GOLD Ad Astra Alumni Award

Bio

Warren Pittorie '15, '18, & '22 Ph.D., is a former faculty member of Florida Tech and a current first officer in the commercial aviation industry.

Pittorie began his journey at Florida Tech in the fall of 2012 as a flight student at the College of Aeronautics. Throughout his time as an undergraduate and graduate student, Pittorie held several campus leadership positions: resident director of Roberts Hall and Harris Village, president of the Student Government Association, president of the Interfraternity Council, and a student ambassador for the Undergraduate Admissions Department. 

Warren was a proud member of his fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega, for six and a half years, and served as chapter president for one semester.

In 2015, Pittorie became a part-time flight instructor at Florida Tech Aviation, a position he continues to hold to this day. Pittorie specialized in advanced flight courses, such as multi-engine, tailwheel, and basic aerobatics. 

Towards the latter half of Pittorie’s graduate program, he became involved in several funded research projects and worked alongside graduate faculty at the College of Aeronautics. This led to his enrollment in the college’s doctoral program, as well as an offer to join the College of Aeronautics as a faculty member. 

Pittorie accepted and began a 5-year tenure at the college, earning his Ph.D. in 2022 and a promotion to assistant professor the same year.

As a faculty member, Pittorie taught several undergraduate classes in aviation technology and human factors. 

Pittorie was appointed the flight education chair in 2020, which required him to oversee the college’s FAA-approved Part 141 ground school program.

In addition, Pittorie was tasked with starting and maintaining pathway programs with industry partners such as United Airlines and JetBlue. 

Pittorie returns to campus as often as possible to volunteer as a guest lecturer and to serve as a resource to current and former aviation students. 

As a three-time Florida Tech alumnus, Pittorie currently serves as an executive member of the university’s Alumni Association Board of Directors, as well as a member of the College of Aeronautics Advisory Board.

In the spring of 2023, Pittorie departed Florida Tech after five years as a faculty member.  He used the FAA certifications and aviation experience he gained as a student and entered the commercial airline industry. 

He earned his type rating on the Boeing 737 in 2024 and now serves as a first officer for a U.S. airline. 

As a commercial pilot and aircraft owner/operator, Pittorie is an active member of several working groups, with a focus on the promotion of aviation safety.

It is Pittorie’s long-term goal to continue to gain valuable experience within the commercial aviation industry and to bring this experience back to Florida Tech in the form of time, talent, and treasure.