College of Aeronautics Alumni Awardees

Michael “Mike” Hines ’87 graduated from Florida Tech’s College of Aeronautics with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management and has built a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades in the aviation industry.

Hines began his professional journey with HNTB, a leading engineering, architecture and planning firm, where he spent several years planning and designing airports throughout South Florida. Based in Miami, he worked extensively with the Miami-Dade Aviation Department on projects at Miami International Airport and other regional facilities.

In the mid-1990s, Hines returned to his hometown of Alexandria, Virginia, joining HNTB’s Center of Aviation Excellence. As a senior planner, he led and supported aviation planning initiatives at large- and medium-hub airports across the United States, helping shape long-term development strategies for some of the nation’s busiest aviation facilities.

His expertise in airport planning led to an opportunity with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), the organization responsible for operating Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Joining MWAA as an airport and airspace planner within the Office of Engineering, Hines steadily advanced through the organization and was eventually named manager of the Planning Division.

In that role, he oversaw the Capital Improvement Program for both airports and played a key role in significant infrastructure and safety projects. His contributions earned him MWAA’s prestigious Presidential Award for successfully implementing Runway End Safety Area improvements at Reagan National Airport.

In 2015, Hines joined the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), where he currently serves as manager of the Planning and Environment Division within the Office of Airports.

In this leadership role, he provides national policy, guidance and oversight to nine regional offices and 22 district offices that support more than 3,200 airports throughout the National Airspace System. Through his work, Hines continues to help shape the future of aviation infrastructure, safety and airport development across the United States.