ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. -- Former Arnold Engineering Development Complex Commander Col. Michael Heil passed away on Feb. 9 at the age of 72.
Heil, who retired from a 30-year Air Force career in 2005 at the rank of colonel, served as AEDC commander from 1998 to 2001.
Born in Wiesbaden, Germany, Heil earned his undergraduate degree in engineering sciences from the U.S. Air Force Academy as a member of the Class of 1975. He went on to receive a master’s degree in flight structures from Columbia University as a Guggenheim Fellow in 1976 and earned a doctorate in aeronautical engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1986.
Heil became the 22nd commander of AEDC on July 2, 1998.
“AEDC has a well-deserved reputation for being a high-quality, world-class testing organization, and I want to maintain that momentum,” Heil said prior to the 1998 Change of Command ceremony. “I’d also like to improve the operations here, so we not only satisfy our customers, but delight them while reducing costs at the same time.”
Before assuming command of AEDC, Heil held various technology and acquisitions leadership positions throughout his Air Force career, including C-17 Structures Division Chief for the C-17 System Program Office, advanced cruise missile variant program manager for the Advanced Cruise Missile System Program Office, assistant director for countermeasures for the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization and commander of the Air Force Phillips Laboratory at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.
Heil’s assignment prior to taking the helm of AEDC was that of Air Force Materiel Command Inspector General.
“I’ve been familiar with AEDC and its accomplishments throughout my career and have always been impressed,” Heil said in 1998. “I want us to set direction and priorities for ourselves and create the environment that allows the people to work and be more efficient.”
Heil’s awards included the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters and the Air Force Commendation Medal.
During the 2001 Change of Command ceremony during which Heil relinquished command of AEDC, Lt. Gen. Charles Coolidge, who officiated the ceremony, read a letter from then-AFMC Commander Gen. Lester Lyles. In his letter, Lyles commended Heil for a “superb job” at AEDC.
“The future of AEDC is shining brighter than ever,” Lyles wrote.
During that same ceremony, Heil encouraged AEDC personnel to maintain a focus on the customer while expressing optimism for the future of the Complex.
“AEDC exists for one reason and one reason only – support of the American warfighter,” Heil said. “We are American’s aerospace advantage. The best is yet to come at AEDC.”
Following his stint at AEDC, Heil assumed the role of commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
According to his obituary, after his retirement from active duty, Heil continued his service to the aerospace field as president and CEO of the Ohio Aerospace Institute from 2007 to 2016.
In 2010, Heil was elected a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics in recognition of his lifelong contributions to the aerospace profession.
After retiring from the Ohio Aerospace Institute, Heil ran M.L. Heil Consulting as an independent aerospace and defense consultant, according to the AIAA.
Heil’s AIAA obituary published on the organization’s website states Heil “was an integral part of the aerospace community at the local and national levels” and was a “very active member” of the AIAA Northern Ohio Section.
“He spent time as the Northern Ohio Section Policy Officer where he won the first place Public Policy Section Award in 2022, 2023, 2024,” the AIAA obituary reads. “He also volunteered his time to serve in numerous important leadership roles that included President of the Cleveland Engineering Society, Board Chair of the National Aviation Heritage Area, Member of the Ohio Aerospace & Aviation Technology Committee, and Member of the AFIT Board of Visitors.”
Heil’s continued interest in aerospace and his work with others to promote it should come as no surprise. Prior to taking command of AEDC, he spelled out what he looked forward to in the role and what Complex personnel could expect during his tenure.
“The people at AEDC can look forward to an officer that’s been involved in many aspects of acquisition and who’s interested in the technology aspect of the operation there,” Heil said in 1998. “I consider myself a people person and like to have people work as a team and build a consensus. Together, we’ll work hard to uphold the high standards of the Air Force and AEDC.”