Behind the Takeoff with Chris Sundly

Chris Sundly, Airside Operations Manager – Safety Management System (SMS) joined the AUS team in 2023 as an Airport Duty Manager and quickly transitioned to his current role in 2024, in which he is helping redefine airport safety and efficiency. With a fascinating aviation journey and a wealth of experience, Sundly is an invaluable asset to the AUS team.

From Fall Creek Cricket to Aviation Leader

Sundly’s story begins in Fall Creek, Wisconsin, where he grew up as a sports enthusiast and aviation aficionado. He recalls his high school days fondly, joking, “My high school mascot was the ‘Crickets,’ so yes, I was a Fall Creek Cricket.” Beyond his school pride, Sundly’s love for aviation started early. With a neighbor who owned a helicopter for his farm, Sundly got his first taste of aviation. “My neighbor would give me rides whenever I asked, and I was hooked,” he shared.

Sundly’s passion grew as he traveled with his family and attended the annual air show at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the largest in the world. These experiences inspired him to pursue a career in aviation, which led him to enroll at the University of North Dakota (UND), one of the top aviation schools globally. While at UND, Sundly decided to shift his focus from becoming a professional pilot to exploring the business side of aviation.

Crafting a Unique Career in Aviation

Sundly’s aviation journey is anything but conventional. He started working at a fixed-based operator (FBO), where he fueled and moved aircraft while completing his undergraduate degree. “It was hands-on work that gave me a deep understanding of the industry,” he explained. From there, he climbed the ranks, taking on roles such as airport operations specialist, supervisor, terminal manager, and compliance manager across six commercial service airports in the U.S.

Along the way, Sundly continued his education, earning an MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2022. “I’ve taken the path less traveled compared to others in the industry, but it’s given me a wealth of diverse experiences that prepared me for where I am today,” he shared. Each step in his career has added to his expertise, culminating in his current leadership role at AUS.

Building a Safer Airport with SMS

As the first Airside Operations Manager for SMS at AUS, Sundly is leading the charge in implementing a comprehensive Safety Management System. SMS is a proactive framework designed to identify, assess, and mitigate risks to ensure the safety of all airport stakeholders. This program is now a requirement for many U.S. airports under new FAA regulations.

“The purpose of the Safety Management System at AUS is to better track, plan, improve, and collect data on safety,” Sundly explained. “This helps us mitigate risks, educate stakeholders, and ensure a safe experience for travelers.”

The SMS program not only enhances safety but also promotes collaboration among airport divisions and stakeholders. Sundly emphasized the far-reaching benefits: “As we identify and mitigate risks, it can save stakeholders money, improve the traveling experience, and maximize the safety culture of the airport.”

Sundly’s role as SMS Manager differs significantly from his previous position as Airport Duty Manager. “As a Duty Manager, my focus was on the day-to-day operations of the terminal and ensuring everything ran smoothly. It required quick decision-making and constant problem-solving,” he explained.

In his current role, Sundly’s responsibilities are more strategic. “SMS is about long-term planning and building a safety culture,” he said. “It’s exciting because SMS is new for everyone, including the FAA, so we’re creating something that’s never been done before. It’s a challenge, but also incredibly rewarding.”

Sundly’s collaborative approach has been key to his success. He works closely with airside operations, maintenance teams, and other divisions to ensure that safety remains a top priority across the airport. “Our team on the front lines provides invaluable insights, and their feedback helps shape our safety initiatives,” he noted.

Achieving the Prestigious AAE Designation

In 2024, Sundly reached a major milestone by earning the Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) designation, the highest professional honor in the airport industry. The process requires passing a rigorous Certified Member (CM) exam, completing mentorship, and acing a 3-4 hour final interview.

“The AAE is the most prestigious professional designation you can obtain in the airport industry,” Sundly said. “It was a time-consuming process, but it taught me a lot about different aspects of the airport that I hadn’t worked in directly, like finance and environmental management.”

Sundly credits his success to his dedication and work ethic, encouraging others to aim high. “The sky’s the limit in this industry if you have the motivation and determination,” he said. “If anyone is interested in the AAE program, I’d be happy to share advice or guidance!”

The Rewards and Challenges of Aviation

When asked about his favorite part of the job, Sundly highlighted the opportunity to create something impactful. “Being at the forefront of something that has never been created or implemented before is incredibly rewarding,” he said.

However, the role also comes with its challenges. “There’s no guidebook for implementing SMS. We have Advisory Circulars from the FAA, but a lot of it is uncharted territory,” he explained. By collaborating with other large hub airports, Sundly is helping shape a program that’s uniquely tailored to AUS.

Advice for Aspiring Aviation Professionals

Sundly’s advice for those looking to enter the aviation industry is simple: be prepared to work hard. “The airport is a 24/7, 365 operation that demands near perfection. It’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding field,” he shared.

He also emphasized the diverse opportunities within the industry. “Airports are like small cities. Whether you’re interested in finance, operations, maintenance, or customer service, there’s a niche for everyone.”

Fun Facts About Sundly

• Favorite movie: Top Gun
• Pets: Two French Bulldogs (Brutus and Vinny) and a pet Ball Python
• Coldest day worked: -48°F with a wind chill of nearly -70°F. Yes, flights still departed!
• Aviation milestone: Holds a private pilot’s license
• Future goal: To one day be an Airport Director closer to home

Sundly’s passion, dedication, and expertise make him an integral part of the AUS team. Whether he’s implementing cutting-edge safety systems or mentoring future aviation professionals, Sundly is helping shape the future of AUS and the aviation industry as a whole. We’re lucky to have him on board!