Dr. Michael Pearson
Associate Professor - Clinical

Michael Pearson is currently an Associate Professor at Arizona State University (ASU). He has taught at ASU since 1993. Pearson is also a member of the law firm Curry, Pearson & Wooten, PLC, located in Phoenix, Arizona.

Dr. Pearson's has broad-based professional experience including employment with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the Tower and TRACON environments as an air traffic controller since 1984. He also worked for the FAA as a Quality Assurance Specialist and is a graduate of the Department of Transportation's Aircraft Accident Investigation program. As Quality Assurance Specialist he was responsible for identifying and investigating accidents and incidents from a human factor standpoint.

Dr. Pearson also held an appointment as adjunct instructor at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University from 1994 through 1998. He has developed and taught undergraduate and graduate classes such as Aviation Law and Regulations, Aviation Law and Insurance, Aviation Labor Relations, Aviation Accident Investigation, Business Law, International Aviation, Airline Administration, National Aviation Policy, Airline Management Strategies, Airport Management and Planning, and Air Traffic Control. His research interests include: (1) Aviation law issues involving administrative law and the enforcement process; (2) Aviation legal issues including complex aviation litigation/liability issues such as government negligence and remedies; and (3) Airline management and operations including strategic analysis and evaluation.

Dr. Pearson has experience as a trial lawyer and is licensed to practice law in several state and federal jurisdictions. He is currently authoring a text on aviation law and is a reviewer for the Journal of Air Transportation Worldwide.

Dr. Pearson holds MBA and Juris Doctorate degrees from Arizona State University. He graduated with honors near the top of his class, achieved honors in legal writing and research, and was conferred status as a Pedrick Scholar due to academic excellence. He completed his undergraduate work at the University of Houston- CLC. Dr. Pearson is a founding member of the Arizona Aviation Education Council and is a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association (ATLA), National Transportation Safety Board Bar Association, University Aviation Association, and the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).