Our Instructors
Senior Aerospace Science Instructor Aerospace Science Instructor
Senior Aerospace Science Instructor Lieutenant Colonel Robert Downey (ret) is a Delaware native and University of Delaware graduate. He has his masters in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Lt Col Downey spent 23 years in the Air Force before his retirement in November 2004. He is a ‘Command Pilot’ and Air Force Fighter Weapons School Graduate with more than 3,500 flight hours. He has flown the T-38, F-111, and Tornado. Col Downey served numerous tours in the United States and 2 tours overseas as an instructor pilot and exchange pilot with the Italian Air Force. His career culminated as Commander of the 415th Flight Test Squadron at Randolph Air Force Base in Texas. Prior to teaching at James Bowie High School, he was the Senior Aerospace Science Instructor at Simon Gratz High School in Philadelphia, PA. He is married to Susan Downey and has four children; Robert Jr., Chase, Ellizabeth and Alexandra.
Aerospace Science Instructor Chief Master Sergeant Gerald Thayer (ret) is a thirty year veteran of the United States Air Force.
Contact Information:
Robert Downey robert.downey@austinisd.org 841-4178
Gerald Thayer gerald.thayer@austinisd.org 414-3820