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Posted Friday, February 27, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that AFIT announces the sudden passing of retired Col. Michael Heil, PhD, AFIT alumnus, former AFIT Commandant and former professor of Aerospace Engineering and Director, Center for Space Studies and Research. Prior to his passing, he was also currently serving on the AFIT Foundation Board.
Dr. Heil left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His willingness to engage and work with everyone, regardless of rank or position, and his true leadership by example made him a role model for many young officers. He will be remembered for many things, but, mostly, he’ll be remembered as a friend to all.
Dr. Michael Heil has been an important part of AFIT for more than 40 years. He attained his PhD from AFIT in 1986. Then, after several additional tours and promotion to Colonel, he served as AFIT’s Commandant from 2001-2003 before leaving to oversee AFRL’s Propulsion Directorate. He retired from the military in 2005 and joined the faculty of AFIT's Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics where he helped to establish the Center for Space Studies and Research, which later became the Center for Space Research and Assurance(CSRA).
Dr. Heil’s extensive leadership skills and friendly demeanor led to being highly sought after. In 2007, he decided to accept the leadership position within the Ohio Aerospace Institute. AFIT always held a special place for Dr. Heil, and even after leaving the Institute, he remained engaged by serving on the AFIT Foundation Board and Board of Visitors.
Please view the obituary here: https://www.waitefuneralhome.com/obituary/michael-heil
Special thanks to AFIT's ENY Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics for assisting with the article!