Eric Crump Named New Director Of Lakeland’s ACE

Eric Crump’s storied history in aviation reaches new heights with his appointment as Director of the Aerospace Center Excellence (ACE), beginning 1 June 2022.

Mr. Crump was founder/director of the Polk State College Aerospace Program in since 2012, and grown the aviation program from scratch to a student body of almost 300. Additionally, he was the driving force behind making Polk State College in Florida the first to offer a BS degree in Aerospace Sciences.

Mr. Crump’s aviation adventures include a stint as corporate pilot, Aviation Content Manager and Chief Instructor for Gleim Publications (them of the bright red ground school books), and Chief Ground Instructor with Middle Tennessee State University. As a long-time teacher, flight instructor, and curriculum designer, his skills and experience to date will translate to his new role. Furthermore, since 2008, he has experienced SnF from all directions; as exhibitor, sponsor, and volunteer.

He is an active member of the FAA Airmen Certification Standards (ACS) working group, and co-chairs the Central Florida Aerospace Education Consortium. You would be forgiven for thinking of Sun n Fun (SnF) as this facility sits on Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL) grounds, and is the space where youth-oriented activities were conducted during the SnF events. Gene Conrad, newly appointed President and CEO of SnF also oversees ACE operations.

FMI: https://flysnf.org, https://aceedu.aero