PIA Technician - Fall 2018 by Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics

News About the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics

Fall 2018

Table of Contents: 3 ��PIA Tops Forbes Trade School List 6 ��Gary Hoyle Honored 8 ��AMC 2018: Students Show Off Skills 10 ��PIA Campus Highlights 12 ��6th Annual “A Shot at Education” Fundraiser 13 ��PIA Holds Record-Breaking Career Fair 13 ��Ride-Sharing Companies Look to the Skies 14 ��Employee Anniversaries 15 ��Happy Retirement, Mr. Simon! 17 ��Alumni Spotlight: Russell Wheatley 18 ��Word Search Editorial Staff: Editor-in-Chief................... Benjamin O’Keefe Assistant Editor.............................Karin Baker Layout Design..........................Edward Molek

Dear Reader, Welcome to the Fall 2018 Technician! This has been a landmark year here at PIA. If you have been paying attention to our social media or the news feed on our website, you already know that we have been busy. In these pages, you will learn all about how PIA has been expanding and growing. While this newsletter contains a lot of great news, it’s hard to fit all the great updates about PIA into these pages, so be sure to keep up to date with the latest on www.pia.edu and .

Thanks for reading, Benjamin O’Keefe Editor-in-Chief bokeefe@pia.edu

PIA Contributors: Butch Adams

Karin Baker Benjamin O’Keefe Derek Vrabel

PIA Awarded Gold Status as a Military Friendly School

ittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics earned Gold Award status in 2018-2019, a designation awarded to schools that score within the top 20% of the nation’s Top Military Friendly Schools. The Military Friendly® Schools list, compiled by Victory Media, provides a comprehensive guide for veterans and their families to assist them in their search for higher education institutions. Victory Media’s Chief Product Officer Daniel Nichols stated, “Our ability to apply a clear, consistent standard to colleges creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages colleges to invest in programs to provide educational outcomes that are better for veterans.” Final ratings of institutions were determined by combining institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence, and loan default rates. “It is both our honor and our obligation to help American soldiers acquire career-relevant skills and, in some cases, transition to civilian life. We are proud of our military friendly designation because it reflects our dedication to those who have served us in the defense of democracy and the freedoms we enjoy,” said Suzanne Markle, President and CEO of Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics.

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The Tiny Trade-School Ivy Outperforming Top Four-Year Colleges By Carter Coudriet, Forbes Staff www.forbes.com August 16, 2018

For the second year in a row, Forbes Magazine has released its Top Two-Year Trade Schools list. We are proud to announce that PIA has been ranked as the #1 two-year trade school in the United States. Forbes evaluates schools based on post-graduate success, affordability, completion success, and student experience. This is the second time that PIA has been honored with a position on the list. The Top Two-Year Trade Schools list was also accompanied by a feature article about PIA and our President and CEO, Suzanne Markle. You can find the full list of Forbes Top Two-Year Trade Schools on page 5.

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Continued: Outperforming Top Four-Year Colleges

“Higher ed hasn’t thought about what the endgame is for students. That’s all we think about. Bachelor’s degrees and other terminal degrees are great … if you know what you want to do, and if there’s a need for it.” – PIA President and CEO, Suzanne Markle

n a suburb less than 10 miles south of downtown Pittsburgh, massive garage doors retract to reveal an aircraft hangar almost as large as a football field. The morning sun lands on a group of eight or so decommissioned aircraft, an aeronautical infirmary whose patients range from obsolete military planes to old private civilian jets. One resident is a twin-engine Beechcraft D50, whose exposed bones are being operated on meticulously by students who are graded by the ten-thousandth of an inch. Closest to the runway is a gray Bell JetRanger helicopter, whose engine had until recently been left idle for four years. “A few students came to us and wanted to see if they could get it up and running again,” says Jason Pfarr, the academic dean of the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA), a two-year private aircraft maintenance school whose 90-year history traces its roots to Orville Wright himself. “I said, look, if they want to do it, why not?” Landing at No. 1 on Forbes’ second annual list of the nation’s Top Two-Year Trade

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Suzanne Markle is the president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, the Harvard of trade schools. JAMEL TOPPIN

Schools—our ranking takes into account factors like academics, postgrad salary and debt load—PIA is a 370-student gem. It’s virtually unknown outside the aviation industry, but its alumni outearn students from two thirds of Forbes’ highest-ranked four-year colleges at a fraction of the price. In a job market that is only getting more competitive for the growing number of bachelor’s holders, an exemplary institution like PIA is exactly what’s needed by many students who aren’t thrilled by the prospect of spending another four years reading Shakespeare or grinding away at calculus. A top-tier trade school is a better option for lots of high school grads than either community college or a middling four-year program. Both of those paths can leave students mired in debt while pursuing a marginally practical degree. “Higher ed hasn’t thought about what the endgame is for students,” says PIA president and CEO Suzanne Markle, whose buoyant demeanor reveals flashes of intensity. “That’s all we think about. Bach-

elor’s degrees and other terminal degrees are great … if you know what you want to do, and if there’s a need for it.” For PIA, which has a near 100% acceptance rate, that endgame is getting its students jobs in the expanding aviation industry. With top-notch equipment that includes about a dozen aircraft and over 40 engines, the school’s Pennsylvania training ground puts students through a rigorous hand-on associate degree program in either aviation maintenance or electronics. Through a special exemption granted to PIA, participants in the seven-quarter maintenance program can, before they graduate, take eight of the nine Federal Aviation Administration certification tests necessary to maintain planes. That’s enough to get 87% of PIA’s students jobs within six months of graduation. And they are high-paying affairs. Four years after graduation PIA alumni earn a median of $42,200, according to the College Scorecard database of financial aid recipients. After another four years, they’re making $53,600. To the Ivy-obsessed observer, these earnings may not sound all that special, as alumni salaries for schools like Harvard

and Georgetown exceed $90,000. However, when comparing PIA with all 650 institutions on Forbes’ annual Top Colleges ranking of four-year colleges, the top two-year school beats most of its more expensive, more time-intensive Goliaths. PIA would place No. 148 for salaries of alumni six years after starting school and No. 172 ten years after, with both scores beating those of the likes of Michigan State and Wesleyan. And with only two years of tuition to pay, PIA students rack up less debt— and can start paying it off sooner. PIA is one of the nation’s most expensive nonprofit trade schools, costing the 86% of students who receive financial aid an average of $27,500 a year. Those who take out student loans finish with a median debt of only $14,500, versus the $17,500 shouldered by loan recipients on our Top Colleges list. “We have a lot of college graduates [in America] coming out who can’t pay their student loans,” says Markle, 42, who has witnessed the PIA’s progression since starting as an instructor 1999. “Here we have this technical school that has a continued on page 16

Top 25 Two-Year Trade Schools: Colleges That Can Solve The Skills Gap 1. Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics West Mifflin, PA 2. North Central Kansas Technical College Beloit, KS 3. State Technical College of Missouri Linn, MO 4. Lake Area Technical Institute Watertown, SD 5. Lancaster County Career and Technology Center Willow Street, PA 6. Carolinas College of Health Sciences Charlotte, NC 7. Mitchell Technical Institute Mitchell, SD 8. Salina Area Technical College Salina, KS 9. Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology Lancaster, PA 10. Johnson College Scranton, PA 11. Rosedale Technical College Pittsburgh, PA 12. Northwest Iowa Community College Sheldon, IA 13. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Fennimore, WI 14. North Dakota State College of Science Wahpeton, ND 15. Frontier Community College Fairfield, IL 16. Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture Curtis, NE 17. Lakeshore Technical College Cleveland, WI 18. Northwest Louisiana Technical CollegeMinden, LA 19. Bates Technical College Tacoma, WA 20. Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science Pittsburgh, PA 21. Moraine Park Technical College Fond du Lac, WI 22. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Shell Lake, WI 23. Manhattan Area Technical College Manhattan, KS 24. Asnuntuck Community College Enfield, CT 25. Dakota County Technical College Rosemount, MN

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d e r o n o H Gary Hoyle

PIA’s own Gary Hoyle has been honored by the Federal Aviation Administration with the Charles Taylor “Master Mechanic” Award. The Charles Taylor Award is the most prestigious award given by the FAA in the Aviation Maintenance industry, and only the top, most experienced mechanics are even able to be considered for this award.

n award ceremony was held for Gary at PIA’s Main Campus on September 17th, 2018. The ceremony began with Henrik Vejl Strup, the FAA’s FAASTeam Program Manager, speaking about Charles Taylor and the profound impact that his mechanical contributions had on the aviation industry. Henrik was followed by Allegheny County FSDO Office Manager, Wendy Grimm. Wendy spoke on Gary’s vast list of career achievements before officially presenting him, accompanied by his Wife, Sharon, with the Charles Taylor “Master Mechanic” Award. The ceremony then concluded with remarks by Suzanne Markle, PIA President and CEO.

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New President of

To be considered for the Charles Taylor Award, a nominee must meet the following criteria: • Hold a U.S. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mechanic or repairman certificate. • Have 50 or more years of civil or military maintenance experience. • Be a U.S. citizen. • Have NOT had any airman certificate revoked. Revocation of any airman certificate will disqualify a nominee for this award. • Three letters of recommendation from holders of FAA mechanics or repairman who can attest to the nominee’s 50 years or more of mechanic or repairman experience. Before his tenure at PIA, Gary was a student at PIA. He graduated in 1967 with his FAA Airframe and Powerplant Certification and jumped right into a job with Sikorsky Aircraft. He also served in the US Army as a helicopter crew chief in the Vietnam War from 1970 through 1971. After his tour with the Army, he worked for United Airlines as an aircraft mechanic. Gary returned to PIA in 1973 to complete his Associate Degree,

and then stayed on as an instructor, teaching his first class that October. In Gary’s 45 years at PIA, he has held many positions. Nine to be exact. He started as an Electronics Instructor in 1973 and grew to be become Lead Electronics Instructor, Electronics Department Head, Director of Training, Educational Supervisor, Chief Instructor, Senior Chief Instructor, Dean of Students, and today he holds the title of Director of Campus Operations. Since 1979, Gary has also served the FAA as a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME), administering FAA Airframe and Powerplant tests. PIA would like to congratulate Mr. Hoyle on this lifetime achievement. We thank you for your years of dedication to PIA and the aviation industry!

We are proud to announce that PIA’s Director of Campus Operations, Gary Hoyle, was appointed as the President of the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) on March 17th, 2018. Hoyle has been PIA’s representative at ATEC for 12 years and previously served as ATEC Treasurer and Vice President. Hoyle’s incredible experience and ongoing advocacy for improving and increasing awareness of aviation maintenance education makes him a perfect fit for the office of ATEC President. Founded in 1961, ATEC is an organization who promotes and supports aviation maintenance technician education. By working with the FAA and other regulatory agencies, ATEC encourages positive changes to the regulations and rules that govern part 147 schools like PIA. ATEC also provides news, networking opportunities, resources and continuing education opportunities to the aviation community.

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Students Show Off Skills T

he 2018 Aerospace Maintenance Competition (AMC) spanned the width of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. In conjunction with the MRO Americas Conference, each aisle displayed elaborate booths dedicated to aviation and aviation-related technology. Industry professionals toured the aisles making connections and researching new innovations to incorporate into their existing business models. The AMC, however, stood out against the booths of sharply dressed businessmen. The scrape of metal, clatter of tools, and shouts of teammates created the illusion that you were inside a maintenance hangar, not standing on a carpeted aisle of a convention center. The AMC brings together groups of professional, military, and student aviation technicians to test their skills against their colleagues; teams of five race the clock to complete aviation maintenance projects as quickly and accurately as possible. The team with the fastest overall times can claim victory, and most importantly, the bragging rights for when they return to defend their title next year. While PIA has attended the AMC previously, it was the first time that each campus was represented in the competition with their own teams. Teams from Myrtle Beach and Hagerstown have competed in the AMC in the past, but for Pittsburgh and Youngstown, this was the inaugural trip.

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Greg Huba, a June 2018 Graduate of the Pittsburgh Campus, was one of the five students to make the trip to Orlando. Regarding the AMC, he said, “It was a great experience. The hotel we stayed at was fantastic. The competition was challenging but fun, and there was plenty of time to explore the other parts of the convention.” In addition to their regular classroom requirements, the AMC teams prepared for the competition during the weeks leading up to the event. “We met weekly and went over materials that we would need to know for the competition. We used the materials we had at school, and we also bought some new tools and materials to help us prepare,” said Huba. A series of 28 events, sponsored by various organizations, were presented to the 72 teams that attended the 2018 AMC. Many of the events, like the AMC Safety Wiring, challenged the students with basic skills they’ve learned in the shop and classroom. The event tested the skill and speed of competitors by asking them to accomplish as many safety wire patterns as they could in the 15-minute time frame. Other events, like the FedEx Express Turbine Engine event, exposed the students to engines they had never previously worked on. This particular event required that the participants remove and install the Pneumatic Drive Unit on a Pratt and Whitney JT9D turbofan engine.

Some were entirely new concepts, like the Eastern Florida State event, in which participants simulated loading a small quantity of hazardous product from a holding tank into a space vehicle flight tank. The basic idea of each event was to read procedure thoroughly and accurately, work as a team, and precisely execute the task at hand.

Rampmaster, Piedmont Airlines, PMH, Aircraft Technical Book Company, and Preferred Airparts for their generous donations to the AMC trip, as well as all those who contributed to PIA’s AMC fund. PIA hopes to continue to send teams of students to the AMC, as they demonstrate the professionalism and knowledge that have become part of PIA’s industry reputation. As part of Pittsburgh’s inaugural team sent to the competition, Huba highly recommends the experience to upcoming students. “It is an amazing opportunity to network with aviation companies. They realize that schools send their best to this competition, and they asked a lot of us to apply for jobs with their company.” Next year’s AMC is to be held in Atlanta, Georgia.

The four day event held in April 2018 was made possible for twenty PIA students through the generosity of various sponsors. Premium sponsors Myrtle Air Services and Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services donated to Team Myrtle Beach and Team Youngstown students. In addition, PIA would like to thank the following Elite Sponsors: Allegheny County Airport Authority, Allegiant Air,

Thank you to this year’s sponsors for making our participation possible.

Midwest Precision

Team Myrtle Beach Wins Pitot Static Testing System Team PIA Myrtle Beach arrived home from the Aerospace Maintenance Competition with more than just Florida tans. The team, sponsored by Myrtle Air Services, completed the Barfield Pitot-Static Event with the fastest time in the school category. Students Angel Vazquez and Zack Smith represented PIA during the event. The task required the two students to troubleshoot an aircraft Pitot-Static system. In preparation for the events at the AMC, the Myrtle Beach team studied guides given to them by the AMC, watched YouTube videos, and practiced different jobs in the shop. The pitot-static system in an aircraft is a series of pressure-sensitive instruments that are used to measure aircraft airspeed, altitude, altitude trend, and Mach number. By earning the fastest completion time, the team was given the Barfield Pitot-Static Tester, valued at over $11,000. According to Vazquez, hearing PIA Myrtle Beach called for the fastest time was “The best feeling. Knowing we were number one and that the Barfield Equipment was ours was a proud moment.”

The event capped off Team Myrtle Beach’s third appearance at the Aerospace Maintenance Competition. Peg Skalican, Campus Director of Myrtle Beach, said, “We are so proud of our students for their win in the Barfield Pitot Static Tester Event. The equipment they earned PIA will be an excellent addition to our training in the classroom.”

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CAMPUS PIT T SBURGH

$500,000 Renovation Grant Awarded P

IA’s Main Campus has been awarded a $500,000 grant through Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. The money will help to fund numerous improvements at the main facility, including upgrades to the learning center and computer labs, additional office space, replacing the HVAC system, and new entry doorways. The renovations are set to begin in 2019. “Facilities at the PIA campus in West Mifflin will be significantly improved as a result of these new state funds,” said State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/ Westmoreland) . “PIA is a well established school dedicated to training students for jobs in aviation. These new dollars will help the institute continue its critical mission.”

was critical, and I am pleased that he was engaged and delivered the funding,” Brewster said.

Senator Brewster gave credit to Gov. Tom Wolf for acknowledging the value in the renovations. “The governor’s support of this project

Stay tuned to PIA’s news page and social media for updates on these upcoming improvements.

HAGER S TOWN

Taking Hands-On to a Whole New Level

n March of 2017, the Hagerstown Campus received a donation of a Cessna 172. The aircraft was in rough shape, to say the least. The engine of the plane had been torn apart and the pieces were stored inside the cabin. A number of birds and bugs had taken advantage of the planes disuse and made their homes inside. Two instructors saw the potential immediately. Steve Smith set out to clear the airframe from all its inhabitants, while Bob Stockslager took on the engine. While evaluating the engine, Stockslager determined the crank, cam, engines halves, piston, and connecting rods were all serviceable. The cylinders and valves were a different story. He called a local cylinder shop, Skyline Cylinders, and they agreed to re-condition them. Within 6 months, Mr. Stockslager had the engine assembled and running. While the engine was being renewed and brought back to life, Smith was busy on the airframe. The wings were shortened to accommodate limited hangar area, fuel tanks were removed and cleaned, and inspection panels are being installed so students will have ease of access when teaching certain subjects. Once all inspection panels are installed, the aircraft will be painted and new interior will be installed. Unfortunately, the tragic passing of Mr. Stockslager in

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September 2018 means that he will not see the final stages of the restoration project. As the Cessna reaches its completion, PIA is honored to have a token of his impact on the school that will carry on his memory. Thanks to Mr. Smith and the late Mr. Stockslager’s efforts, PIA Hagerstown will now have access to more hands-on projects for its students.

HIGHLIGHTS M Y R TLE BE ACH

American Airlines Donates Engine P

IA Myrtle Beach received a generous donation from American Airlines on September 4, 2018. A huge CF6 Turbine engine was unloaded into Myrtle Beach’s shop, ready to be utilized for training. From the moment the engine was delivered, the instructional staff enthusiastically started planning the new educational opportunities that this equipment would bring, including projects with pneumatic systems, boroscope and compressor inspections, igniter testing, fuel nozzle removal and cleaning processes, and many more. One process, involving the hydraulic filter and pump, was previously taught to students on training boards. That training will now be shifted to the CF6. The donation was facilitated by Kevin Dallaire of Piedmont Airlines, who set up the donation through American Airlines. PIA faculty and students are incredibly grateful for this donation and the educational opportunities it will provide!

YOUNGS TOWN

Expansion Complete

he massive Youngstown Campus renovation project that began in 2016 is complete! The construction concluded in September 2017. The expansion of the facility added a second story to the school, allowing for additional classroom and office space. The existing space was also renovated to include dedicated electrical and welding classrooms, an aeronautics lab, a conference facility, and student resource center with a computer lab. “The project added much needed classroom space and a conference room for employers to conduct interviews,” said Joseph DeRamo, Campus Director at PIA Youngstown. PIA held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new facility on Sept. 20, 2017. The ceremony opened with Campus Director Joe DeRamo expressing his appreciation to the local community, government and Western Reserve Port Authority for all the support received to make the expansion happen. President and CEO, Suzanne Markle, began by recognizing the late John Graham III, President of PIA from 2005 until his death in April 2017. “Mr. Graham was a champion for career education, as well as a wonderful colleague and friend. I thank him first and foremost for his vision that an Aviation Maincontinued on page 12

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Continued: Expansion Complete continued from page 11 tenance program could be successful at this location, and for his steadfast interest in and support of this project.”

the previous record. PIA hopes to continue this growth to help fill the demand for new, skilled technicians.

Markle concluded, “With this facility, PIA continues its mission to expand Aviation Maintenance training opportunities in order to address a nationwide shortage of skilled technicians. And as many of you who are in attendance here today can attest, our future as an innovative country depends on the ability of community and economic leaders to cooperate with educators and industry to drive toward a common vision. And I believe that this training facility is precisely what we have accomplished here.”

The Youngstown Campus opened in 2006 and was the first branch campus to open under the PIA name. Since the renovations began, Youngstown has seen an increase in prospective students interested in touring the freshly completed facilities. The campus has also experienced a significant amount of growth, with both the increased demand for aviation technicians and the publicity from the renovation. “It adds to the school’s overall ability to accommodate a growing student population. As interest in the aviation field continues to grow, so too has the student census,” said DeRamo. The campus was also honored in 2016 by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), as a 2016 “School of Excellence”.

Following the completion of the renovations, the Youngstown Campus hosted their largest class to date of 47 new students, shattering

6 Annual A Shot At Education th

Thank you to all Sponsors and to all who helped.

he 6th Annual “A Shot at Education” Fundraiser was held on August 17, 2018. The clay shoot attracted over 100 participants to Seven Springs Mountain Resort, where their generous donations contributed to the PIA Memorial Scholarship Fund. This was the largest event held to date, with thirty companies from both aviation and non-aviation related industries donating to the scholarship fund.

Platinum Level BB&T Endeavor Air Republic Airlines XYPRIA Winner Aviation Constant Aviation Bombardier Gold Level Case Sabatini Rider Jet Center UIS Washington Financial Wealth Management Allegheny County Airport Authority

This year the event raised $17,500, once again increasing the number of students the scholarship can assist. In addition to the clay shooting course, a 50/50 raffle and a Chinese auction were held. All participants were able to enjoy a catered meal after a long day on the course. The 2017 fundraising event was able to generate $13,200 total. The awards were given to deserving students continuing their education at PIA. Students Samuel Prescott, Zachary Mills, Chris Kuczynski, Greg Fennell, and Omar Diaz were awarded scholarships through the Memorial Scholarship Fund. Thank you to all who participated and generously donated to the fund this year. Your contributions will assist students at all four PIA campuses pursuing their education. Next year’s event will be held on September 6, 2019, and we hope to see you again!

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For more information on how to support and/or participate in PIA’s 7th Annual Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser, “A Shot at Education,” please contact Andrea Smith at 412-346-2174 or asmith@pia.edu.

Trapper Level CSK Advertising Carrie On Communications Dunhill Staffing Systems Henderson Brothers Cynda Wilmesher- PIA Board Member Piedmont PIA Tri-Ad Litho Inc. Skywest Airlines JSFirm.com Fagan Sanitary Supply PSA Airlines Gulfstream Aerospace Campus Management Embraer Denillo Heating and Cooling Bootay, Bevington, and Nichols/ All Pittsburgh Real Estate Oeler Industries, Inc.

PIA Holds Record-Breaking Career Fair O

n March 14, 2018, PIA’s Pittsburgh Campus held a record-breaking Spring Technician Career Fair, hosting 50 companies. Students from PIA’s Pittsburgh, Hagerstown, and Youngtown campuses had the opportunity to network with a variety of companies and learn more about the opportunities waiting for them after graduation. “This was the first career fair I attended at PIA, and it was an eye-opening experience,” said Karin Baker, Admissions Representative at the Pittsburgh Campus. “It’s one thing to read about the demand for our graduates, but to see so many companies come out to talk to our students really put the need into perspective.” The large showing of companies is an indicator of the need for skilled mechanics in the aviation industry. Boeing’s Technician Outlook: 2018 – 2037 estimates that 189,000 more aviation technicians will be needed in north America in the next 20 years, so it’s safe to say that this high level of demand isn’t going anywhere any time soon.

We would like to thank all the companies who came out and made our annual Spring Technician Career Fair such a success! Aerojet Rocketdyne

Embraer

NAVAIR

Aerotech

Endeavor Air

Norfolk Southern Railroad

Aerotek Aviation LLC.

Envoy

Northcoast Air

Air Methods

ExpressJet

Piedmont Airlines

Air Wisconsin

Flightstar Corp.

Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services (AMES)

Friend Aircare

Port Authority of Allegheny County

Airtegrity Aviation

Gulfstream

ATI Metals Blue Ridge Community and Technology College Cleveland Brothers CommutAir Component Repair Technologies, Inc. Constant Aviation Delta Global Services Dynamic Aviation Elliott Aviation

GE Aviation HAECO Americas Hennecke Inc. Hi-Tek Professionals HondaJet HYLIION JSfirm.com Kalitta Charters

PSA Airlines Republic Seegrid SkyWest Airlines STS Aviation Group Tescan USA Trans States Airlines (TSA) United Airlines US Steel

L3 CTS Airline Academy

VT MAE

LJ Aviation

WVU Institute of Technology

Mellott Company

Ride Sharing Companies Look to the Skies C ompanies like Uber and Lyft have taken ground transportation to a whole new level. After conquering the roadways with their innovative ride-sharing apps, they are now aiming their sights higher. Uber announced in Spring 2018 that is was beginning research and development for air taxis. The concept, known as Uber Elevate, would introduce the world of flight into ride-sharing. According to Uber, “On-demand aviation has the potential to radically improve urban mobility, giving people back time lost in their daily commutes.” This idea of on-demand aviation would come in the form of Vertical Take-off and Landing aircraft (VTOL for short). Similar to a helicopter, these aircraft would contribute less to noise pollution and would be significantly safer to fly. Most importantly, Uber

believes that after the initial cost of getting started, the price of riding in one would be affordable. One major challenge that the company would face is approval from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), as regulations for these aircraft would be a relatively new territory. Should Uber’s pipedream come to fruition, they could easily take the aviation industry by storm.

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Employee Anniversaries Warren Bourne – 5 Years

Mark Mihalko – 5 Years

Warren currently teaches the electrical and electronics courses at the PIA Myrtle Beach Campus. His career in aviation began over 35 years ago and includes military service with the United States Air Force, work in general aviation as a mechanic and a director of maintenance, and multiple roles at United Airlines. His education includes an Associate’s Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology, an Occupational Associate’s Degree in Electronics Technology, his A&P and GROL certifications, and his NCAAT endorsements. His hobbies include scuba diving, video games, and trips with his wife.

Mark is an instructor in PIA’s Avionics program in Pittsburgh. Mark joined the staff at PIA after a 21-year career as an Electronics Technician in the United States Navy. While working at PIA, Mark graduated Valedictorian with a Bachelor of Fine Art Degree in Creative Writing for Entertainment at Full Sail University in 2016 and has penned three books and an award-winning stage production.

William Ogle – 20 Years

Paul Eisenhart II is the Lead Instructor at the Hagerstown campus. He received his A&P in 1999 and began his career in general aviation at the Hagerstown Airport. Throughout his career, he has also worked as a mechanic for both regional and corporate airlines. In addition, Paul was given the opportunity to do military contracting in Afghanistan. Paul enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, camping, and beekeeping.

William Ogle, instructor at PIA’s Youngstown-Warren branch, tells people he was born a mechanic because he would rather take his toys apart than play with them. He started out as an auto technician before graduating from PIA. He then worked at a small flight school and a Bell Helicopter Completions Center before becoming an Instructor at PIA. His hobbies and passions include membership in the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), private pilot, riding motorcycles, boating, hunting, traveling, and playing the guitar. He also wrote a song that was recorded in Nashville and is playing in regular rotation on Christian country radio.

Michael Ernst – 5 Years

Jason Pfarr – 5 Years

Michael graduated from PIA in 2001. After earning his A&P certification, he worked at Pinnacle Airlines, now Endeavor, where he stayed for 11 years in various capacities. He began working at the Youngstown campus during the early stages of the campus expansion in 2012. When spending time off campus, Michael enjoys golfing, traveling, and camping.

Jason currently serves as PIA’s Dean of Academic Affairs. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master’s Degree in Teaching from California University of PA. Before his current position, Jason was a member of the instructional staff, where he taught Physics, Basic Electricity, and Safety. Jason is involved in youth sports as a coach for baseball, basketball and football. In addition, he enjoys the outdoors, hunting and fishing with his son, Jacob, and spending time at home with his family.

Paul Eisenhart – 5 Years

Jacob Holt – 5 Years Jacob is currently serving as a Financial Aid Advisor and VA Certifying Official for PIA. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Shepherd University. He began his career at Shepherd University as an Admissions Counselor, then came to PIA as an Admissions Representative. Jacob spends his time off with his wife and daughter, going to conventions, and playing tabletop/video games.

Brooke Hrinda – 5 Years Brooke works at the Pittsburgh Campus as a Financial Aid Advisor. She graduated from Edinboro University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Media Design and worked at two schools in the financial aid department before coming to PIA in January 2012. When she’s not working, you can find her and her husband chasing after their three children and running them to their various after-school activities. In her limited spare time she enjoys relaxing on the couch and watching Netflix.

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Frank Saye – 30 Years Frank began teaching at PIA after a 21-year career in the Army’s Air Defense Command. During his time in the military Frank met his wife, and they had two wonderful boys. After retirement as a Master Sgt E-8, his career at PIA has allowed him to teach AET students in quarters 4 through 7. He has also maintained PIA’s Radio Shop.

Michael Smith – 5 Years Michael enjoyed a lucrative aviation career before coming to the PIA Myrtle Beach Campus in February 2012. A July 1979 graduate of PIA, he worked as a mechanic for 23 years at Comair until his retirement in January 2012. He is currently the lead instructor at the campus, as well as a Designated Mechanical Examiner. Michael also enjoys drag & road racing, as well as autocross.

Happy Retirement, Mr. Simon! A

lbert Simon, Jr. commonly known as Mr. Simon, retired from full-time instructing in June of 2018. Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics takes pride in our instructors and the wealth of experience and knowledge they bring to our students. Not only do they teach the fundamentals of our craft, but they leave lasting impressions on the men and women they teach. Mr. Simon is certainly no exception to this rule. Perhaps the first thing that should be mentioned about Mr. Simon is that he is revered by the student body. From the remarkable to the unprintable, nearly every student questioned about their experience with him immediately sported a smile and rattled off one of many popular tales, the sheer volume of which are impossible to share with you here. The affection from the students is certainly reciprocated from Mr. Simon in his words, “Giving students the best of my experience is very rewarding; it’s what keeps me here to this day.” Albert Simon, Jr. enrolled at PIA in 1967. His mechanically inclined nature and his love for aviation led him to the institution. Upon graduation in 1969, Mr. Simon left behind job offers from Boeing and Sikorsky Aircraft and was drafted by the United States Marine Corps (USMC). Upon his discharge, Mr. Simon immediately resumed his career as an aviation mechanic, working first with Allegheny Airlines (which later became USAir) during the 1990s, and then worked at FedEX from 1993-2001. In 2001, Mr. Simon left FedEX to become an instructor with PIA. Over the next seventeen years, he

would go on to inspire and train thousands of future aviation mechanics. Mr. Simon is quick to point out that this field is full of challenges, and he ensures that his class presents them to his students. Dane Ramsey, a 2016 graduate of PIA, said, “My favorite instructor is Mr. Simon. He really pushed me and challenged me, every day. He was a fun instructor, very knowledgeable, and he made me what I am today.” While his time at PIA is made up of countless rewarding moments and memories, a few stories stand out. He recalls the time that he had made good on a promise to deploy and slide down the emergency slide on a commercial 727 jet that PIA previously owned. In his excitement, he failed to notice that many equally as excited students had lined up behind him to take their turn on the shoot. In another light-hearted moment, Mr. Simon fired up two jet engines at once, blowing Gary Hoyle’s hair back. While there are many stories that could be recounted, Mr. Simon simply said “It’s been a pleasure, a great ride,” regarding his tenure. Mr. Simon can still be seen in the halls of PIA from time to time as a part-time instructor. He also has a number of goals set for his future, ranging from visiting The Great Wall of China to owning his own bourbon barrel. However, one easily achievable goal is “to do nothing!,” which was not a luxury he has indulged in until now. While he won’t be spending his time on the couch watching TV, he does make time for an occasional scary movie or James Bond classic. He’ll have the smooth jazz of Grover Washington and the voice of Stevie Wonder to help keep him company on those days.

On behalf of PIA students, alumni, faculty, and staff – past, present, and future – we thank Mr. Simon for his dedication to this school and this industry. Fall Technician 2018 | 15

Continued: Outperforming Top Four-Year Colleges continued from page 5 program that is attainable by many that, for the return on investment, is amazing. The job opportunities are so plentiful.” According to the Department of Labor, the number of aircraft and avionics equipment maintenance technicians required in the U.S. will jump 5% over the next decade, per BLS data. The median pay for the occupation in America is currently $61,260 a year—more than the Census Bureau’s median household income figure of $57,617. In PIA’s workshops, students like Rich Vance completely take apart and reassemble aircraft engines that can be as large as an SUV. Earnings for aviation maintenance technicians will only improve, due to an impending age gap bubbling in the workforce. A 2017 analysis of federal aviation data by the Aviation Technician Education Council suggests that new entrants make up a measly 2% of the field’s workers in the U.S., while almost a third have reached or are nearing retirement age. Alarmed by this trend, employers are teaming up with aviation programs. Many turn to the historic and well-renowned PIA, which was originally a pilot training and aircraft maintenance outpost for one of Orville Wright’s companies. Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer began a partnership with PIA in March and has already sent recruiters to visit four times since. Delta, PIA’s most well-known partner, is collaborating with over 40 schools to help with marketing, curriculum building, faculty training and resources. According to Delta learning and development director and PIA alum Bill Smith, his alma mater stands out: “They’re one of our very top schools.” All those hungry employers translate into lots of opportunity. As maintenance student Sam Karol puts it, “You’d have to try to not get a job offer.” Yet PIA finds recruiting students hard. Between its Pittsburgh main campus and its three branch campuses in Ohio, Maryland and South Carolina, Markle estimates that PIA could house 500 students, yet the school’s full-time enrollment has fluctuated between 250 and 400 over the last ten years. (Due to smart spending, PIA is cash-flow positive and has consistently

16 | Fall Technician 2018

Student Jacob Thomas studies aircraft maintenance, a high-paying technical field.

increased its assets every year since the financial crisis.) “We have plenty of space to train more students,” Markle says. “Finding our voice has been a recurrent theme. Because we are niche, we don’t get a lot of notice.” In some ways, PIA’s stalled enrollment is understandable. Aviation maintenance is not for everybody. Technicians often work nights and in cold weather, and the physicality of the job isn’t a good fit for cubicle types. With a second-year retention rate for full-time students lower than most of the top bachelor’s institutions (69% for those who didn’t transfer from another school), PIA sees plenty of dropouts. Many are simply not prepared for the rigors of an elite trade school. Classes run from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., five days a week, and every minute missed is recorded and must eventually be made up. “Most of the kids who drop out just aren’t committed,” says Rich Vance, a maintenance student from Baltimore who pivoted to PIA after three years of a banking in Boston. “This prepares you for a real job.”

In PIA’s workshops, students like Rich Vance completely take apart and reassemble aircraft engines that can be as large as an SUV.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Hands-On Every Day Russell Wheatley PIA 2016 ......... Hagerstown Branch Campus, MD Program .......... Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) Length ............. 16 Months Employment ... Dynamic Aviation Position........... Avionics Technician After graduating from a four-year college with a degree in electrical engineering, Russell Wheatley started working in the field. Despite having great interest in the electrical work he was doing, it wasn’t exactly what he expected. “I was making wiring schematics, which was a lot of computer work and not hands-on. A lot of sitting still all day,” says Wheatley. After trying a few different jobs in the field, Wheatley decided to pursue his diploma in Aviation Maintenance and earn his A&P Certification. “I’d always been interested in planes, but it was just a passing interest. Someone said that [the program] would be a good fit for me. I came to an open house, and they were right.” With his background in electrical engineering, Russell found that he was able to use that knowledge in his classes at PIA. Being able to assist other students who needed help eventually led him to be awarded the 2015 Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) Student of the Year Award. The honor recognizes one student in the nation per year. Russell attributes his nomination to his willingness to learn and help others. “Me stepping up in class brought that forward.” His success in the classroom allowed him to earn his A&P, after which he began his career at Dynamic Aviation. The location and the people led him to taking the position, and ultimately got him the hands-on career he had wanted. “At Dynamic, I am doing something different and hands-on every day. We work with a lot of old planes, mostly King Air 90s and 200s. There is a lot of troubleshooting and ‘here’s what to look for, but just so you know it’s not always going to be the case.’ You don’t always have pristine planes, and you have to work with what you’ve got.”

School for Aviation Maintenance & Electronics

“Get the A&P, because there are more opportunities when you have one than when you don’t.” Currently, Wheatley and his team are working on a series of upgrades to the planes. “This year we are doing a lot of installs. The biggest thing coming now is ADS-B systems (Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast). We’re putting it into all of our planes. Being able to install a system, see the install through, turn it on, and have it all work is great.” While installs and upgrades to planes are major undertaking at his job, Wheatley understands the value of the minute details that he learned at PIA. “Learning to do paperwork correctly is a big thing. I write a ton of 337’s (forms for major repairs and alterations to an airframe, powerplant, propeller, or appliance). This year I’ve signed ten or more; also being able to go through the AC 43.13 (a general practices manual) [to do maintenance]. Old army birds don’t have the greatest manuals.” Earning his A&P, however, has its advantages. “Get the A&P, because there are more opportunities when you have one than when you don’t. In the avionics shop I am one of four, but I’m the only one with an A&P. It’s definitely been a factor.”

Pittsburgh, PA • Hagerstown, MD • Myrtle Beach, SC • Youngstown, OH

800.444.1440 • PIA.edu A Non-Profit Educational Institution

Fall Technician 2018 | 17

Searching for Employers Thank you again to all of the companies that made our Spring 2018 Technician Career Fair a success! R H

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Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics is now an AmazonSmile participating school. Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics whenever you shop on AmazonSmile. To use AmazonSmile, simply go to smile.amazon.com, and choose Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics as the organization youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to support!

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Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics P.O. Box 10897 Pittsburgh, PA 15236