In Dubuque, Iowa, the University of Dubuque Flight School is shaping the next generation of
aviation professionals. Curtis Gates, Director of Safety, and Stacy Duran, Application Support
Manager, play pivotal roles in ensuring safety, compliance, and training excellence across the
program. With a fleet of 36 aircraft and more than 470 students, their work helps maintain the
university’s commitment to preparing pilots with the skills, knowledge, and accountability needed
for successful aviation careers.
Centralized Control and Compliance
In 2024, the University of Dubuque made the decision to modernize its document management
process. Curtis Gates, Director of Safety, explains:
“2024 was the right time to switch because we’re progressing. We’re starting to see the FAA
look at digitalizing and modernizing how flight schools are working. We want to emulate as
much as we can how the airline and corporate industries are working with document control and
systems like that.”
Before Web Manuals, the university did not have a formal system in place. Manuals were
spread across multiple platforms, which made it difficult to guarantee that everyone was using
the latest version.
The control is what I love the most. It’s one place to go, with a clear record of change. We can always ensure everyone is looking at the most up-to-date version.
Stacey Duran
Application Support Manager
With Web Manuals, all documentation is now centralized and version controlled, giving staff and students one reliable place to access up-to-date information. “The control is what I love most,” says Stacy Duran, Application Support Manager. “It’s one place to go, with a clear record of change. We can always ensure everyone is looking at the most up-to-date version.”
Engaging Students Beyond Compliance
Since adopting Web Manuals, students are held more accountable for engaging with safety and
operations manuals. The quiz and acknowledgement features give students responsibility for
understanding safety and operations manuals, rather than simply checking a box.
It gives me confidence knowing students are actually in the manual, finding answers, and acknowledging updates from a safety standpoint, that’s huge.
Curtis Gates
Director of Safety
Curtis explains: “It gives me confidence knowing students are actually in the manual, finding answers,
and acknowledging updates. From a safety standpoint, that’s huge.”
Students have also responded positively to the platform’s ease of use. “I’ve heard from students
that it’s easy to navigate, and there aren’t a lot of places to get lost,” Stacy shares. “They also
appreciate the mobile app, which works offline and even in the air.”
Smooth Implementation and Support
Implementing Web Manuals at the University of Dubuque was straightforward, with staff quickly
gaining confidence in the platform. Stacy recalls the experience positively:
“Web Manuals staff did a nice job presenting the material, and I was able to keep up and feel
comfortable with the basics right away. Since then, it’s been a process of learning by doing,
figuring out new features as needs came up. Whenever I had questions, the support team was
quick to respond, offering one-on-one calls or detailed email guidance. The initial training was
very good, and the certified user training has been another level up for me.”
A Strong Foundation for Growth
Since launching Web Manuals, the University of Dubuque has successfully onboarded all staff
and students, creating a strong foundation for consistent, technology driven safety practices.
The platform has reduced administrative workload, improved version control, and reinforced a
culture of accountability across the aviation program.
“Web Manuals has already made a big difference,” Stacy reflects. “It keeps us organized,
ensures compliance, and gives us the tools to keep our students engaged with safety from day
one.
The University of Dubuque’s success with Web Manuals highlights how digital solutions can
strengthen both training and safety. By centralizing documentation and empowering students
with accountability, the university continues to prepare the next generation of aviation
professionals with efficiency, confidence, and a culture of safety.