Pilot (APP). We also have unmanned and autonomous systems degrees that complement the BS in APP program.

Q: What do you personally hope to get out of the Fellowship?

I’m still waiting to hear what is required or requested of me, but I’m very excited to participate and contribute to the Society.

Q: What advice would you give to students with an interest in aeronautics?

It’s a very up and coming field – especially unmanned systems. We have a stellar program at CapTech with excellent subject matter experts who developed our courses and excellent industry leaders teaching the classes. Cap Tech is well known for STEM degrees and our Capitol Commitment to students. With my 20 years in aviation, I support and encourage study in the field of aviation, aeronautics, and unmanned systems.

Q: What was it like to be in Antarctica?

I went down there three times, five months at a time, October through February (their summer). To experience the sun directly above you 24 hours a day – it’s hard to put into words how it effects every schedule that you have. It was exciting flying down there. We did a lot of open field flights and flew and landed were no one has before. Our primary mission was to support the south pole with cargo flights so they could survive year-round as well as supporting the National Science Foundation.

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

My wife and I enjoy riding our bicycles and golfing. We recently bought a fully restored red 1977 CJ-7 Jeep and enjoy taking it to car shows.

Capitol Tech offers a variety of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in aviation and unmanned systems. For more information, contact admissions@captechu.edu.