Jimmy Splichal has flown helicopters for more than 36 years.
This assistant professor in the professional pilot program at Kansas State University at Salina learned to fly helicopters in the U.S. Army and flew them throughout his 22-year career. Splichal had a combat tour in Vietnam as well as other overseas tours in Germany and Korea. After retiring from the Army in 1992, he began flying as an EMS helicopter pilot at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. He continues to fly as a relief pilot for Life Star of Kansas.
In 2000, Splichal, a native of Munden, Kan., joined K-State at Salina, where he teaches upper-level aviation science courses. He is a Wakonse Fellow and is active in professional development at the Salina campus.
He earned a master of aeronautical science degree and a bachelor of science in professional aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
You can reach Splichal (pronounced SPLI-cal) at 785-826-2986 or by e-mail at splichal@sal.ksu.edu.