Michael William Mower

Michael William Mower is a distinguished figure in the aviation community of Cedar City, Utah, where he serves as the Executive Director and Chief Flight Instructor for Southern Utah University (SUU) Aviation. A veteran of the United States Air Force, Mower’s path to aviation leadership was built on a foundation of military discipline and a transitioned focus to civilian flight education. He founded the SUU aviation program in 2013, growing it from a small startup into one of the nation’s largest collegiate helicopter training programs. His work has been instrumental in making Cedar City Regional Airport one of the busiest in the state, directly supporting regional search and rescue and aerial law enforcement operations.

As an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) specializing in helicopters, Mower is a vital link in the certification process for rotor-wing pilots within the Salt Lake City FSDO jurisdiction. He is one of the few pilots in the country trained in advanced helicopter aerobatics, having studied under the legendary Chuck Aaron. Beyond instruction and examination, Mower is a recognized advocate for aviation safety and regulatory reform; he successfully lobbied for federal legislation signed in 2018 that modernized aircraft maintenance training. His career is marked by a rigorous focus on safety culture, risk management, and the professional development of the next generation of aviators.