Aims Community College Aviation Professor William Standerfer will be inducted into the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame next month, recognizing his decades of contributions to flight safety, education and community service.
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Aims Aviation Professor William Standerfer Inducted into Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame
September 18, 2025
Professor William Standerfer at the Aims Flight Training Center, the plane in the photo was named after him, signified by his initials.
The Colorado Aviation Historical Society created the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame in 1969. Since its establishment, over 150 pioneers in aviation have been honored. The 2025 awards ceremony will honor three distinguished individuals on October 18, including Standerfer.
Impressive Aviation Career
Standerfer began flying in 1970. His aviation career reflects a lifelong dedication to flying, safety, education and service to the community. Alongside his wife, who is also a pilot, he has logged thousands of hours in the air, primarily in Colorado.
“Flying has been part of my life for 55 years,” Standerfer said. “I’ve been fortunate to teach and share my passion with so many students here at Aims and through community service. Being recognized in the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame is truly an honor.”
Standerfer has 30 years of experience as an electrical engineer at Hewlett-Packard and Agilent Technologies, retiring in 2011. He has also taught pilots since 1993. Standerfer has been a driving force behind the Colorado Pilots Association’s renowned Mountain Flying Course, helping countless aviators develop the skills to navigate Colorado’s challenging terrain. He has worked as a Professor in the Aims Aviation department for the past 13 years.
His contributions extend to statewide and nationwide programs, including his work with the Colorado Division of Aeronautics to install weather cameras in mountain passes and publish visual flight rule waypoints for major peaks on sectional charts. These critical tools enhance flight safety for all aviators. Standerfer’s journey also includes decades of service with the Civil Air Patrol, conducting search-and-rescue operations and supporting regional emergency response missions.
Since the early 1990s, Standerfer has been an FAA Safety Counselor and Lead Representative. In 2024, the FAA honored Standerfer with the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award.
At Aims, faculty and staff credit Professor Standerfer with shaping the culture of aviation education. “His legacy of teaching, safety advocacy, and volunteer service has had a lasting impact on student pilots and certified pilots across Colorado and the United States,” said Eric Himler, Executive Director of Aviation Programs at Aims. “The Aviation department is a better place with Professor Standerfer serving his students.”
Study Aviation at Aims Community College
Aims designs its programs to serve the needs of Northern Colorado’s growing aviation sector. Aviation students train for careers in piloting, air traffic control, aircraft maintenance and drone operations. Integrating hands-on training, industry partnerships and a focus on technical excellence positions Aims as the region's leading hub for aviation education. Learn more at aims.co/aviation.
