From aerobatics to education: Alison Adams' journey in flight

Growing up around airplanes, Adams was immersed in aviation from an early age. Her father was constantly building aircraft, and the family operated from a small grass airstrip near their home. She began flying at 15, soloed on her 16th birthday, and earned her private pilot certificate at 17.

Her aviation journey eventually led her into the world of aerobatics. While attending college, Adams learned aerobatic flying in her family's Christen Eagle aircraft and quickly developed a passion for the sport. As she advanced through aerobatic competition, she earned her instrument, commercial, flight instructor, and multi-engine ratings. She later instructed aerobatics at Harvey & Rihn Aviation in Texas under the mentorship of renowned aerobatic pilot and three-time National Aerobatic Champion Debby Rihn-Harvey.

Today, Adams combines her love for aviation and education as an instructor at the UNO Aviation Institute. She says the most rewarding part of teaching is watching students succeed.

In addition to teaching, Adams serves as a coach for the UNO Maverick Flight Team. This year, she helped guide the team to one of its most successful seasons, including three individual national champions and a top-10 finish at the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) National Competition.

“Celebrating the success of the Maverick Flight Team at nationals was one of the highlights of my professional year,” Adams said. “Any time a student celebrates a success, it is a joy that I carry as well.”

Outside the classroom and flight line, Adams is currently leading innovative research focused on pilot and astronaut stress management. Working alongside a Harvard physician and researcher, she is studying whether stress can be effectively managed through the microbiome using UNO’s Redbird simulator. The project is funded through NASA Nebraska and aims to improve health and performance for pilots and astronauts.

In addition to her aviation research, Adams is helping preserve aviation history through her work with The Ninety-Nines, the international organization of women pilots. She is researching and compiling information about the organization's original charter members, whose contributions helped pave the way for future generations of women in aviation. The organization was founded in 1929 by 99 female pilots, including aviation icons Amelia Earhart, Louise Thaden, and Ruth Elder.

For students entering the aviation industry, Adams emphasizes the importance of professionalism and reputation.

“The aviation community is a very small world,” she said. “Your work ethic, dedication to safety, and ability to work effectively with others will follow you throughout your career.”

When she is not teaching, coaching, or conducting research, Adams enjoys spending time with her children and her two-year-old grandson, Sterling, while sharing her love of aviation with the next generation. She is also a talented musician who plays the piano, French horn, and trumpet and enjoys singing whenever she finds the time.