/news News from the University of Hawaii Fri, 05 Dec 2025 20:21:58 +0000 en-US hourly 1 /news/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cropped-UHNews512-1-32x32.jpg /news 32 32 28449828 /news/2025/12/02/uh-hilo-aeronautical-science-alum/ Tue, 02 Dec 2025 23:48:54 +0000 /news/?p=226309 UH Hilo alumna Aislynn Mandaloniz has reached 1,500 flight hours, qualifying her to fly commercial jets.

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Aislynn Mandaloniz just reached a milestone every pilot works toward: 1,500 flight hours. The achievement now qualifies the University of �鶹��ý at Hilo alumna to fly commercial jets and marks a major step forward in her aviation career.

For Mandaloniz, it marks another first. She was the first woman from UH Hilo’s aeronautics program to complete flight training and earn her pilot’s license.

“I’m thankful for my time at UH Hilo, providing me with the ground knowledge of aviation and preparing me for the rigorous schooling I had up ahead to later land my first job as a commercial pilot, and now being able to move on to fly jets!” she said.

Pushing higher

Mandaloniz was born and raised in Hilo and graduated from Waiākea High School in 2020. She interned at Hilo International Airport with the Air Traffic Control team before enrolling in the program. She finished her bachelor’s degree in just three years.

After graduation, she trained at Lift Academy on the U.S. continent. There, she spent long days in the air and long nights studying. That discipline pushed her to the 1,500-hour mark, a level that opens doors to larger aircraft and major airlines.

“If you are seeking a career, make sure this is something you truly want to do for the rest of your life,” she said. “Aviation is hard, but it is far worth it. It requires enormous amounts of self-discipline, but the end result is immeasurable.”

Mandaloniz hopes her path shows other students what’s possible. She knows the road is demanding. She also knows the payoff is worth it. And she’s just getting started.

For more on Mandaloniz’s journey go to .

—By Susan Enright

The post UH Hilo aeronautical science alum blazes trail in aviation first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]> 226309 /news/2023/05/26/uh-hilo-aeronautical-science-first-graduates/ Fri, 26 May 2023 20:13:48 +0000 /news/?p=178262 After being on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, UH Hilo’s new aeronautical science program is again accepting applications.

The post UH Hilo aeronautical science celebrates first graduates first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]> Reading time: 2 minutes

This spring, celebrated its first two graduates from the (AERS). David Freedman and Trek Tanabe completed all requirements, and senior Kiana Burgher has just a few more credits to go. All three participated in commencement on May 13.

The program hosted a wrap party in May attended by students, instructors, Chancellor Bonnie Irwin and former U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele, an adjunct faculty member who has been a champion of AERS.

The program is once again accepting applications for the fall semester after being on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s so exciting to see some of our students cross the finish line and to be able to start admitting students again to this promising program,” Irwin said.

Aeronautical science takes flight

The bachelor of science in aeronautical science is being offered provisionally beginning in fall 2023—meaning that final steps need to be taken in order to reach full accreditation.

“We are very excited to be offering a pathway to a professional aviation career while earning a bachelor’s degree at UH Hilo,” said Marc Steinhilber, a lecturer in aeronautical science. “We have two pathways in our aeronautical science program. The pilot pathway is the first step in an exciting and lucrative career as an airline pilot. We also have an aerial information technology pathway leading to professional certification as a commercial drone operator.”

For students currently in other programs at the university who may be interested in becoming a pilot or operating unmanned drones, freshman level AERS courses will be offered again during the 2023–24 academic year, and students enrolled at UH Hilo will be able to change their majors during the fall semester. Future incoming students (fall 2024 and beyond) will be able to declare AERS as their major at the time of application to UH Hilo.

For more information, contact Steinhilber at or (808) 932-7341.

To read more, visit .

—By Susan Enright

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