PIA Technician - Spring 2014

Spring 2014

News About the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics and the Aviation Industry

Inside: • New Hagerstown Campus Opens • First Graduation at the Beach • Instructors Recognized Nationally Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics

Spring 2014

FEATURES 3 Myrtle Beach Campus Graduates First Students

Editorial Staff:

4 New Institute Could Help Train Future Aviation Workers

Editor-in-Chief Benjamin O’Keefe

6 ATEC Honors Myrtle Beach Instructor

Copy Editor Pat Sylves

7 Hagerstown Instructor Receives FAA Gold Award 8 Spring 2014 Career Fair

Layout Editor Steven Sabold

9 Youngstown Campus Tops Placement Charts

Contributors: Kylee Bennett Greg Davis Jacob Holt David Koehler Todd Kruszka Suzanne Markle Benjamin O’Keefe Roxanne Ober Stephanie Ostrowski Pat Sylves

12 Commercial Aircraft Flight - A Centennial

10 Alumni Stories

13 Student and Alumni Recognition 14 U.S. Congressman Delaney Visits Hagerstown Campus 15 PIA Supports Students with Clay Shoot Fundraiser 16 Employee Anniversaries 18 Annual PIA Crossword Back 2013 Scholarship Winners

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR Dear Reader, Welcome to the Spring 2014 edition of the Technician! This year, PIA’s 85th year of training high quality technicians to support and better the aviation industry, has been a big year for PIA.

Benjamin O’Keefe Editor-in-Chief bokeefe@pia.edu (412) 346-2134

In celebration of all of the good things happening here at PIA, I am pleased to present the first full color edition of the Technician in its history! Inside these pages you will find news and updates on all of the exciting things that have been happening at our campuses, with our staff, and alumni.

As always, keep up to date on the latest PIA news and events at our website (pia.edu) and our Facebook page!

Yours Truly

2 | SPRING TECHNICIAN 2014

The Myrtle Beach Campus’ first graduating class Photo courtesy of K. Bennett

Myrtle Beach Campus Graduates First Students K. Bennett

kbennett@pia.edu

The Myrtle Beach Branch “I would like to take just a Campus held its first graduation moment to address you, the first ceremony on May 8th, 2013. graduating class of PIA’s Myrtle PIA administration hosted the Beach Campus. Thank you and event at the new Myrtle Beach congratulations,” Jackson said. “It is International Airport Terminal. because of you that I do what I do.

Campus Director Peg Jackson You have been an inspiration to me started the ceremony by thanking and I am proud to have had you as the 22 members of the first the first students here. Each of you has earned this day and will always graduating class. hold a special place in my heart.”

“We pushed ourselves physically, mentally and we pushed ourselves spiritually… and we discovered a lot about ourselves in the process.”

Salutatorian Kenneth Sorensen and Valedictorian Richard Lewis shared their experiences with the audience. Lewis believed the graduates’ time at PIA pushed them to be successful.

“We never knew we would do so well, until we were challenged,” Lewis said. “We pushed ourselves physically, mentally and we pushed ourselves spiritually… and we discovered a lot about ourselves in the process.”

He encouraged his fellow graduates to continue to challenge themselves, always remembering that they are “The future of aviation.”

After Lewis’s speech, PIA administration recognized graduate Joseph Caruso for perfect attendance. Caruso thanked his family for their support of him in completing the program.

Two more classes have graduated since the initial May 8 event. 30 graduates of the Myrtle Beach campus are now pursuing their future, both in the workforce and the classroom.

Some of the new Airframe and Powerplant certified technicians dove straight into their career.

Others chose to continue their education by working toward an Associate Degree from HorryGeorgetown Technical College.

SPRING TECHNICIAN 2014 | 3

The ribbon was cut on May 20, 2013 for the new Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics training facility at 14516 Pennsylvania Ave. in Hagerstown. Photo courtesy of Joe Crocetta

New Aeronautics Institute Could Help Train Future Aviation Workers C.J. Lovelace

cj.lovelace@herald-mail.com

With the national aviation industry experiencing a workforce shortage of aircraft mechanics and technicians, a new Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics training facility in Hagerstown might go a long way toward helping train the workers of tomorrow, a school official said Monday during a ribbon cutting for PIA’s new facility.

as the country’s population of baby boomers retired.

ing at 14516 Pennsylvania Ave. features a large hangar space, as well “They said that over 60 percent as numerous classrooms and shops of the workforce are over the age of constructed specifically to provide 57 years old, so as those technicians students with hands-on aircraft reach retirement ... there’s going to training. be a huge void that future technicians will need to fill,” Graham said.

PIA officials were joined Monday by nearly 100 people John Graham III, PIA’s president to cut the ribbon on the school’s and chief executive officer, said a U.S. newly completed $2 million branch Department of Labor and Federal campus on Pennsylvania Avenue Aviation Administration study in next to Hagerstown Regional 2003 found that there would be “a Airport. severe shortage” in maintenance The 18,000-square-foot buildtechnicians over the next decade 4 | SPRING TECHNICIAN 2014

PIA’s Hagerstown Campus is VA Benefits Approved.

“We’re so happy to have this facility to be able to share with the students and share with the community,” Graham said after cutting the ribbon with numerous Hagerstown, Washington County and state officials. “This is a great day for PIA and for Washington County.”

Did you know...

PIA Hagerstown is the only FAA-Approved Aviation Maintenance School in Maryland?

Airport Director Phil Ridenour said the new school campus will not only serve students looking for work in the aviation field, but many of the airport businesses that need Federal Aviation Administration-certified mechanics.

“This is going to be a great thing and provide great opportunities for businesses on the airport; to be able to hire mechanics that come out of this school,” he said. “We know they’re going to be highly trained

and they’re going to be looking for a good aviation-related job. And hopefully we’re going to be able to place them here at the Hagerstown Regional Airport.”

The new facility came to be through a public-private partnership between PIA, Washington County and a local builder, Ridenour said.

Financed and owned by PIA, the facility was built by contractor David Rider, who also owns Rider Butch Adams shakes hands with Jet Center at the airport, and is Julianna Albowicz on a piece of county-owned land Photo courtesy of S. Sabold that is being leased to the school.

Construction on the new campus from the 16-month program, which began in January.“ has turned out nearly three dozen They really welcomed us with skilled technicians. open arms, and made all this Graduating students have seen building come through on time placement rates of 85 percent to and under budget and at no cost 90 percent in the last couple of to the taxpayer,” Graham said of Hagerstown classes, Graham said, the involvement of local officials although other campuses border on involved in the project. “So that 100 percent. certainly helped us.”

“If you want a job, there are a lot PIA Hagerstown Campus of opportunities out there,” he said.

Director Butch Adams said about “You may have to move a little bit 35 students are enrolled in the local ... to sunnier climates, but that’s not program. Classes at the new location too bad of an option.” will begin after Memorial Day. PIA was established in 1929, but Adams said PIA came to the school was first opened in 1927 Hagerstown in April 2011 and since by Glenn Curtiss and Orville Wright then, three classes have graduated as Curtiss-Wright Flying Service. Its main campus is in West Mifflin, Pa., offering degree programs in aviation technology.

Along with Hagerstown, the branch campuses — in Youngstown, Ohio, and Myrtle Beach, S.C. — offer a diploma and/or certificate program in aviation maintenance technology, which qualifies graduates to take FAA tests for certification.

Roxanne Ober tours students from Washington County Technical High School

Reprinted with permission of the Herald-Mail SPRING TECHNICIAN 2014 | 5

Instructor Mike Smith teaching Advanced Composites Photo courtesy of K. Bennett

ATEC Honors Myrtle Beach Instructor

by K. Bennett

kBennett@pia.edu

The Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) chose Myrtle Beach Campus Lead Instructor Mike Smith as the ATEC 2014 Ivan D. Livi Aviation Maintenance Educator of The Year.

According to the Aviation Technician Education Council’s (ATEC) web site, the Ivan D. Livi Aviation Maintenance Educator of the Year Award, named for former PIA President and alumni Ivan D. Livi, recognizes the outstanding achievement of an aviation maintenance technology instructor.

Instructor Greg Davis recommended Smith for the award.

Davis wrote the ATEC committee a letter commending Smith’s work ethic and dedication to the students.

“Most days, Mike is at the school before I arrive in the morning, and still here when I leave in the 6 | SPRING TECHNICIAN 2014

afternoon,” Davis said. “He is never idle, even during breaks and lunch periods. He is busy working on something related to making the school more effective.”

world’s best aviation maintenance professionals,” Null said.

Smith graduated with his Associate Degree and Airframe and Powerplant certification from PIA’s Director of Education Greg Null Main Campus in 1979. Davis jokes said Smith is a devoted instructor. about Smith’s experiences at PIA as “Mr. Smith has shown through both a student and instructor. his time as an instructor at PIA “When he pulls out his texts or that he is committed to aircraft workbooks from 35 years ago to maintenance, education, and this refresh his memory of how some school’s mission of training the project was approached way back when, I have to laugh quietly to myself,” Davis said.

“...he is committed to aircraft maintenance, education, and this school’s mission of training the world’s best aviation maintenance professionals”

Smith also studied Aviation management at Embry Riddle University. His FAA certifications include A&P (Airframe and Powerplant), ATP (Airline Transport Pilot), CFI (Certified Flight Instructor), Ground Instructor and DME (Designated Maintenance Examiner).

ATEC will recognize Smith at their annual conference in April.

More on the AMT Awards...

The AMT Award has three levels an individual can earn: • Phase I Bronze Award • Phase II Silver Award • Phase III Gold Award Instructor Paul Eisenhart showcases his AMT award Photo courtesy of R.Ober

Hagerstown Instructor Receives FAA Gold Award

According to the FAA website, Gold Award qualifications include: • A complete 80 hours of eligible Aviation Maintenance Training within the calendar year.

• Satisfactory completion of a college level course of 3 credit hours in a career related subject within the calendar year.

was developed by the FAA to encourage technicians to receive rober@pia.edu and promote recurrent maintenance Hagerstown Campus Instructor training. This program recognizes Paul Eisenhart recently received the outstanding individuals in the fields Federal Aviation Administration’s of Avionics, Flight Instruction and (FAA) “William (Bill) O’ Brien” Maintenance.

Phase III Gold Award on January These awards highlight the roles 15. these individuals play in promoting

by R. Ober

Recipients of the Bill O’ Brien awards are honored with a certificate of training and decal.

The awards are named after PIA graduate Bill O’Brien. O’Brien was a prolific member of the aviation industry who co-founded the AMT awards program. He also created the Charles Taylor “Master Mechanic” The Aviation Maintenance safety, education and professionalism Award.

Technician (AMT) Awards Program in their respective field.

Come join us for the...

Car Cruise/Open House

PIA Main Campus August 9, 2014 10am - 1pm

ur no i ted se a p ou ci rti en H a p p ars se/O sy of c sic ui rte las r Cr cou win c d SPRING TECHNICIAN 80 3 Ca hoto 2014 oo | 7 r e G 1 P B. Ov 20

Participating companies included:

by S. Markle

smarkle@pia.edu

The Pittsburgh Campus hosted PIA’s career fairs take place its largest career fair in recent years each Spring and Fall. Job on March 26, 2014. openings available at the career 32 companies participated in fair outnumber the size of PIA’s the event held in the schools main upcoming graduating classes, and hangar. Placement supervisor some positions remain open after Jason Mongan said PIA’s training is the fair. nationally recognized.

“PIA graduates are in demand, and that isn’t going to change any “Companies from all over the US have really taken notice of the time soon” Mongan said. practical training that students get Alumni are welcome to join at PIA,” Mongan said.

PIA Placement on Facebook to get “Graduates have the knowledge up-to-date info on available career to hit the ground running in a new opportunities. Placement services position, and that is exactly what are ongoing and are offered to both students and alumni. these companies are looking for.”

For more information about Representatives from the PIA graduate opportunities, aviation, manufacturing, oil & gas and transportation industries met contact Placement Supervisor Jason with prospective employees to Mongan at 412-346-2175 or by answer questions, view résumés and, email at jmongan@pia.edu. in some cases, conduct preliminary interviews.

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Aerotek Air Wisconsin Barber Trucking Bettis/Bechtel Labs CalFrac Component Repair Technologies Dynamic Aviation Endeavor Air Equipco ExpressJet ExpressPros Falcon Transport Flight Options Halliburton Hennecke Maverick Transport McCutcheon Enterprises Nabors Prop Logistics Republic Airways Schneider Trucking Sierra Lobo/NASA Swift TransAm US Well Services Waste Management Werner

Youngstown Campus Tops Placement Charts

by B. O’Keefe bokeefe@pia.edu

The Youngstown Campus’s 97% in their final term. placement rate is the highest among “In a time when there are so PIA’s Campuses for the 2012-2013 many industries cutting jobs, it’s year. great to see companies actively “The students at the Youngstown recruit our students into an industry branch have been extremely career with true potential for growth.” Ogle focused,” said Jason Mongan, said.

PIA Placement Supervisor, While many Youngstown “Their motivation, flexibility, and graduates choose to branch out professional attitude have truly been to other states, Ohio offers plenty paying off.” of opportunities for entry-level

new airframe technicians.

and

powerplant

All PIA placement statistics are taken six months after graduation, and are confirmed with graduates Bill Ogle, Lead Instructor at employment. Cities like Akron, and employers. Visit the PIA Career the Youngstown Campus, has the Dayton, and Cleveland have Placement page on Facebook for opportunity to instruct the students consistently offered positions for more information.

Recent Placement Statistics

Statistics based on graduates from July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013

Pittsburgh

Hagerstown

Myrtle Beach

Youngstown

55/63 graduates

25/30 graduates

15/17 graduates

30/31 graduates

Top 5 Employers

Top 5 Employers

Top 5 Employers

Top 5 Employers

CommutAir Air Methods Republic Airways Trans States Airlines Micron Technology

Sierra Nevada Volvo Powertrain Omni Air Dynamic Aviation Haverfield Aviation, Inc

Micron Technologies Flightstar Aircraft Services AvCraft Aviation Triumph Aerostructures Mountain Air Cargo

CommutAir Constant Aviation ExpressJet Micron Technologies Flight Options

88%

83%

88%

97%

SPRING TECHNICIAN 2014 | 9

Alumni Stories

By S. Ostrowski

Speelman’s Experience with the Law

sostrowski@pia.edu

Third Generation PIA graduate Paul Speelman works as a helicopter technician for the Maryland State Police Aviation Command (MSPAC). MSPAC performs emergency medical evacuations, aerial law enforcement, search and rescue, homeland security and disaster assessment.

“Things can and do change at any moment so there is no knowing what will be in store for me,” Speelman said.

“I also enjoy doing something different on a regular basis.”

Speelman’s responsibilities include maintaining MSPAC’s twelve helicopters and two fixed-wing aircraft.

One two engine rotorcraft primarily extradites wanted prisoners from the State of Maryland. MSPAC utilizes its smaller single engine rotorcraft for speed enforcement, surveillance and crime scene photography. Utilizing fixed wing aircraft provides a significant cost saving compared to a helicopter.

“I like that what I do makes a difference in people’s lives,” Speelman said. “The helicopters I help fix save lives in and around the state of Maryland every day.”

Currently MSPAC is transiting into a new aircraft fleet which Speelman finds can be very challenging to learn new systems and procedures.

Speelman didn’t start his technician career at MSPAC. He began working for Piedmont Airlines within days of graduating from PIA. Speelman interviewed for his initial position at PIA with assistance from career placement services. He moved on to MSPAC after a year with Piedmont.

Speelman regularly interacts with other PIA graduates in the industry. MSPAC currently employs five graduates who hold positions as avionics technicians, production control supervisors and quality control inspectors.

“PIA is everywhere in the industry and with good reason,” Speelman said. “The grads I have come across are on another level (professionally and technically), for sure.”

Speelman continues to further his education and professional ambitions after PIA. He recently obtained his Inspection Authorization under the Federal Aviation Administration. This authorization allows individuals to recertify aircraft for service following annual inspections or repairs.

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PIA Alumni Break Away From Aviation

Alumni Stories

By S. Ostrowski

sostrowski@pia.edu

Micron Technology, Inc. in Manassas, Va. designs and build some of the world’s most advanced memory and semiconductor technologies.

As a top recruiter in 2012 for graduates from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, Micron presents on campus to showcase their company and performs interviews to find potential new employees.

June 2012 Pittsburgh campus graduate Christina Parden was recently promoted to be a technician (tech 2) at Micron.

Parden is among over 30,000 Micron employees worldwide. At her location employees build memory chips using robotic arms and semiconductors.

“I love that there is so much to learn in my department,” Parden said. “It seems like almost every shift I face a new problem with a tool that I need to fix. This keeps me always learning. Even with recently getting promoted, there is still a lot to learn.”

Parden began her career at Micron with assistance from PIA career placement services.

“I liked knowing two months in advance that I had a job after graduation,” Parden said. “A lot of college students graduate and then struggle finding a job. PIA placement gave plenty of opportunities for me and my classmates to have jobs after graduation.”

March 2011 Pittsburgh campus graduate Daniel Foote also works as a technician at Micron. Foote believes PIA was a great step for his career.

“It was such a great experience. I see now it was a good thing I went back to school after the Air Force,” Foote said.

“I didn’t start PIA until my late 20s, and I’m so glad I did.”

In Foote’s position he oversees 32 tools which are worth anywhere from $2.5 to $4 million. In February 2014 he attended training in Chicago to work on robots and replace motors. There is never a typical day and it doesn’t get boring, Foote said.

In the future Parden plans on continuing her Mircon training to eventually be a level four technician and also possibly continue her education in mechanical engineering. Foote hopes to obtain an aviation job one day but is currently happy working for Micron and will also likely advance.

PIA alumni... We want to hear your story! Please contact Stephanie Ostrowski and share experiences on your career, education and successes. Stories may appear in future additions of the Technician.

412-346-2119 | sostrowski@pia.edu

SPRING TECHNICIAN 2014 | 11

Commercial Aircraft Flight - A Centennial

O

By J. Holt, jholt@pia.edu

n January 1, 1914, just under 11 years after Wilbur and Orville Wright’s famous flight in North Carolina, pilot Anthony Jannus made history. He flew one passenger from St. Petersburg, FL to Tampa, FL in a Benoist XIV airboat, or fixed-wing seaplane, courtesy of The St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line.

This was the first time an airplane had been used for a In one month of operation, the Airboat Line made scheduled service with an airline. Before this any chartered almost one hundred trips and logged over two thousand flights with an airline had utilized airships. miles in the sky.

The St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line was organized The Airboat Line was initially a three month venture.

by Paul E. Fansler. Fansler planned the flight route, trip However, the success of the service led to plans for a year expenses and operations. Aircraft Manufacturer Thomas of flight between St. Petersburg and Tampa and more Benoist provided the aircraft. aircraft to increase the number of trips. However, World The airline provided quick and efficient transportation War I and various other factors contributed to the airline’s for passengers. Alternative routes of travel from St. closure in May, 1914.

Petersburg to Tampa included a three hour steamship trip 2014 marks the centennial celebration of this initial or 49 mile drive. The Petersburg-Tampa Airport reduced flight. Aviation enthusiasts celebrated the historic event the trip to about 30 minutes. by reproducing the Benoist XIV and are planning on reenacting the flight from St. Petersburg to Tampa.

Photo courtesy of University of South Florida 12 | SPRING TECHNICIAN 2014

Student and Alumni Recognition Alumnus Wins Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award

by P. Sylves

psylves@pia.edu

AMFA Secretary Justin Madden presented the award to Asche.

The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) awarded student Aaron Asche the AMFA National Scholarship. Asche competed for the award in a national essay contest.

Schwertz’s employment announcement from an issue of AMT Magazine in 1964.

Alumnus Frank Charles Schwertz Jr. was recently awarded the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic award for lifetime achievements in the field of aviation maintenance.

Schwertz graduated from PIA in 1964 and began working as an A&P Mechanic for Mohawk Airlines, now known as US Airways. Schwertz has worked for Mohawk/US Airways since graduation.

Congratulations Frank!

The AMFA scholarship is offered in conjunction with the Aviation Maintenance Technician Society.

An excerpt from Asche’s award winning essay entitled, “I’ll Pass on the Heated Cup Holders” is included below.

Excerpt from, “I’ll Pass on the Heated Cup Holders.”

Comparing an Industrial union to a Craft specific union is similar to comparing a minivan to a Porsche 911 respectfully. The minivan is perfect for just about everything, but if I had a choice of the two for a 50 lap race at Indianapolis, I would want a vehicle that would meet the specific needs of the job. I doubt that the folding rear seats would help improve the minivan’s lap time.

Corporate Training Division Providing Customized Training in: • Composite Layup & Repair • Sheet Metal Fabrication & Repair • Hydraulics • Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) • Welding & Brazing • Pitot Static Certification • And a variety of Specialized Safety Training

Contact Shawn Martinelli at 412-346-2178 or smartinelli@pia.edu SPRING TECHNICIAN 2014 | 13 to learn more on how PIA can meet your company’s training needs.

U.S. Congressman Delaney Visits Hagerstown Campus

By R. Ober

rober@pia.edu

Congressman John Delaney visited the PIA Hagerstown Branch Campus on August 28 to learn about the only Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 147 Aviation Maintenance school in the state of Maryland.

Congressman Delaney, along with his Chief of Staff John Monsif and Field Representative Diana Modelski, toured the 18,000 square foot hangar built specifically for students to obtain optimum hands on experience with aircraft.

Congressman Delaney met and discussed workforce development issues with PIA President John Graham and other PIA staff members.

Delaney emphasized the importance of PIA’s career-oriented education.

“I was especially impressed with the school’s adeptness at matching specific employer needs to their program,” Delaney said. “There are good jobs in aviation, but they require specific skills and expertise; PIA helps make that connection with US Congressman John Delaney their training programs. That’s good news for the people I represent in Washington Photo C/O Facebook County and across Western Maryland.”

Delaney appreciated the opportunity to visit the campus.

“I was honored to visit the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics - Hagerstown Branch Campus, meet with President Graham, and learn about the programs they offer,” Delaney said.

Congressman John Delaney was elected in 2012 to the Maryland’s Sixth District in the United States House of Representatives. In addition, Delaney founded Blueprint Maryland, a non-profit dedicated to invigorating Maryland’s private sector.

A Sh t at Educati n Support Aviation’s Future on

October 17, 2014 @ 1:00 PM Proceeds benefit the PIA Memorial Scholarship Fund

Contact Pat Sylves at 412-346-2123 for more information

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By G. Davis gdavis@pia.edu

he Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) Air Venture program visited the Myrtle Beach Campus with their 1929 Ford C4A TriMotor, NC8419 from October 11 to 14.

PIA students and instructors visited the General Aviation hangar on October 14 to see the aircraft.

Pilot Colin Soucy and Co-pilot Rich DesJardins were performing pre-flight checks and answered questions.

Campus Director Peg Jackson, Student Services Coordinator Kylee Bennett and various students had the opportunity to ride in Tri-Motor during the aircraft’s flight over Myrtle Beach. Jackson enjoyed riding in the historic aircraft.

“It was a breathtaking experience,” Jackson said.

“I felt like I was stepping into aviation history.”

Soucy plans to pilot the aircraft until 2029, the 100th Anniversary of the Ford Tri-Motor.

Photo courtesy of Greg Davis

PIA Supports Students with Clay Shoot Fundraiser

By P. Sylves

psylves@pia.edu

various prizes, including a new hunting rifle and gift cards.

PIA’s Memorial Scholarship Fund Committee held the first PIA Memorial Clay Shoot, A Shot At Education, on Friday, September 27 at Nemacolin Woodland Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania. Event proceeds supported scholarships for PIA students.

Admissions Director and Scholarship committee member Steven Sabold assisted in planning the event. Sabold said the committee wanted to try something new.

“PIA had never held a sporting clays event before,” Sabold said. “We wanted to do something different from our regular golf outing.”

Participants continued to support the scholarship fund after the shoot ended through various raffles and a Chinese auction. Auctioned items included Pittsburgh Penguins’ tickets, Steelers’ tickets and various prize baskets.

PIA Exec. Vice-President Suzanne Markle aiming at a target Photo courtesy of P. Sylves

Event proceeds totaled over $3,000. Sabold believes the next event will draw more attention and, as such, raise more funds.

clay enthusiasts came out for the “We learned quite a bit from this event. Participants included PIA first shoot,” Sabold said. “I have no staff, aviation industry members doubt the next Memorial Clay Shoot and business associates. More than will be an even larger success.”

Both first-timers and sporting thirty five shooters competed for SPRING TECHNICIAN 2014 | 15

Employee Anniversaries!

Gary Hoyle, 40 Years of Service Director of Campus Operations Gary Hoyle celebrated his 40th year of service at PIA this past October.

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Before coming to work for PIA, Hoyle attended PIA, and graduated with his Airframe and Powerplant Certification in October 1967. After graduation, he worked for Sikorsky Aircraft. Hoyle 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.

Hoyle returned to PIA in 1973 to pursue an Associate’s degree. He began working for the school that October.

Over the course of his impressive career at PIA, Hoyle has held a total of nine titles, including Electronics Instructor, Lead Electronics Instructor, Electronics Department Head, Director of Training, Educational Supervisor, Chief Instructor, Senior Chief Instructor, Dean of Students, and Director of Campus Operations.

Mr. Hoyle has also been an FAA-certified Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME) since 1979, and he continues to participate 8 in the Oral and Practical testing process with PIA’s students and recent 8 19 graduates. PIA’s Executive Vice President Suzanne Markle notes, “It is apparent to anyone who knows Mr. Hoyle that he truly cares about PIA, our staff, and our students. He has been instrumental in so many aspects of our organization’s history, and he continues to contribute his talents and extensive experience to PIA’s future growth.”

Hoyle’s career in Aviation Maintenance education has allowed him to build an extensive network with aviation industry representatives and experts in postsecondary education. He has served on the Aviation Technical Education Council (ATEC) Board of Directors for four years, and 73 19 currently serves as its Treasurer. “I like to do my part in promoting the mission of ATEC to members of the aviation community by encouraging industry and individual memberships. I feel that it is important for ATEC to reach aviation students, in order to share ATEC’s membership opportunities with the upcoming generation of aviation maintenance technicians and educators.”

A Pittsburgh-area native, Hoyle currently resides in West Newton with his wife, Sharon. He has a son, daughter, and two stepsons: Chad, Heather, Anthony, and Shawn. He also has nine grandchildren: Reed, Cole, Brody, Brooks, Tiana, Tory, Mia, Anthony, and Nicole. His grandchildren range in age from three months to 13 years. Over the years, Hoyle’s hobbies have included hunting, snowmobiling, ATVs, and off-roading in his CJ5 Jeep, but his current passion is boating.

Hoyle would like to thank his parents, family, friends, and coworkers for their support throughout the years.

He is enjoying his time at PIA now more than ever, and looks forward to creating more memories at the school.

“Since I graduated from PIA I have never been out of work, but I can’t think of a better career than being at PIA,” Hoyle said.

16 | SPRING TECHNICIAN 2014

Employee Anniversaries!

Charles “Chuck” Miller, 30 Years of Service harles “Chuck” Miller is PIA’s Maintenance Supervisor. Prior to joining the staff at PIA, he was a machinist at Kennametal in Latrobe, PA, and he took HVAC courses at Westmoreland County Community College. When Charles isn’t working at PIA, he enjoys hunting, biking, and golfing. He has a daughter, Carise, a grandson, Gavin, and a newborn granddaughter, Harper. He lives with his wife, Anita.

C

Leroy Nicholson, 15 Years of Service

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eroy Nicholson is a Full Instructor at PIA, where he obtained two associate degrees. He has a private pilot license and a commercial helicopter license. Prior to joining PIA, Leroy was a truck driver, bus driver, and helicopter pilot. He is also a Navy veteran. When Leroy isn’t at PIA, he enjoys spending time and traveling with his wife and friends and flying with his son. He and his wife Donna have fostered over 20 children in the past 40+ years. They have three children of their own, Brian, Jennifer and Tanya, and five grandchildren: Jordan, Jaime, Emily, Jonathan, and Samantha.

Donata Clark, 15 Years of Service onata Clark is PIA’s Financial Aid Officer. Donata has a B.S. in Social Work from the University of Dayton. Judging by her office, she is the biggest Steelers and Penguins fan at the Pittsburgh campus, possibly the biggest fan in the Greater Pittsburgh area. When football and hockey are off season, she spends her weekends at Deep Creek Lake. Donata lives with her husband, Bob, and they have two sons, Daniel and Colin. Daniel is a PIA graduate.

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Jerry Erwin, 15 Years of Service

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erry Erwin is a lead instructor at PIA Jump Start’s Charleston Center. Jerry has a long driving career that involved flat beds, dry vans, and temperature controlled trailers. Besides his work as a driver, he has worked as a private investigator, police officer, security supervisor, and real estate salesperson. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served in 1965 and 1966. Jerry has over one million accident-free driving miles, and though he no longer flies, has over 140 hours of flight time. He has a wife, Brenda, a daughter, Cindy, two sons, Kevin and Joshua, and three grandchildren. When he isn’t working, he likes to read and work on his model railroad.

Todd Kruszka, 5 Years of Service

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odd Kruszka teaches English, Blueprint reading, and Remedial Math at PIA. He is a PSU alumnus with a B.S. in Education. “Mr. K.” student taught at Woodland Hills high school, and worked at Norwin School District and Good Shepherd Catholic School prior to starting at PIA. When he’s not teaching, Todd judges mixed martial arts bouts for the Pennsylvania Athletic Commission. He enjoys playing bass guitar, grilling, and manages to take his ’64 Fairlane out of the garage “about once every two years.”

Karen Very, 5 Years of Service aren Very is PIA’s Student Records Coordinator. Prior to joining the staff, Karen worked at Air Methods as a quality assurance records coordinator and in real estate for 25 years and as an administrative substitute in the West Jefferson Hills School District. Karen lives with her husband, Ed, and their dog, Rocco. She has two sons, Jason and Christopher, and three “delightful and very energetic” grandchildren: Aliza (age six), Gabriel (age three) and Eden (almost two). In her spare time, Karen enjoys shopping, planning vacations, going on motorcycle rides with her husband, and spending time with her grandchildren.

K

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Annual PIA Crossword Across 4

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21

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Puzzle Created by Dave Koehler 18 | SPRING TECHNICIAN 2014

Attention PIA Puzzlers: Thought this puzzle was easy? Send it back to us at PIA-Technician, PO Box 10897, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, and the first three entries with all the correct answers will receive PIA apparel from the bookstore.

Electrical Schematic Symbols

Puzzle Created by Dave Koehler SPRING TECHNICIAN 2014 | 19

Technician

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PITTSBURGH PA PERMIT NO. 2920

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

PIA is pleased to announce that the Pittsburgh Day of Giving on October 3, 2013 raised an additional $2,319.08 in PIA Scholarship funds. This was built by contributions from PIA’s staff members, alumni, family members, and employers over a 24-hour period.

On behalf of our students, thank you so much for your generosity!

Support PIA on the next Pittsburgh Day of Giving: May 6, 2014.

Congratulations to All 2013 Scholarship Winners!

AWAM Scholarship

Croatian Fraternal Union of America

NGYF Scholarship

Barberton Community Foundation

David G. Marshall Memorial Scholarship

PIA Memorial Scholarship 2013

Chestnut Ridge Christian Fund

Elks National Foundation

Christian Airmen Educational Foundation

Evangelical United Methodist Church Scholarship

Natasha Jackson

Alex Kisan

Brenden Hafler Adam Stultz

Charles Kolb Seth Grimm

Brandy Gainey

Colby Cadier

Jesse Eutsey Ryan Knupp Cameron Dew Antoine Craighead Michael Riedmann

Pittsburgh Promise

Christy Scholarship

Matthew Green

Tyler Mega

First Dara Corporation Scholarship

Christopher Bayerlein John Bruder

Citizen’s Scholarship Foundation of America

Hunter Rock

Goodman Scholarship

Kenneth Bosic Jr.

Lowell Gaylor Memorial Scholarship

Brian Benson

MD House of Delagates Scholarship

Eric Tomchek

Mercer Mustang Touchdown Club

Nicholas Shaffer

Minority Aviation Education Association

Dakota Proud

Tyler Rizer Elizabeth Sharier

Comanche Flyer Foundation Scholarship Aaron Asche Nathaniel Schultheis Brian Nissel David Smith Kyle Kennedy

Codie Keough Evan Smith

Community Foundation of Washington County Kenneth Bosic Jr.

Cody Smith

Jacob Dominguez Jacob Dominguez

Project Aviation Smart Scholarship - USBC Sonnenberg Scholarship South Carolina Aviation Association Travis Shifflett Memorial Walmart Dependent Scholarship Brenden Hafler

412-346-2100 • Fax 412-466-0513 • 1-800-444-1440 • www.pia.edu