Meet NextGen Aviation Engineer: Ryan Hanson
A Leader in the Next Generation of Airport Designers and Engineers
Meet Ryan Hanson, who was named to Airport Business magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2024. Hanson is a versatile resource for his clients, with a diverse design and construction resume that includes new and rehabilitated runways and taxiways, airport terminals, airfield lighting, military airfields and hangars. In this Q&A, he shares his career journey, reflects on memorable projects and offers advice to those entering the aviation engineering industry:
Q: What led you to an engineering career in aviation today?
A: To be honest, I didn't initially consider aviation design and engineering. While in school, I was focused on a career in roadway design, and I started working with the roadway group in my firm supporting site development and Department of Transportation (DOT) projects. However, my first long-term project involved leading the computer-aided design (CAD) for the full-depth replacement of a parallel taxiway at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. This taxiway would serve the new Air Force One, and the project required complex phasing near the presidential hangar. In the course of dedicating several years to the project, I found airfield design to be a unique, exciting niche. I immersed myself in the world of aviation and have continued to grow in the field ever since.
Q: As someone recently recognized by Airport Business as a top leader under 40, what do you believe is the key to your personal success?
A: I've never been afraid to push boundaries and introduce creative ways to deliver high-impact projects. I actively seek opportunities to apply advancements in aviation design, engineering and construction, including innovative pavement rehabilitation treatments, unmanned-aerial-systems-based pavement inspections, and vertiports. Currently, I’m collaborating with our data acquisition team to create an approach for gathering pavement condition data using drones, with a focus on safety. Adapting these methods will allow our team to save time and deliver consistent and well-documented inspections. The resources and reputation we have equipped me with the tools and opportunities to be a leader in the industry.
Q: Do you have a recent accomplishment that you are proud of?
A: Over the past five years, I've led the planning and design phases of a replacement passenger terminal for a small regional airport in Nebraska. Initially, the airport considered the project impossible due to high costs and limited federal funding opportunities for airports of their size. However, with the help of the funding laws passed during and after the pandemic, we found new avenues to secure federal funds. Through hard work and persistence, we secured about $24 million in federal funding for the $30 million project, including a little over $14 million in competitive, discretionary grants. Construction is underway, and I am excited to celebrate the terminal opening in spring 2026.
Q. As an aviation engineering consultant, what emerging technologies and innovations are you most excited about for the future of airport planning, design, construction or operation?
A: Drone are showing their value in military aviation, and we are nearing the introduction of Federal Aviation Administration-certified electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. During this period of innovation and development, each airframe presents unique requirements. However, infrastructure requirements extend well beyond pavement and charging stations. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to deliver advanced, secure command and control systems and detect and avoid capabilities. I look forward to continuing our partnership with airports and federal agencies to implement the next generation of air travel and defense.
Q. What advice would you give to someone entering the aviation architecture/engineering/consulting industry today?
A: Like most students, I didn't graduate from engineering school with a focus on an aviation career. But I came to enjoy applying what I learned in my transportation design courses to airfield design. As my career progressed, I’ve had the chance to take on leadership roles at my firm and contribute to impactful projects worldwide. I encourage you to take advantage of opportunities to work on aviation projects; you might discover an exciting way to apply the skills you’ve learned from other career paths.
