Jaehyun Kim’s path to becoming a lecturer in the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s aviation program spans continents and career fields.
Originally from Busan, South Korea, he moved to West Sacramento, California, in 2006 as an exchange student, which gave him a taste of the U.S. The following year, he moved to Central City to attend Nebraska Christian High School.
“Moving from Busan, South Korea, a harbor and beach city of 3.5 million people, to a rural town surrounded by cornfield over cornfield was a major change,” Kim said. “But at the same time, Nebraska was peaceful. Everyone in Nebraska was really kind and the teachers looked after us like guardians or even parents. Looking back, I felt fully protected and cared for by them. It gave me a strong sense of safety and a quiet environment to grow.”
Kim stayed in central Nebraska to continue his education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in aviation systems management with an emphasis in flight operations from UNK and a master’s in curriculum and instruction from York University.
His professional experience includes military service as an aircraft mechanic, work as a certified flight instructor and teaching high school aviation. Now back at UNK as an aviation lecturer, Kim brings a mix of technical expertise and teaching experience to help prepare students for a wide range of careers in the aviation industry.
Why did you want to become a pilot?
My heart was originally set on fire with the coolness of the fighter pilot from “Top Gun.” I also fell in love with the sky, especially during sunsets and sunrises. The Nebraska sky is one of the great God-given beauties. I also love that the cockpit is your workstation and office.
Why did you decide to become an aviation instructor?
I wanted to pass along what I learned from UNK aviation, which requires students to earn a commercial pilot certificate. I also wanted to learn more about aeronautics through teaching. After I graduated, I became a certified flight instructor and was a flight instructor at Kearney Regional Airport.
After the global pandemic, I shifted to working as an aviation instructor at Grand Island Senior High School. It was an exciting opportunity to help young students get their first exposure to aviation and inspire them to seek careers in flight. At first, many students chose the course because aviation sounded cool. But once they realized I was a certified flight instructor, they became more engaged and started gaining real aeronautical knowledge in the classroom. They also obtained hands-on flight experience using the Redbird MCX, a full-motion advanced aviation training device. Some students were so inspired that they went on to pursue aviation degrees in college or enrolled in flight schools. It was rewarding to see that spark turn into a serious passion for aviation.
Then when I learned that the UNK aviation program was looking for a faculty member, I wanted to teach future aviators on my home ground. I began in fall 2024.
What other aviation experience do you have?
I served the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) for my national defense duty from 2010-13 as a hydraulic mechanic in my hometown. I worked with the noncommissioned officers to aid their scheduled and nonscheduled maintenance on C-130H Hercules and CN-235, learning the systems of the aircraft. It was a demanding role that pushed me to grow in technical precision, responsibility and teamwork. I gained confidence working under pressure and developed a deeper understanding of how system reliability affects flight safety and mission success.
Later, I was asked to assist the quality control department as an English interpreter during Korea’s upgrade of the C-130 fleet. The ROKAF was working with the U.S. Marine Corps, which already had experience with the upgraded model. I helped interpret technical manuals and facilitate communication during that collaboration. It was a meaningful learning opportunity. I strengthened my technical language skills and gained insight into how international military cooperation works in real-world aviation projects. That experience helped broaden my understanding and gave me the confidence to work across both cultural and technical boundaries.
What skills do you teach aviation students at UNK?
We teach aviation students not only the aeronautical knowledge and flight skills, but also the aeronautical decision-making skills. We want to let students leave the nest when it’s their time. While they are in our safe environment, making mistakes and learning how to make decision after decision in a variety of circumstances, ranging from normal to emergencies, I try to teach them how to make the best course of action with systematic approaches.
Additionally, I help them learn how to work with others. The aviation industry runs with multiple roles to make one flight happen. I teach students to learn how to use resources by networking with peers and upperclassmen.
What do you enjoy about teaching aviation?
I enjoy teaching aviation because I get to share what I love. This is a special privilege to see that students have the same enthusiasm and dream that I had. I get to help guide and teach them to fulfill their dreams safely. I also get to enjoy the atmosphere when I fly with them.
What careers do you prepare them for?
I prepare students for any aviator’s job that they pursue. The majority of students only imagine being an airline transport pilot for commercial airlines or the military. They can discover that there are more aviation jobs out there – cargo, executive jets, agricultural, aerial firefighting operations and more. Through the aviation management emphasis students can expect to exercise leadership roles in areas such as airport management, flight safety, air traffic control, aviation law and aviation human factors.
As a pilot, where is your favorite place to fly?
I like to fly in metropolitan cities. It gives me a similar atmosphere to my hometown. A mixture of skyscrapers and terrain allows my eyes to enjoy the view. Kansas City Downtown/Wheeler Field is one of my favorite airports that I have flown into. Also, pilots get to borrow a courtesy car from the fixed-based operator with the purchase of aviation fuel, so I try to explore the city with local food such as Kansas City barbecue!
One day, I’d like to fly to the New York area to visit.
Share something unique about yourself:
I love activities, including all winter, summer and year-round sports. My favorite winter activities are snowboarding and skiing, then enjoying the hot spring afterward. Being born in a seaside city, I feel at home spending time around the beach, from simply enjoying the waves on shore to scuba diving or waterboarding out in the ocean.
I just got married in March 2025, and we are excited to enjoy camping out in the national parks and hiking mountains.
I am a foodie from all around the world. I enjoy cooking dishes from my hometown, sharing food with people and discovering different dishes from traveling.
