Division of Aeronautics
Administrator – John DeThomas
John DeThomas, a native of Idaho whose aviation experience includes flight
training and education, military service and administrative work in the private
sector, joined the Idaho Transportation Department as administrator of the
Division of Aeronautics in April, 2007. Immediately preceding his return to
Idaho in 2002, DeThomas served as director of flight training for Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University’s western campus in Prescott, Ariz.
He also served as director of flight operations for Raytheon Aircraft Company in
Wichita, Kan., from 1995 to 1998, and was a defense system manager for Lockheed
Aeronautical Systems Co. in Burbank, Calif. In six years at Lockheed, he also
was director of flight operations and was a test pilot.
DeThomas concluded a 24-year Naval career in 1985, retiring as a captain. He
provided combat support during the Vietnam War (1967 to 1970) and received a
number of commendations and medals for his military service.
The new Aeronautics administrator earned a bachelor’s of science degree from the
U.S. Naval Academy in 1965 and a master’s in aeronautical engineering from the
Naval Postgraduate School.
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