James Birdsong

James Birdsong is an Associate Professor and Delta Air Lines Endowed Interim School Director at Auburn University’s School of Aviation, College of Engineering. He oversees teaching, research, and outreach for the aviation program while instructing junior and senior-level courses in aviation economics and global aviation.

• Principal Investigator for FAA’s Technical Training and Human Performance Center of Excellence (TTHP COE)
• Member of TTHP COE executive leadership committee
• 20-year US Air Force veteran with experience as a C-130 pilot, staff officer, and academic instructor

Birdsong’s research focuses on aviation economics, technical training, and human performance in aviation systems. His work addresses strategic planning, safety, and international aviation challenges through partnerships like the FAA’s TTHP COE.

His career spans finance, operations, safety, and systems acquisition roles in aviation, complemented by international experience and education from the US Air Force Academy, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Auburn University.