News About the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics
The PIA Fleet Grows pg 4 Jump Start Expands pg 6 Forbes Ranks PIA pg 7 Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics
Summer 2017
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2017
John Graham III
President and CEO of Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics John “Jocko” Graham III, the longtime President and CEO of Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, passed away on April 12, 2017. His absence is felt deeply by the friends, faculty, and alumni who knew him so well during his years as a tireless champion of the aeronautics industry. Fondly remembered as a lifelong advocate of aviation, Mr. Graham was also a gracious member of many professional and charitable organizations in the greater Pittsburgh region. We asked some of the people who knew John to share their memories of him, and of the legacy he contributed to both our school and to the community.
- Remembrances John served on our Board of Directors, where he was dedicated to our mission and to the community as a whole. I owe a lot to his kind leadership. He gave his students such a unique opportunity with an abundance of career options, which is a huge contribution to the future of our region. John had a wonderful, gentle character, but he also loved to roll his sleeves up and get things done. He once saw my photos of bald eagles and learned that I’m an avid photographer, and he said, “someday I’ll take you up,” which he did…. all over the Mon Valley. The photos I took on that clear and beautiful day in the autumn of 2016 are some of my most treasured images. Godspeed on your new journey, John. Whenever I hear the song “On Eagle’s Wings”, I’ll remember you. Maury H. Burgwin, President of the Mon Yough Area Chamber of Commerce
Jocko’s whole life was based on a love of aviation, and he was raised in it from an early age, just like I was. His dad flew early F-100 Super Sabre supersonic fighter jets in Korea. Jocko was a very smart, qualified, capable individual—and also a wonderful friend, just so great to be around. We flew together in the Aztec numerous times, and in my antique plane. As corporate pilots, we fly all over the world, and no matter where we go, we find people who graduated from PIA. The school is renowned worldwide. You never hear anything but high praise about PIA graduates, and John and his dad are responsible for that. John took instruction very seriously. He was studious, and he paid great attention to details. He was an excellent student, so it makes sense that he was so committed to education. He took care of an airplane the way his dad taught him to, always so knowledgeable and willing to help. I knew I could stop in and talk to him and his dad anytime. Jim Hinson, Retired Chief Pilot, Westinghouse Electric’s Flight Department
The first time I met Jocko I was standing outside the doorway of an office at the Pittsburgh Campus. I said to him, “Hello, I’m Stacy El-Khatib, the new Admissions Rep for the Myrtle Beach Campus. Who are you?” And with a friendly smile, he said, “I’m Jocko.” I said, “It’s very nice to meet you Jocko. What do you do here?” and he responded, “Well, I’m the President.” I said, “It’s very nice to meet you,” and we both smiled and went on with our business. Although I did not spend much time with Jocko, each time we met, he greeted me with a friendly smile, kind words, and a truly humble spirit. A life that touches others will never be forgotten, and I am truly blessed to have met someone so special. Stacy EL-Khatib, Admissions Representative at Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics
Whenever Jocko came to the Bookstore to see me and I was busy with students, he often stood in line with the students waiting for me – he waited his “turn.” He never expected me to stop what I was doing and/or give him preferential treatment over the students. Pegi Neely, Merchandise & Account Specialist at Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics
I’ve worked at PIA since 1973, before Jocko was even born. I think I first met him when he was in the Boy Scouts and came to visit the school with his father. He was always around his dad in those days, and they were very close. But as he got older and his dad gave him more jobs to do around the school, you could really see Jocko venturing past his comfort zone and becoming his own person. One of the reasons he became such a successful leader is because he had the ability to recognize other people’s talents and let them do what they did best. He didn’t try to interfere or make demands. He’d have suggestions, but he ultimately let you do what he thought you believed was in the school’s best interests. He allowed talented people to do their best work. Jocko also really knew how to listen to people. He’d come into my office all the time and ask me for advice. He didn’t always take it, but he asked, and that made me feel good. I’m glad to be counted among the people he trusted over the years to help the school succeed. He wanted us to all feel included in that process.
When you work alongside someone for a long period of time, you get to know the person and experience professional and personal highs and lows. Jocko cared about the people around him. Jocko and I shared the love of the warmth of the sun and living near the ocean. I mentioned many times that with the landscape and weather I was looking forward to doing more outside activities. Right before I moved from the main campus to Myrtle Beach, my birthday occurred. He called down to my office and said I should take a walk over to Hangar 4 – my birthday present was there. He had bought me a bicycle to use at the beach. I still have it and still use it. Margaret Skalican, Myrtle Beach Campus Director at Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics
As a dedicated family man, Jocko was very proud of each one of his children. One reason I admire the way he ran the school is because he allowed others to do their jobs well, which gave him more time to spend with his family. And whenever we’d have golf events for charity, there weren’t a lot of golfers here at the school, so he and I would always be part of the PIA foursome. We weren’t regular golf buddies, but when it came time to help the school, we’d do it together. That’s going to be one of my lasting memories of Jocko. I certainly miss him. Gary Hoyle, Director of Campus Operations at Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics I knew Mr. Graham for a brief time. He was very warm and amiable. When Mr. Graham was visiting the HGR Campus, he asked me about my family and my job. He was interested in the current state of my upcoming enrolling class, not for the numbers but for the types of students. We talked about my table and how it felt different for families to sit around it as team players. I told him about the student projects I wanted to put in my office. He encouraged me to have the student projects available so that potential students could see them and touch them. He believed in education and PIA, espe-
cially how PIA can change lives. I try to remember that and present that to potential students that I contact and tour here at the Hagerstown campus. Barbara Martin, Admissions Representative at Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics
As a principal maintenance inspector for the FAA, I had oversight of PIA, which is an approved A&P school, so I would visit quarterly. My relationship with Jocko was professional, and I also came to consider him a good friend. The education that’s administered at PIA always met the standards of the FAA, and the job placement of their graduation classes is always very high. That simply speaks for itself. After I retired, I flew with Jocko, and we really enjoyed the time together. As I remember him, one of my favorite poems, “High Flight”, comes to mind, perhaps because John Gillespie McGee, Jr., died in action during the Battle of Britian in World War II just days after he wrote it. Jocko was a man of excellent character and a dedicated professional. I think that his oversight of PIA and its campuses has helped to generate aviation professionals of the highest quality. Jeff Halliday, Retired, Aviation Safety Inspector, Federal Aviation Administration
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there, I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air.... Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace. Where never lark, or even eagle flew — And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, – Put out my hand, and touched the face of God. — “High Flight,” John Gillespie McGee, Jr.
Summer 2017
Editorial Staff: Editor-in-Chief............ Benjamin O’Keefe Layout Design...................Edward Molek Copy Editor.........................Carly Straight
PIA Contributors: Butch Adams John Ackermann Joesph DeRamo David Koehler Barbara Martin Benjamin O’Keefe Stephanie Ostrowski Mindy Pavilonis Steven Sabold Carly Straight Derek Vrabel
Table of Contents:
Dear Reader,
2 �������������Youngstown Campus Addition
Welcome to the Summer 2017 Technician!
3 �������������New President 4 �������������The PIA Fleet Grows 6 �������������Partners for a New Training
This year we are proud to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Technician! Looking back over the past 30 years, PIA has come a long way. Just in this past year, PIA has seen tremendous strides forward through expansion, renovation, new equipment, and more.
Update
Facility
7 �������������Forbes: PIA #11 8 �������������Regatta '87 10 ����������Hagerstown Turns Five 11 ����������PIA & Myrtle Air Partner Up 11 ����������2017 AMC Competition 12 ����������PIA Holds Record-Breaking Fundraiser
13 ����������2016 AMT Next Gen Award: Greg B. Everett
14 ����������Employee Anniversaries 15 ����������PIA Students Work to Restore
It’s hard to fit all of the PIA news 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
Vintage Aircraft
16 ����������E=MCrossword
Youngstown Campus Addition Update By Steven Sabold This project will also allow more room for additional equipment in the hangar area, creating a more conducive learning environment. We appreciate the students and staff for their patience and willingness to accommodate the improvements that are underway!
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IA is pleased to announce the completion of Phase 1 of the Youngstown Branch Campus Expansion and Remodeling Project. While the completion of the first phase experienced some delays, we are excited that the students and faculty are now able to benefit from the new classrooms, learning resource center and administrative offices. The second phase is well underway, and includes repainting the interior of the existing hangar, upgrading the sign along Route 193, and constructing new restrooms, a student lunch area, dedicated electrical lab, welding shop, and paint shop.
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Joe DeRamo joins the PIA Youngstown campus as Campus Director with 11 years of educational management experience. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University and a Master’s of Science degree from Mercyhurst University. Joe has collaborated to develop educational programming at both the associate and bachelor degree levels. Courses he helped to create were adopted by dozens of campuses throughout the country. Joe has taught for Kent State University, Youngstown State University, ITT Technical Institute and Fortis College. Joe has been married for 17 years and has 3 children. In his spare time, he enjoys volunteering in the community and camping with his family. Joe can be reached at jderamo@PIA.edu.
Welcome Our New President T
his issue of the Technician newsletter is dedicated to John Graham III, whom we lost tragically in an aviation-related accident on April 12, 2017. John, or Jocko as he preferred to be called, served our organization for over 20 years, and lead PIA as its President from 2005 until his passing. I am honored and humbled to have been appointed as President of Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. To be granted the leadership of PIA is the greatest privilege of my life, and although this change comes as a result of the most unfortunate circumstances, I look forward to the challenge of leading this organization with great hope and enthusiasm. I am especially grateful to my colleague and friend, John Graham III, for giving me the opportunity to learn and grow as part of the PIA family, and to the Board of Directors for entrusting me with its stewardship. In accordance with our mission, and with the leadership of our exemplary faculty, we will furnish the community with skilled men and women who possess the willingness to learn and propensity to mature as contributing members of society. PIA’s alumni are our greatest source of pride and strength, and so we will continue to persistently focus on the success of our students. We live in a world and in an economy that has brought many challenges to PIA since its founding in 1929, and we will most certainly face our share of them in the future. As such, we must remain committed to our principles, focused on our mission, honest about our strengths and weaknesses, and determined to meet our shared goal of providing our students with an educational experience which will be worthy of the career opportunities that follow. I am so fortunate to have our faculty, staff, students, and alumni as my partners in this journey. The spirit of our school’s heritage, an unrelenting pursuit of quality, and my absolute confidence in the people who make PIA what it is today, will lead us to a bright and successful future. We will make Jocko proud. Yours in Education,
Suzanne Markle President/CEO
Suzanne Markle is President and Chief Executive Officer of Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, overseeing the strategic direction and daily operation of all PIA locations and programs. Since joining the organization in 1999, Markle has served the organization in positions including general studies faculty, coordinator for educational development, assistant to the dean, director of alumni services, and director of admissions. From 2010 until her recent appointment, she served as PIA’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Having held such a variety of positions within PIA, Markle enjoys a unique vantage point from which strategic initiatives can be launched with a firm understanding of operational capability, regulatory compliance, and the market and industries served by Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. Markle holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from California University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Business Administration degree from Seton Hill University. A native of the Pittsburgh area, Markle is an active member in a host of business and education associations which support the school’s mission.
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The PIA Fleet Grows:
Learjets Arrive at Pittsburgh and Youngstown By John Ackermann & Joseph DeRamo
Pittsburgh Campus Learjet 35A
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n late 2013, the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics began the process of acquiring a Bombardier Learjet 35A from the United States Air Force. The jet had been decommissioned and became available through the federal surplus program. Since PIA is a non-profit educational institution, it was eligible to purchase the jet from government surplus, which it did in December of 2013.
engines. Gary Hoyle and other members of the PIA team spent many weeks communicating with representatives from Sabreliner, Pennsylvania’s Federal Surplus Office, and the U.S. Air Force to get the transfer records in order, establishing PIA as the owner of the aircraft in their system, and assessing other aspects of the status of the aircraft in preparation for its final flight home to PIA.
Hoyle contacted a flight crew, which included PIA alumnus Patrick Barrett, Manager of Flight Standards, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., who donated their time to travel to Perryville for the initial onsite assessment of “Although the aircraft the aircraft. Based was built in 1984, it on the assessment has been kept in great that the aircraft could condition, with a combe ferried safely, PIA plete interior and many The Lear Jet traveled great contacted the Flight of the major compoDistrict nents intact,” said Gary distances as it made its way to PIA Standards Office (FSDO) in St. Hoyle, PIA Director of including down the highway Louis to obtain a FerCampus Operations. ry Permit, which was as well as in the air! While the process to required to fly the purchase a used jet aircraft back to Pittsburgh. However, the from the government might seem pretty permit could not be obtained without a straightforward, it was far from that. Once thorough records review on the aircraft and the jet was decommissioned, it was sent a number of other regulatory assurancto the Sabreliner Company in Perryville, es being completed. With the guidance of Missouri. Sabreliner was then contracted PIA alumnus and FAA Designated Airworto remove the military hardware from the thiness Representative Gary Potochnik, plane, complete minor repairs, and run the the PIA staff members involved with the project were clear on what needed to be
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Current PIA students are able to use the Learjet to do engine inspections with the ability to run those engines upon completion. PIA’s instructors and staff continue to come up with more ways the Learjet can enhance the education of our students.
Youngstown Campus Learjet 25
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n April, the Youngstown-Warren Campus purchased a Learjet from government surplus. Most recently, the jet was being utilized by the National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) to conduct research. Based out of the Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, this particular Lear had been a research workhorse. Since the mid-1970’s, NASA conducted various sound and communication research projects utilizing this particular aircraft. Once the plane required an overhaul on the airframe, NASA management considered retiring the plane. This is where a PIA graduate stepped in.
accomplished in order to satisfy the FAA’s stringent requirements. The late John Graham III compiled and organized the aircraft’s voluminous military records and presented them to be reviewed by certified technicians. The months-long review was performed by both Randy Reynolds, PIA powerplant instructor, and Shawn Martinelli, certified A&P mechanic. The evaluation, which included cross referencing all Air Force maintenance records with their civilian counterparts, determined that the Learjet met the FAA’s type certificate standards. Unfortunately, just as the compliance process was nearing completion, Graham received a phone call from the storage facility that the Learjet itself was in jeopardy. In an interview in February of this year, Mr. Graham recalled, “I was contacted over the weekend following Christmas 2015 by Sabreliner. Torrential downpours in the Perryville area were causing major flooding, and the jet would be underwater if it were not moved. Luckily, the crew at Sabreliner towed the aircraft for several miles on the highway to higher ground, just in time. Within a few continued on page 12
Jacob Kudrin, a 2014 graduate of PIA’s main campus, works at the NASA Glenn Research Center. He thought highly of the time he spent at PIA, and felt that the Learjet 25 would be a great addition to PIA’s programs. So, Kudrin reached out to NASA management, who were very much in favor of having the aircraft put to good use as a training aid. The aircraft was added to the government surplus list, and PIA was selected by GSA to purchase it at a mere fraction of its market value. The school acquired the aircraft, and PIA and NASA administrators made arrangements for the Learjet’s final flight, which would be to Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport, home of the PIA Youngstown branch. It arrived on campus and was greeted with a ceremonial water cannon salute supplied by the Youngstown Air Reserve Fire Department. Student Paul Keith, who is an Air Reservist, marshalled the jet following its final flight. A local television station covered the occasion with a live remote broadcast. The NASA pilots who flew the plane in spoke with students and answered questions. Some of the research scientists were also present. The scientists provided a summary of some of the onboard research projects that were conducted over the last several years. The Learjet is the campus’ first fully functioning turbine jet. Presently, the campus is utilizing the plane for towing and environmental systems inspections. In the future, students will conduct an engine operations check and engine removal and install. The Model 25 has two General Electric CJ-610 turbo jet engines and a cruising speed of 350 knots.
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Partners for a New Training Facility
By Benjamin O’Keefe
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IA’s Jump Start division has recently partnered with the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) to help provide new training and opportunities for displaced coal miners.
who were previously laid off coal miners have been some of their most reliable, hardworking employees.” PIA has been involved in the project since its early stages. In fact, Speney was directly involved in the grant writing process on the program’s behalf.
UMWA’s Career Centers, Inc. in Ruff Creek, PA, received a $1.2 million grant through the Appalachian Regional Com“PIA’s short term training programs have been serving the coal mission (ARC). The money came from the POWER Initiative and industry affected men and women under spewill be used to offer training opportunities to cial training grants for close to a decade,” said displaced coal miners in Pennsylvania and West “PIA’s short term training Speney. “The opportunity to provide these indiVirginia. programs have been serving viduals with short term, safety focused training For years, PIA Jump Start has been working with programs has afforded PIA the opportunity to the coal industry affected UMWA by providing CDL (commercial driver's litruly partner with the UMWA and its repremen and women under cense) and heavy equipment operator training sentatives, working toward a common goal of special training grants for for displaced miners through other grants. Due reemployment and a family-sustaining wage to high quality training and the success of Jump for our shared participants. We look forward close to a decade.” Start’s graduates, the UMWA decided to bring to bringing quality training and graduate place- Nadia Speney, PIA on board to be part of their new training ment services to the Ruffs Creek location in the Jump Start Program Director facility. summer of 2017.” “Individuals who have been laid off due to the shutting down of a coal mine are being told by alternate industry employers they do not have many translatable skills from the work they performed while employed at the mines. We know through our experience training and placing these men and women that this could not be further from the truth,” said Nadia Speney, PIA Jump Start’s Program Director. “Once a CDL license or Heavy Equipment training is added to their resume, it quickly makes them highly qualified candidates to enter a new industry at entry level or above. This has been proven to me time and time again by numerous major trucking carriers. They have told me directly that the drivers they have hired
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UMWA has also partnered with Allegany College of Maryland and Pennsylvania Highlands Community College to provide other retraining avenues to fields like advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity. It is projected that 400 unemployed miners will receive training through the project. The POWER Initiative (Partnership for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) is a congressionally funded program set to aid those who have been affected by the declining coal industry. The Initiative is being administered by the ARC, whose goal is to stimulate economic growth in Appalachia.
Fighting The Nation’s Skills Gap
PIA Among Top Two Year Trade Schools Ranked By Forbes P
ittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics was recognized among the top schools fighting the nation’s skills gap in a list published by Forbes Magazine on June 19, 2017. For the first time, Forbes has put together a comprehensive ranking of two-year trade schools. Using the same “return on investment” focus as the annual Top Colleges report, this list of 30 looks at three critical data points: earnings, affordability and quality. The Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics lands as the No. 11 Two-Year Trade School in the U.S. and is the top school on the list for technical trades.
PIA #11
The Forbes article led with commentary from “Dirty Jobs “and “Somebody’s Gotta Do It” television personality Mike Rowe: “I can think of nine magazines off the top of my head who every year will rank the top colleges. None of them ever include a trade school.” Rowe spoke about the benefits of choosing trade schools over academia, from affordable tuition to the availability of jobs in the field. The Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics cites a median salary for aircraft mechanics and service technicians at $60,270 (medians are not reflective of starting salaries).
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Regatta '87 (The Technician, Fall 1987 Ed.) In honor of the 30th anniversary of the Technician Newsletter, we have decided to include a piece of PIA’s history from 30 years ago: the construction of The Enterprise. The Enterprise remained at PIA until 2015 and was part of many of our alumni’s PIA experience. Enjoy the nostalgia! 8 | Summer Technician 2017
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or the fourth consecutive year, the students and staff of PIA designed, built and raced an entry in the Three Rivers Regatta “Anything That Floats Race.” Everyone worked hard, had fun and was recognized in his/her achievements with accolades of the Regatta’s Committees. Combined with an outstanding performance at the Beaver River Regatta, this year’s crew brought the trophy total to seven. The three trophies won this year were for Best Construction (Three Rivers), Best Construction (Beaver River) and second place for the running of the race at the Beaver Creek Regatta. The 1987 entry was a scale replica of the space shuttle Enterprise. The idea was Mr. (Capt.) McCauley’s. The construction supervision was provided by Regatta veterans like Mr. Buono, Mr. O’Keefe, Mr. Kovac, Mr. Melson, Mr. Hoffman and Mr. Shanahan. In addition, staff members such as Mr. Bria and Mr. Wilhelm made contributions. As always, the majority of the work was performed by the PIA student body. At one point or another, as many as forty students contributed their time and effort. Their care and attention to detail paid off with, not one, but two Best Construction trophies. Over sixty PIA students, employees and friends participated in Regatta ’87 in one capacity or another.
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Hagerstown Turns Five By Butch Adams, Barbara Martin, and Stephanie Ostrowski
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veryone likes the feeling of finding their niche and having a sense of belonging, and that is exactly what has happened for PIA-Hagerstown Branch Campus since opening the doors over 5 years ago. With the surrounding area’s rich history in aviation, PIA has been embraced by the community and the four-state area. One hundred years ago, Giuseppi Bellanca designed, built and tested Hagerstown’s first manufactured aircraft, the Bellanca CD. By doing so, he unknowingly began a century of aviation innovation and production. The 1916 Bellanca CD biplane was locally built in a factory building on Pope Avenue and was test flown from a field which is now the South Hagerstown High School Athletic Field. Fairchild Aircraft was headquartered in Hagerstown from 1931-1984 and known as the "Home of the Flying Boxcar." Today, Hagerstown Regional Airport is home to a variety of businesses that provide travel and airside services to the general aviation community. The 400-acre facility includes a secured perimeter, air traffic control tower, state-of-the-art navigational aids and the second longest public runway in the State of Maryland. Sun Air Express provides passenger service to Dulles International Airport, and Allegiant provides passenger service to Orlando Sanford International Airport. PIA is proud to continue the rich history of aviation innovation and education in the Hagerstown area. As the only aviation maintenance school in the state of Maryland, PIA serves a dual function of providing its learners with opportunities, while furnishing the community with its most valuable resources: skilled men and women who possess the willingness to learn and the propensity to mature as contributing members of society. Since PIA-Hagerstown first opened, we have moved from a two room-two shop school, to an eighteen thousand square foot building
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complete with a nine thousand square foot hangar, four classrooms, a learning resource center, five offices, and a taxiway to the Hagerstown Regional Airport. PIA’s new building opened in May 2013 with 35 students and today has blossomed in enrollment with 90 students. The instructional staff has grown to seven instructors, three admissions personnel, a campus coordinator and a campus director. With the enrollment increasing, PIA-Hagerstown will explore expansion options in the near future. Other businesses in the area have also benefited as students relocate to Washington County and are in need of housing, food and part-time employment. To date, there have been 175 graduates of PIA-Hagerstown. The campus currently holds a 95% placement rate (statistic based on employable graduates from July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2016). Graduates are starting careers with companies all over the country, such as Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services, Piedmont Airlines, Sierra Nevada Corporation, Endeavor Air, and Constant Aviation. Career services are provided to students oneon-one, including resume building and mock interviews. Companies from all throughout the country will physically come on campus to interview students. Some students will not even leave campus before landing their new careers. Thanks to the work of the dedicated staff, enrollment is growing and the Hagerstown Campus is self-sustaining. Students are given the skills needed to be successful and employers are regularly coming back to PIA to find quality technicians. PIA’s impact cannot be measured in numbers, statistics or dollars. With a very successful five years behind us, PIA looks forward to continued growth and will empower students by giving them an option to learn a marketable skill at an affordable cost for many years to come.
PIA & Myrtle Air Services Partner Up
By Mindy Pavilonis
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n September of 2016, Mercury Aviation expanded their operations to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Myrtle Air Services was born. This new operation will service the entire East Coast of the United States. Myrtle Air Services, Inc. is a Federal Aviation Administration-approved Part 145 repair station, offering various levels of maintenance for Embraer, Bombardier CRJ, SAAB and Boeing Aircraft. Outside of their maintenance and repair services, they also provide long- and short-term commercial aircraft storage, fleet management, records audits, interior refurbishment, pre-buy inspections, consulting and ferry services. “Since 1999, Mercury Aviation and its subsidiaries have become known to aircraft operators for quality work, done on time, for a fair price. We have achieved this by investing in our people and our facilities,” said Kevin Dolan, President and CEO.
Mercury Aviation Holdings' current operations also include Kingman Airline Services, Inc., Legacy Aviation Services, Inc., and Kingman Aviation Parts, Inc. Since opening their newest facility next door to the PIA-MYR Campus, they have hired over a dozen of our graduates. “The students and the aviation maintenance program at PIA are of the highest quality, and we have been very happy with the students and alumni that we have hired from the Pittsburgh, Youngstown and Myrtle Beach campuses,” said Adam Salkeld, Base Manager at Myrtle Air Services. Myrtle Air Services has even sponsored PIA’s team for this year’s MRO Americas’ Aerospace Maintenance Competition. The competition is a chance for our students
to compete against other aviation maintenance students from around the country in over 30 different skills tests. This will be the second year in a row that PIA’s Myrtle Beach campus will be competing. “We are excited that Myrtle Air Services has become the sponsor for our MRO Americas' Maintenance Team Competition for 2017 in Orlando, Florida,” said Peg Skalican, PIA Myrtle Beach Campus Director. “Since the company’s start in Myrtle Beach, we have cultivated an excellent working partnership. MAS, Inc. is always amiable to our students and instructors,” added Skalican. “We have also had them use our classrooms for their employee training. It has become a wonderful coalition of education and private industry.”
2017 AMC Competition
Congratulations to our teams from PIA’s Hagerstown and Myrtle Beach campuses for competing in the 2017 MRO America’s Maintenance Team Competition in Orlando, FL! Both teams represented PIA with such high levels of knowledge, maturity and professionalism. Thank you again for all of your hard work and dedication.
Myrtle Beach Campus Team:
Matthew Cetera, Victoria Schultz, Luke Foreman, Lindsay Jackson and Eric Almeter
Hagerstown Campus Team: Hanna Fuller, Kevin Tran, Ryan Hall, Jeremy Stuckey and Joe Osovets
Thank you to this year’s sponsors for making our participation possible.
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The PIA Fleet Grows continued from page 5
hours after the Learjet was relocated, the Sabreliner storage hangar and runway were under nearly six feet of water.” After conditions improved at the Sabreliner facility, the aircraft was moved back to indoor storage. Shawn Martinelli, John Graham, and Jeff Halliday, former Pittsburgh FSDO official (retired), flew to Missouri and completed a comprehensive onsite inspection of the aircraft, which included checking fuel, oil, and air systems. The jet was again deemed to be safe for flight, and a crew was contacted to fly the jet to Pittsburgh. Graham, also a licensed pilot, flew to Michigan to pick up the flight crew. However, on the same day as the scheduled flight, the FSDO office in St. Louis put forth additional requirements before the ferry permit would be issued. Graham traveled to the St. Louis FSDO to request the permit in person.
After a few hours of discussion, and some additional paperwork from the A&Ps who inspected the aircraft, Graham returned to Perryville with the elusive ferry permit finally in hand. Berry Birurakis (pilot) and Van Newberry (copilot) completed pre-flight inspections on the Learjet. On the evening of May 24, 2016, the Bombardier Learjet was flown to Pittsburgh, where it was greeted by PIA administrators and the students attending the evening Rotorcraft Course. After a hard-fought acquisition that took over two years to complete, this aircraft will remain at the main campus as a training tool for PIA students for many years to come. Several instructors, including Reynolds, have already developed a series of projects using this new training aid, including inspecting and running the engines as well as opera-
tion of the avionics systems in the aircraft. As a final footnote to the story, Graham had the jet registered with the FAA with the N-number N72GH. The last two letters are in recognition of Gary Hoyle and his over 43 years of service to the organization. Special thanks go out to Jeff Halliday, Gary Potochnik, Patrick Barrett, and pilots Berry Birurakis and Van Newberry, who donated their valuable time to the challenge of bringing this amazing aircraft home to PIA.
PIA Holds Record-Breaking Fundraiser By Carly Straight
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n Friday, August 19, 2016, more than 80 participants made their way to Seven Springs Resort for the 4th annual Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser’s “A Shot at Education.” This was a record-breaking year in both participation and funds raised, showcasing the great generosity of PIA’s many partners and the support of the local community for the school.
Thank you to all Sponsors and to all who helped. Platinum Level Xpyria Investment Advisors Henderson Brothers Gold Level Republic Airways Washington Financial Constant Aviation Allegheny County Airport
Through the kindness of donations, sponsorships, and our participants, we were able to raise over $10,000 at the clay shoot - enough to provide five deserving PIA students with a scholarship toward their continuing education. This is more than twice what we were able to raise the year before! The new venue was embraced by both new and veteran participants alike, and we are excited to host the event there again this year on Friday, August 18, 2017: included will be a full day of sport shooting and a delicious buffet-style dinner. Planning for this year’s clay shoot has already begun, and we have hope this will be the biggest and best year yet. Thank you again to our generous donors and attendees for helping to make this year’s fundraiser such a tremendous success. We hope to see you back at Seven Springs again in August 2017!
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Premier Level Uptime IT systems Piedmont Endeavor Air Sidock Group, Inc. OELER Industries, Inc.
For more information on how to support and/or participate in PIA’s 5th Annual Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser, “A Shot at Education,” please contact Andrea Smith at 412-346-2174 or asmith@pia.edu.
Trapper Level Republic Airways JSfirm.com Bootay Bevington & Nichols, LLC All Pittsburgh Real Estate CSK Advertising Jefferson Memorial Cemetery & Funeral Home Valley National Security Service, LLC PIA Career Services
2016 AMT Next Gen Award: Greg B. Everett
Photos by Constant Aviation
By Aircraft Maintenance Technology - AMT Magazine
T
he uniqueness of the field and the exclusiveness of the industry drew him in. "The idea of being in aviation with the great people that have made many contributions to the world appealed to me," Everett says.
ences the person that you are, as long as you are open to the experience. To name a handful of mentors that have had a large impact would be Jim Rady, Shawn Ehrhart, Jason Morrow, Darren Fronk, Dan Podojil, and Kevin Dillon (all employees of Constant).” He was awarded the Golden Wrench Award while enrolled at PIA. The award is given to one individual from each graduating class that most exhibits ambition, talent, and attention to detail.
He graduated from Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) and was hired at Constant Aviation in Youngstown, OH, about a week later. Early on in his career, he inspected the Embraer Legacy and Cessna He has continued his education by Citation X aircraft. He began volunteering attending classes on the Beechjet to be a part of Constant's DART team and 400A, with four hours of simulator time at has literally been able to stand on each CAE and a management training course at coast. The team he was on completed the Global Jet Services. transplant and installation of a wing on an He was nominated by Shawn Paul Ehrhart, Embraer 135 in the field, completed the director of operations, nondestructive testfirst vertical stabilizer change in the field on ing, Constant Aviation; an EMB-145, and also Samantha Petersen, recovered and repaired “Greg chose aviation as a business administraa Phenom 300 that lost career to follow his passion, tor, Constant Aviation; control on a runway. After these projects, he after working different non- and David Noall, director of operations, Rite became a lead techniaviation jobs in his 20s.” Flite Aviation. Noall cian. Less than a year says, "I have been - Shawn Paul Ehrhart, later, he was promotworking with Greg for ed to supervisor and the past two years. He works with the small has helped us a trecabin aircraft. mendous amount with There are many menour new Phenom. He tors, big and small, good has great attention to and bad, that have helped to mold him. "I detail, and he has a great ability to commubelieve that everyone you encounter influnicate effectively with customers. He has
helped us work through several annoying problems on the aircraft, and each time he has been successful in troubleshooting and problem solving. The incident that sticks out most in my mind with Greg is that when we had an issue just prior to a departure, I called to pick his brain. He helped me do some troubleshooting over the phone, but we weren't having any luck. I hung up with him and was dealing with the passengers when I looked up and Greg was standing there. I didn't ask for him to come, but it is his commitment to customer service that causes me to nominate Greg for this honor." Ehrhart states, "I completely believe that Greg Everett embodies the modern, professional AMT. Greg chose aviation as a career to follow his passion, after working different non-aviation jobs in his 20s. Greg continued on page 15
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Employee Anniversaries Robert Allison – 35 Years Robert ‘Bob’ Allison has been an admissions representative for PIA throughout his entire career with the school. In PIA’s admissions outreach, he has traveled to 9 states talking to high school students about the benefits of a career in aviation maintenance. He is very passionate about the industry and the quality of a PIA education, and even got his own son and brother to attend PIA. One of the greatest moments of his life is when he presented his son, Ryan, with his diploma at graduation. Bob currently serves as an Elder, Sunday school teacher, youth sponsor, and choir member at the Scottdale Church of Christ.
Dino Cicconi – 20 Years Dino holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and an AST degree in Electronics Technology from Penn Technical Institute. Prior to coming to PIA, Dino was an Admissions Representative at Penn Technical Institute for 16 years. Dino resides in Sewickley with his wife and enjoys spending time with his 2-year-old granddaughter. Dino’s son-inlaw is a PIA graduate and a Lead Technician at Republic Airlines. He is also an avid landscaper and gardener with a specialty in growing banana trees for the last 30 years.
Bernard Adams – 15 Years Bernard ‘Butch’ Adams is the Campus Director of PIA’s Hagerstown Campus. He has worked as an electronics instructor at the main campus, and served as the Athletic Director and Assistant Director of Campus Operations. Butch currently serves on two Boards of Directors, Horizon Goodwill Industries and On Track Washington County. He is President elect of the Long Meadow Rotary, involved in the Hagerstown Chamber of Commerce, EAA, and serves on the James Rumsey Technical Institute Advisory Committee. Married for 39 years, Butch enjoys traveling, visiting with family, fishing, riding motorcycles, and sprint car racing.
Albert Simon Jr. – 15 Years Al began his career in aviation when he attended PIA in July of 1967, just two weeks after he graduated from high school. After graduating from PIA in 1969, he joined the United States Marine Corps. In 1973 he received his first job in aviation with Allegheny Airlines, now US Airways, and stayed for 20 years. After later working for FedEx, Al came back to PIA in 2001 as a powerplant instructor, and has been here ever since! Al now serves as one of PIA's FAA certified Designated Mechanic Examiners (DME).
Jason Mongan – 5 Years Jason Mongan is currently serving as PIA’s Director of Education. Jason earned his BA in History and MA in College Student Develop-
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ment and Administration from Shepherd University. Jason has served in other roles at PIA, including Placement Coordinator and Placement Supervisor. Jason enjoys spends most of his off-time with his family, playing tabletop/video games, and building fantasy models. If you are looking to discuss anything in the realm of geekdom…Jason is your man.
Roxanne Ober – 5 Years Roxanne Ober travels among all four campuses as the Director of Admissions and Outreach. She is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Service. Prior to PIA, Roxanne served 8 years as President and Board Member for the Washington County Maryland School Board along with positions at Children’s National Medical Center, Grand Canyon Trust, Council for International Exchange of Scholars and a presidential campaign. Roxanne resides in Hagerstown with her husband and three children.
Benjamin O’Keefe – 5 Years Ben is currently serving as PIA’s Enrollment Manager, as well as the editor for “The Technician” newsletter. After graduating from Westminster College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, he began his career at PIA as an admissions representative for the Pittsburgh and Youngstown campuses. In his spare time you will find him skiing and traveling with his wife, building Legos with his 7-year-old son, and getting clawed up by his multitude of cats.
Thomas Repula – 5 Years Tom graduated from PIA in 1978 and was hired right out of school with Midwest Air Charter in Cleveland, Ohio. Later, they were purchased by Airborne Freight Company and became Airborne Express. During his 26-year tenure with them, he worked as a flight line mechanic, lead mechanic, and Supervisor. In 2004, he retired from ABX to relocate back to the Youngstown area, working as a Paramedic for several years before being hired in 2011 at the PIA Youngstown campus, where he holds the position of Lead Instructor.
James Strock – 5 Years James ‘Jim’ Strock works part-time at Youngstown in the 4th semester Airframe Department. He apprenticed for 4 years, received his A&P in 1986, and went on to get his Inspection Authorization in 1994. In 1973 he received his private pilot’s license in his 1940 Piper J3 Cub, which he still owns and maintains. He has also been an EAA member since 1971 and an EAA Technical Advisor since 1989. Retired from General Motors Lordstown Assembly after 31 years, his free time is now spent mowing the grass on the runway behind his house.
PIA Students Work To Restore Vintage Aircraft “It has been really cool working on something that is so old and unique that we may never see again…something our great-grandparents could have flown in.” - Nicholas Miller – PIA Student By Derek Vrabel
M
any of you may know that PIA receives much of its equipment and aircraft from private and military donations. As a non-profit organization, these generous donations are pivotal to offering the level of education achieved within our walls.
Years ago, PIA was fortunate enough to receive a donation of a 1952 Piper Tri-Pacer PA22. While the fuselage had major rust-through, the potential was clear. With the more recent donation of a replacement fuselage, thanks to Michael Mueller from Vermillion, OH, the project has begun to take shape and move forward. With help and overall project direction from instructor Patrick Buono, students have already covered and nearly completed the wings of the aircraft. 7th Quarter PIA - Pittsburgh Campus students Chris Fearon, Mallory Hvostal, Kelly Matoney, and Nicholas Miller have taken on the sometimes grueling but rewarding task of restoring the newly-acquired fuselage. From removing wires, pulleys, fabric and years of grime to sandblasting and using epoxy to prevent future corrosion, these students certainly have had their hands full. More important-
Students: Kelly Matoney, Mallory Hvostal, Chris Fearon, and Nick Miller ly, the students gained valuable experience and had fun working a rather uncommon project. The goal for the Tri-Pacer is airworthiness within 2 years. We are still looking for several pieces for the project (O-320 150hp engine, prop fuel tanks, and lift struts, to name a few), and a project such as this always requires many hours of detailed work. However, with continuous efforts from both PIA students and instructors in conjunction with acquisition of parts from our generous benefactors, this old bird will take flight again!
continued from page 13
2016 AMT Next Gen Award: Greg B. Everett is a leader who was inspired by senior AMTs to believe in the Mechanic's Creed and treat every task like his own family would be flying on the aircraft. I watched Greg learn these good habits, apply them dutifully, and now teach young mechanics just leaving A&P school the same professional techniques. In addition to his mechanical abilities, Greg is an excellent communicator who has forged amazing relationships with both our customers and FAA representatives."
Everett would like to be a mentor to his fellow technicians, experienced and new. He says, "With future projections of technicians retiring, it looks like the industry will take a hit and need intelligent and motivated individuals to keep the torch going." As for the future, Everett would like to gain a foothold in management, possibly operations manager.
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E=MCrossword
By David Koehler
Physics
Still have your edge? Test your knowledge of the physics of aviation with the this year’s crossword!
Bernoulli Watt
F=PxA
F=MxA Ohm Newton
P=IxE
E=IxR
Pascal Mach
Archimedes 16 | Summer Technician 2017
Across
1 ������� Comparing the density of a substance to the density of Water. (2 words) 4 ������� The "Intensity" of electron flow, measured in amperes. 7 ������� A Swiss Physicist who discovered a fluid's pressure decreases as its velocity increases. 8 ������� Equals Force times Distance. 11 ���� When frequencies appear to change due to relative motion between objects it is referred to as _____________ shift/effect. 12 ���� Energy in motion. 13 ���� The three methods of heat transfer include: Conduction, Convection and _____________ . 14 ���� One of the four forces of flight, opposed with Thrust. 16 ���� When two separate pressures are compared to each other for an indication, it is called a _____________ pressure. ex: MAP and EPR (PSID) 19 ���� Newton's 3rd Law states: For every action, there is an equal and _____________ reaction.
Down
2 ������� Energy at rest. 3 ������� Pascal's Law states that Force equals _____________ times area. 5 ������� When you travel above Mach 1 you are moving at _____________ speed. 6 ������� 746 Watts is equal to one of these equine units. 9 ������� Electromotive Force (EMF) is the "E" in Ohm's Law, but this word starts with "V". 10 ���� A "Standard Day" is at MSL, 59 degrees F and 29.92 Inches of _____________ pressure. 11 ���� If voltage is held constant in a circuit and Resistance is increased, Current will _____________ . 15 ���� One of the four forces in flight. Opposes weight or Gravity. 17 ���� Rotational Force measured in Pound-Feet. 18 ���� When a pressure is measured and compared to a vacuum reference, it is an _____________ pressure indication. (PSIA)
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 you’d like to support!
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Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics P.O. Box 10897 Pittsburgh, PA 15236