Reaching New Heights with an Aeronautical Science Degree

Born in Houston, Texas, Arthur Clarke’s (’24) interest in aviation started when he moved overseas to Clonmel, Ireland, where he grew up and traveled often. As he reflects on his journey, he can't help but smile while thinking of his favorite childhood memories that revolved around memorable flights. 

“On these flights, I loved feeling the thrust of the engines powering us down the runway, the slight weightless feeling as we lifted off, looking out the window into the distance and watching as the aircraft dipped in and out of clouds,” he said. “Being in this environment and atmosphere led to a longing curiosity, and inevitably, a passion."

Clarke is pursuing a B.S. in Aeronautical Science with a minor in Human Factors at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University due to his passion for aviation, safety, decision making and more.

Pursuit of Flight

Clarke’s early fascination with flight led him to earn his private pilot license before stepping foot on the Daytona Beach Campus. By coming to Embry‑Riddle, he was able to enhance his qualifications, boost his credentials, expand his network and connect with other students who share the same passion for aviation.

“I knew I wanted to continue my education and to pursue flight at the highest level. Earning a degree in Aeronautical Science was the clear choice,” he said. “As a first-generation aviator, Embry‑Riddle’s reputation in aviation was known even at my small flight school outside Houston, Texas, which led to my application.”

When Clarke arrived on campus, he faced some challenges within the first few months that made him question whether he had made the right decision.

“Overcoming those initial challenges and pushing myself out of my comfort zone led to significant personal and academic growth,” he said. “Looking back, I can confidently say that my university experience has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m so glad I stuck with it!”

He shared, “Embry‑Riddle has the most resources, best aircraft, a beautiful campus and amazing weather — making it the perfect combination for a great college experience.”

Elevating Experience 

Since then, Clarke has immersed himself in various on-campus clubs and organizations while exploring extracurriculars, providing him with an instant community and opening doors to the endless opportunities at Embry‑Riddle and beyond. 

“I serve as the Vice President of the Aviation Safety Advisory Council (ASAC), and I’m a member of Alpha Omicron Alpha (AOA)... I’m also active in intramural soccer and volleyball,” he said. “Interacting and connecting with others is my favorite part of being involved on campus. This is Embry‑Riddle's strength: a diverse group unified by a love for the skies.” 

Additionally, Clarke is an active member of the Central Florida Business Aviation Association (CFBAA), which is an off-campus organization that empowers the local and regional business aviation community by providing a platform to network, educate and engage within the community.  

He even dedicates time to the Embry‑Riddle Aviation Safety Department and works as an analyst and investigator focusing on procedural and regulatory compliance, corporate remediation, SMS/RMS implementation and more.  

Outside of the classroom, Clarke is a nature enthusiast and an avid reader, and he enjoys spending his free time at the beach. His love for exploration extends beyond the skies, as he finds equal delight in diving into the depths through scuba diving and uncovering its wonders. 

“I love the outdoors. I scuba dive, skydive, hike and play soccer,” he said. “The technical demands of flying cause me to have an appreciation for the outdoors, which I use as a balance to my professional life.” 

Internship Experience

Clarke’s first internship was with Tidal Aviation, a Part 135 charter where he focused on customer experience, technical analysis, complete aircraft detailing and ground equipment operation.

“Tidal Aviation’s hangar was next door to my local flight school. Every day, I would drive past and see their clean and shiny aircraft, and I knew I wanted to be a part of their success. I walked in the front door and convinced their maintenance director to give me a shot,” he said. “My key takeaway is that whenever you are trying to determine the quality of a business, look at the floors – if they’re clean, the company focuses on the small details, which leads to much safer aviation.”

Clarke’s last internship was with Mesa Airlines as a Flight Operations Intern. Throughout his experience, he focused on flight monitoring, procedure compliance, data analysis, greeting aircraft and ensuring crew satisfaction while working directly with the vice president of InFlight.

“In this internship, I learned the value of people... An airline does not work if the entire team isn’t on the same page. From dispatchers to ground crew to cleaners to administration to flight crews,” he said. “This applies to every interaction in our life; if the team is not on the same page, success will not occur, especially on the flight deck.” 

Arthur found immense success through his internship opportunities, which have only expanded his knowledge and expertise in the aviation industry.

Opportunity Awaits

As Clarke nears the end of his final semester at Embry‑Riddle, he reflects on his accomplishments and the people who have supported him throughout his academic and career journey. 

“My greatest academic accomplishments have been maintaining a 4.0 GPA, being accepted into AOA and being acknowledged through Embry‑Riddle's closed-door networking opportunities and invitations,” he said. “As my passion is aviation, I want to succeed in as many ways as possible, and seeing quantifiable indicators that I am succeeding makes me proud of not only myself but also the university that has backed me throughout my college career.” 

Clarke gives credit to his family’s and friend’s unwavering encouragement and high expectations, as they have been instrumental in propelling him through his journey.  

“I have a lot of people who inspire me. From my parents, who taught me to chase my dreams early on, to those who challenge me daily,” he said. “Even walking through the campus at Embry‑Riddle, you can’t help but be inspired by the generations of aviation professionals and dreamers who have walked in the same steps as we do now.”

Advice for Future Eagles 

As Clarke propels into his future in aviation, he hopes to fly corporately, serve as a leader inside and out of the cockpit and excel in leadership positions in safety or business development. But before doing so, he’s leaving behind a piece of advice for the Eagles of Embry‑Riddle. 

“You have to put in effort. The more time you dedicate to aviation, the more rewarding it becomes,” he said. “I live by this quote: ‘Sometimes you have to run before you can walk,’ which applies to aviation through dedication and perseverance.”