Office Hours
By Appointment
Education
BS, Operations Research, United States Air Force Academy
About Me
Jay Heppner brings decades of aviation and leadership experience to the Auburn University School of Aviation. His distinguished flying career began in the United States Air Force, where he piloted multiple aircraft across California, Michigan, Colorado and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He also served in the Army National Guard, where he flew both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.
Following his military service, Heppner was hired by United Airlines, where he flew for 33 years. In addition to his time in the cockpit, he was elected to the United Airlines corporate Board of Directors and served as Chairman of the United Airlines Pilots. In that role, he negotiated pivotal agreements during the merger of United and Continental Airlines. His professional expertise also extends into communications, further strengthening his leadership profile within the aviation industry.
Currently, Heppner serves as Vice President and Director of Operations for XOJET Aviation, a U.S.-based private aviation company and subsidiary of Vista Global. XOJET provides on-demand private jet charters and innovative fixed-price membership programs, offering alternatives to jet cards and fractional ownership.
Heppner resides in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with his wife. He is the proud father of four grown children, including his daughter April, who graduated in 2023 from Auburn’s Professional Flight program.
Courses Taught
AVMG 4040: Business Aviation ManagementÂ