When Passion and Career Align: A Conversation with James Hodges, PE, NCEES

Aviation History Month isn’t just a time to reflect on milestones like the Wright brothers’ first flight or Chuck Yeager breaking the sound barrier. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the people whose careers are deeply rooted in aviation—individuals who live and breathe the industry every day. 

James Hodges, PE, NCEES, Principal Planner and Studio Leader at RS&H, is one such professional. With a career spanning military service at the U.S. Air Force Academy, active duty, and now civilian work in aviation-related planning and design, James embodies what it means to turn a lifelong passion into meaningful work. His journey demonstrates how early experiences can shape a career trajectory and how deep knowledge of aviation enhances the work we do for clients across the industry. 

We sat down with James to discuss his formative experiences, the moments that shaped his understanding of aviation, and how his passion continues to influence his work today. 

Can you share a pivotal moment or experience that solidified your love for aviation?

I had a couple of uncles who were private pilots, and when I was young, they would fly into the fields at my family’s farm in Arkansas. They’d land right there, take us up for flights, and show us what it was like to be in the air. Sometimes, if there was a family emergency or they just wanted to log hours, they’d fly us between Arkansas and Colorado instead of driving. Those experiences were incredible and made aviation feel accessible and exciting. 

My older brother was also a significant influence. He wanted to attend the Air Force Academy, but ended up going a different route. He became a private pilot before graduating from high school, and then attended the Spartan School of Aeronautics to become an airframe and powerplant mechanic. My brother then enlisted in the Air Force and became a helicopter flight engineer, flying combat search-and-rescue missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. He didn’t become a pilot in the traditional sense, but he was part of the flying crew, managing weight and balance, lowering the rescue hoist, etc. Watching him pursue that path was incredibly inspirational. 

What do you consider to be the most significant milestone in aviation history, and why?

The Wright brothers’ first flight at Kitty Hawk is obviously the foundation of everything we do in aviation. They experimented, tested different methods, and ultimately proved that powered flight was possible. That achievement opened the door to everything that followed. 

But I’d also highlight Chuck Yeager breaking the sound barrier over the California desert. That moment represented a leap forward in technological capability and showed what innovation could accomplish when paired with courage and determination. It’s a reminder that aviation has always been about pushing boundaries and testing limits. 

Have you had the opportunity to work with or learn from someone who made a lasting impact on your understanding of aviation?

My time at the Air Force Academy was foundational. The combination of programs they offered—soaring in sailplanes, parachuting, flying the T-41 Cessna 182, and working with simulators—gave me a comprehensive understanding of what aviators experience. It taught me the lingo, the importance of clearances, the need for well-maintained runways, and how all the supporting facilities work together to enable flight. 

One particularly memorable experience happened during the summer between my sophomore and junior years at the Academy. I was sent to Osan Air Base, South Korea, where I was embedded within a fighter squadron. They took me up in a two-seat F-16 Fighting Falcon, and I got to sit in the back seat and fly the aircraft for about 20 minutes. We did barrel rolls, visited bombing ranges, and I watched as they dropped practice bombs and fired the cannon. Flying over Korea and experiencing that level of performance firsthand was transformative. They don’t let cadets actually fly the aircraft anymore, but it gave me an unforgettable perspective on what it takes to operate high-performance aircraft. 

Later in my career, I returned to the Air Force Academy to teach a course called Air Base Design and Performance. We covered everything required to plan, design, and build an airbase, and students would run simulations to test how their designs performed under operational conditions. That experience of both learning and teaching gave me a well-rounded understanding of how aviation facilities support mission success. 

How does your knowledge of aviation influence or enhance your current role?

My background directly informs the work I do at RS&H. When we develop area development and district plans along flight lines or conduct Air Installation Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) studies, I can apply my understanding of safety, noise considerations, and mission requirements. AICUZ studies are all about balancing the needs of military installations with those of surrounding communities and ensuring compatible land use that protects the mission, while supporting economic development nearby. 

I also understand the technical requirements operators need, having experienced them firsthand. Whether it’s planning airfield configurations or understanding the infrastructure that supports flight operations, my aviation knowledge helps me communicate effectively with clients and deliver solutions that truly work. 

Beyond the technical side, I also volunteer as the director of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Engineering and Construction STEM Camp. RS&H supports my involvement in this program, which introduces young people to STEM careers with an aviation theme. It’s a way for me to give back, stay connected to the Air Force Academy, and help inspire the next generation. 

How do you think the industry can balance innovation with the preservation of its rich history?

Aviation was born from innovation. The Wright brothers weren’t just tinkering—they were solving a fundamental problem of how to break the bonds of gravity with a self-powered machine. That spirit of experimentation and pushing boundaries has been part of aviation ever since. The key is recognizing that innovation doesn’t erase history—it builds upon it and honors it. When we develop new technologies like drones or integrate artificial intelligence into flight operations, we’re continuing the innovative legacy of those early pioneers. We’re asking the same fundamental question they did: how can we do this better, faster, safer, or more efficiently? 

At the same time, we need to establish guardrails. Drones operating alongside piloted aircraft, AI-driven systems making real-time decisions—these innovations have incredible potential to improve efficiency and safety. Still, they also require careful regulation and thoughtful implementation. Think about the possibilities for delivery drones or autonomous cargo systems. These technologies could revolutionize logistics and improve people’s lives around the world, but only if we build the right safety frameworks around them. 

A Career Built on Passion

James Hodges’ story illustrates how personal passion can shape professional excellence. From childhood flights over Arkansas fields to commanding a military air base wing and now leading planning projects at RS&H, his career demonstrates the power of aligning what you love with what you do. 

His knowledge doesn’t just enhance his work; it enriches the projects we deliver for clients and strengthens our ability to solve complex challenges. This depth of understanding comes straight from a lifetime spent in and around aviation. 

As we commemorate Aviation History Month, it becomes clear that the industry’s trajectory is shaped by dedicated individuals who, while profoundly respecting aviation’s rich heritage, are also propelled by a vision for innovation.