PIA Stratus - Fall 2021

FORMERLY THE TECHNICIAN

PIA ALUMNI AND AVIATION NEWS

FALL 2021

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Fall 2021

Dear Reader, We are thrilled to welcome you to STRATUS. We hope that in the pages of this issue you can find inspiration for the next step in your career. As we work to address the shortage of mechanics in the industry, we must continue to build up those that have already begun their careers.

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As always, we thank you for your dedication to this industry. Your efforts to better aviation make us #PIAProud.

Sincerely, Karin McKenna Editor-in-Chief kmckenna@pia.edu

Roundtable

Editorial Staff: Editor-in-Chief Karin McKenna Creative Manager/Layout Ed Molek

PIA Contributors: Carrie On Communication

Nealey Bond Tasha Hall Janet Heim Brandon Weiss

A special thank you to members of PIA's Stratus Committee for their contributions to this publication.

Keep up to date with the latest news on pia.edu &

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A New Era

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4 �������������The Next Gen 6 �������������Piedmont Tuition Program 7 �������������Conquering Adversity 8 �������������Flight Plan to Leadership 11 ����������Campus Community: Allegheny County Airport

12 ����������Employer Roundtable 16 ����������Campus Community:

Myrtle Beach International Airport

17 ����������40 Years of Aviation Inspiration 18 ����������A Family with a Purpose 11 ����������Campus Community:

Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport

20 ���������Student, Instructor, Mentor 22 ���������A New Era of Education 24 ���������Campus Community:

Cover: Pittsburgh Campus student Kara Hoover discovered her passion for aviation after flying her first plane. She hopes to use her skills to inspire other women to pursue a career in aviation maintenance.

Hagerstown Regional Airport

25 ���������2021 Fairways for the Airways 26 ���������2021 Scholarships 27 ����������2021 PIA Pride 2

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The spectacular feat achieved by the Wright Brothers during the first heavier-than-air powered flight in 1903 was a remarkable achievement at that time. Today, however, our aviation accomplishments look a little different. On April 19, 2021, an unmanned robotic helicopter, Ingenuity, became the first aircraft to fly on Mars. What is one thing that these two seemingly different achievements have in common? An aviation technician helped make them happen. It is thanks to the achievements and legacy of those who came previously that allow us to continue pressing forward as an industry. A technician’s skill set is deeply rooted in the past, while constantly striving for the future. At PIA, we’ve challenged ourselves to maintain our strong aviation roots while continuing to look towards the future.

It is with great pleasure that PIA presents STRATUS, our reimagination of PIA’s historical publication, The Technician. For many years, The Technician has served as a yearly wrap-up of the accomplishments of PIA, keeping alumni connected with the institution that helped their careers take off. While we still plan to feature major events in PIA’s future, our focus has broadened. We now hope to bring you amazing alumni stories, industry information, and employer insight to help you reach new heights. It is the pride, professionalism, and dedication that PIA graduates have committed to their work that allow us to represent our students, alumni, and educational expertise in such a manner. We would like to thank our graduates, current students, and future students by sharing the stories of your success with others, and for keeping your eyes to the skies. 

Join us as we move forward.

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AVIATION ADVANCES

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IT IS NO SECRET TO THOSE IN THE AVIATION INDUSTRY THAT THE DEMAND FOR MAINTENANCE AND ELECTRONICS PROFESSIONALS IS CRITICAL. REGARDLESS OF THEIR BACKGROUND OR HOW THEY FOUND THEIR WAY TO AVIATION, THESE PROFESSIONALS ARE TAKING ON A MUCH-NEEDED ROLE WITHIN OUR INDUSTRY.

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he 2021 Aviation Technician Education Council Pipeline Report noted that 5,205 A&P Certifications were issued in 2020, a drastic 30% drop from the previous year. AMT programs contribute the largest percentage of newly certified mechanics to the industry at 65%. 23% of the industry earned their A&P through civilian experience, and 12% were able to achieve certification after their military experience was evaluated. Current trends indicate that we will still fall short by roughly 12,000 mechanics in 2041.

As many longtime AMTs are retiring from the profession, James Matlock (PIA Hagerstown, 2020), a mechanic’s assistant at Dowty Propellers, sees it as an opportunity for a paradigm shift in the industry.

“With such large numbers of experienced mechanics retiring, and so many eager young AMTs entering the workforce, I expect to see a lot of the old ‘that's the way it's always been done’ mentality being challenged more passionately than ever before.” This challenge to the status quo is echoed by several other alumni of PIA, including Cameron Buchanan,

THERE IS A GREAT SHIFT HAPPENING WITHIN THE AVIATION WORKFORCE THAT I AM PROUD TO TAKE PART IN. CAMERON BUCHANAN - '20 PIA YOUNGSTOWN ALUMNUS AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN AT AMERICAN AIRLINES

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New technologies and advancements in the industry have changed the skill set expected of a technician, but what are the skills that help develop a good technician into a great technician? We look at some stories inside this issue to find some of the helpful skills you should focus on, as well.

COMMUNICATION While transitions from paper to digital reporting may have eased the paperwork aspect of being an AMT, new technology does not supersede the value of basic communication skills. Effective communication, in both written and verbal forms, ensures that aircraft continue to receive the mechanical attention they need. During his career of teaching, William Ogle developed his own version of communicating information that relies on traditional methods, ensuring that students get exposure to both traditional pg and technologically adInstructor Spotlight vanced education.

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TEAMWORK

a graduate of PIA Youngstown. “As older mechanics pass down their years of knowledge to the new technicians, the younger generation is constantly making improvements and innovations to their methods,” says Buchanan, “It’s extremely rewarding to do this kind of work, and the field is full of opportunity.”

The demand of what technicians must be capable of doing is changing, as well. The ASTM NCATT certification is offered at a quarter of available AMT programs in the United States, emphasizing the importance of new avionics technology in the continued advancement of the industry.

Advances in electronic technology continued on page 16

Technology often brings with it a sense of independence. Advancement in technology does not mean that a team-oriented mentality and reliance can be disregarded. Jason Grafton of Embraer notes the importance of relying on the knowledge of those that have dedicated their careers to this industry in his article. “We have great mechanics who have been on the floor for 30 years, and we would be lost without pg them,” says Grafton in his Flight Plan spotlight feature.

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DETAIL FOCUSED Bringing together the intricate elements that make up an aircraft into full understanding is no easy feat. Technicians must be capable of focusing on old technologies as well as learning new ones. The ability to focus on small details is of utmost importance to an aircraft technician.

DETERMINATION The first plane was flown after years of experiments, failures, and small accomplishments before the Wright Brothers achieved their goal. Undertaking a new path, skill, or career is always a challenge and brings with it new obstacles. Students like Helon Amos, featured on page 7 of this issue, demonstrate how even the most adverse obstacles can be overcome. pg

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Conquering Adversity

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STUDENT TO AMT TUITION PAYMENT PROGRAM FROM PIEDMONT

As the aviation industry continues to address the challenges of an impending mechanic shortage, companies have worked to develop ways to recruit students earlier in their programs. While many partnership programs offer positions 6 months to a year before graduation, regional airline and PIA partner Piedmont Airlines has taken it one step further – recruiting their talent before they have started classes.

TUITON PROGRAM OVERVIEW* – PIEDMONT WILL COVER THE COST OF TUITION, FEES, AND TESTING – PIEDMONT WILL PROVIDE A FULLY LOADED SONIC TOOLBOX – STUDENTS HAVE 90 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF OBTAINING THEIR A&P TO HIRE/START EMPLOYMENT WITH PIEDMONT – TUITION PAYMENT PROGRAM IS APPROVED BY PIEDMONT FOR USE AT PIA’S HAGERSTOWN & MYRTLE BEACH CAMPUSES

*FOR ALL INFORMATION ON THIS SELECTIVE PROGRAM, CONNECT WITH RECRUITER JESSICA WENEY. EMAIL: JESSICA.WENEY@AA.COM PIEDMONT-AIRLINES.COM

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The first ten students inducted into the Piedmont Technician Tuition Program started classes at PIA Myrtle Beach and Hagerstown in the Fall of 2021, marking one of the largest efforts of an organization to recruit dedicated technicians early.

"The Piedmont Tuition Payment Program is an amazing opportunity for those interested in the aviation maintenance field who may not have pursued it for a variety of reasons. The program sets each candidate up for success by funding their studies and certification fees as well as providing them with a career after completion,” says Jessica Weney, Senior Recruiter Maintenance Tech Ops for Piedmont Airlines.

Up to five students can be chosen per term and can be offered the opportunity to join the program after their application is reviewed. Piedmont will offer the selected students a conditional offer of employment for two years upon their graduation from the program at their location. Students who fulfill the requirements of the program entirely will only be responsible for payment of their books and living expenses while attending school.

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DETERMINATION

Conquering Adversity T he Story of Helon Amos

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ifficult journeys can lead to wondrous destinations, and Helon Amos is living proof of that. "You find a way, —or you find an excuse," accurately articulates the inspiring journey of Amos. While many consider the path to their career a series of steps with hurdles, Amos faced seemingly insurmountable challenges, traveling from Nigeria to his final destination, a career with PSA Airlines.

At the age of 15, Amos was offered an opportunity to attend a prospect camp in the United States. The basketball talent scout offering a ticket to a dream career was everything Amos could have imagined. Although difficult, his family was able raise the money necessary for Amos to take advantage of what seemed to be an amazing opportunity.

When Amos landed in the U.S., there was no talent scout to meet him at the airport.

Upon further investigation, the camp that he was set to attend at Harrisburg High School didn't exist. The invitation was a con, and later linked to a trafficking ring, a fate Amos was able to avoid.

Devasted and disappointed, Amos was ready to turn around and fly back home to Nigeria but was instead told that was not an option. Amos was processed as an undocumented, underage immigrant and sent to a detention center in Chicago where he would spend the next five months.

As a young man separated from his family in a foreign country, Amos recalls his time there as dark, difficult, and emotionally trying. The contrast between his experience and his demeanor is a stark one, as he exudes a positivity and passion for life. It was this positivity and passion that Amos harnessed to be able to face the extreme adversity he was up against. Motivational mantras like "You don't necessarily know what you are capable of until your back is against the wall," as well as "Stay positive and try, try, try," helped him cope with his situation.

With his immigration status tied up in court, Amos was stuck in a state of stagnation.— continued on page 11

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ALUMNI SUCCESS

Flight Plan to Leadership JASON GRAFTON

MANAGING DIRECTOR EMBRAER MAINTENANCE SERVICES NASHVILLE, TN

Jason Grafton’s 20-year career in aviation began with the support of his stepfather, Lawrence Vucic, a PIA Alumnus from the 1960s.

Prior to being drafted to Vietnam, Lawrence completed his Powerplant Certification at the school prior, which influenced Jason’s decision to enroll at PIA Pittsburgh in 1998. With full support from Lawrence, Jason graduated with his Associate in Specialized Technology Degree in Aviation Maintenance.

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ut Jason states that his stepfather wasn’t the only one to influence his decision to enroll at PIA. He credits his grandfather, William Henry, for pushing him to get where he’s at today and supporting his career from the beginning. When speaking with Jason, he noted the huge impact his grandfather had on his life and his desire to show his grandfather all he could accomplish—and he’s done just that. Having been in the industry for two decades, Jason is now the Managing Director for Embraer Maintenance Services in Nashville, Tennessee, where he’s impressively climbed the ladder to manage nearly 700 employees.

Upon graduating from PIA, Jason began his career in aviation at ExpressJet. He remembers being fresh out of school with his new certification, imagining that he would know everything about the industry—but he quickly realized the vastness of aviation, and that’s when he says he learned his first lesson: “Ask questions and don’t be afraid. Coming out of school with a fresh license, it’s easy to assume you know everything, but there’s still a lot to learn.”

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–> continued on 6

Moving quickly through the ranks at ExpressJet required relying on that lesson and proving his worth to the organization. However, Jason found this to be a fairly easy task as the company supported him through these questions in his early career. At ExpressJet, he never felt lost in a system but was able to work independently and prove his capabilities and knowledge.

Within several years, he moved from the floor of the hangar to become an inspector and then became a lead. Ultimately, upon moving into supervisory roles, Grafton realized how much his role in aviation had changed. “It’s tough to make sure you are not still the guy on the floor, and that you are able to see things from a different light and a bigger picture. You’re no longer thinking about only the airplane you’re working on, but you’re thinking from a larger company perspective while also having to manage and understand people. I moved from being a mechanic on the floor, changing a tire or pump—now I have to understand personal conflict and work to solve issues.”

When ExpressJet was bought by another company in 2010, Grafton made a challenging but ultimately worthwhile decision to pursue a new role at a new organization. He heard about an available Project Manager position at Embraer and took a chance. “Here I am today. It was a great decision,” he said.

Jason was with Embraer for nearly a year and a half as the Project Manager before he was quickly promoted, and he’s continued to climb within the organization ever since. Having held four different job titles before his current role as the Managing Director, Jason is proof that taking a chance in your career can lead to extraordinary outcomes. What started as a completely continued on next page

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CONTINUED: ALUMNI SUCCESS

THESE TECHS DON’T REALIZE—THEY ARE PART OF THIS BIGGER MACHINE THAT IS DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF AIRCRAFT JASON GRAFTON

Photo courtsy of Embraer

new and unknown opportunity, has turned into Jason overseeing the operations of three facilities for the commercial MRO division of Embraer—the world’s third-largest commercial aircraft manufacturer.

As previously mentioned, Grafton manages about 700 employees, including technicians, inspectors, and support staff. His role now focuses on the productivity and profitability of Embraer, as well as ensuring that the technicians who support the company’s mission are satisfied with their positions. “The primary focus is making sure I support the leaders in our organization who make sure the facility is running smoothly,” Grafton says.

“We have a lot of great and talented people here, and some of the stuff they can do blows my mind. Recently, we changed a 20x8 foot section of skin. [When] you come back a week later and it’s installed and you watch it taxi away, and the customer acknowledges work well done, that feels good. It really shows what the facility can do, and I love to see those kinds of things and be a part of it.”

One message Jason has for technicians is that their role is essential to the success of aviation. “That is often something these techs don’t realize—they are part of this bigger machine that is developing the next generation of aircraft,” he states. Jason goes on to explain that in the development of the E2, Embraer’s next generation of aircraft, a large portion of data regarding development was provided by aviation technicians on the floor.

“We’ve been able to provide feedback to the engineering group in Brazil. They’ve been able to make design enhancements on the aircraft, and to be a part of that is really special.”

Jason also encourages others to realize that successful careers in aviation don’t always involve moving through the ranks of an organization. He said, “We have great mechanics who have been

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on the floor for 30 years, and we would be lost without them.

Not moving up is not a bad thing.” He does acknowledge that it is sometimes a challenge to stay away from his mechanical background due to his previous role as an operations leader. Jason mentioned it’s tough to get that mindset out of his blood as he likes to be a part of the airplanes, though he’s weaning himself off the operations side and continues to focus more on strategy.

For Jason, his vision for himself at Embraer includes giving back to the organization that he loves—one that is focused on delivering the best product, while ensuring happy employees and customers. “I want to take the MRO to the next level,” he said.

“I really want us to be the place people want to go to as an employer and as a customer.” As he continues to see evolutions in aviation—from the basics like transitioning from paper to digital processes—Jason embraces the idea of an A&P giving him his license to learn for aviation. “I started in 2000, and now we can use drones to assist in inspections. Or use laser systems to map out damage on an aircraft. Using that technology to make things better and taking the technician to the next level, that is how we are going to impact aviation and bring people in.”

While Jason has accomplished an incredible amount over the last 20 years, his roots remain strong and tied to PIA Pittsburgh. For the past five years, he’s partnered with career services to promote aviation as a career path, held job fairs, mentored students in the field and assisted with countless other services.

Jason’s journey is a true testament to the school, taking changes and believing in your path. As we’ve learned from him, it’s up to every individual to pave the way for their future and where they land. His message to future technicians is clear: the industry is ever-changing, ripe for new talent, and a fantastic place to be. 

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CAMPUS COMMUNITY Adversity continued from page 7

GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORTS IMPACTS THE TECHNICIAN PIPELINE

T Unable to travel back home, unable to leave the detention center, and unable to determine what his next steps could be. The Steiglar family of Western Pennsylvania offered to take in Amos while the courts continued to work through his immigration status.

With the aid of the Steiglars, Amos attended Kennedy Catholic High School where he excelled in soccer and basketball. Amos was finally able to display the basketball skills that he originally came to America for by being a part of a team that won four straight state championships.

At the end of his high school career, having come so far in three years, Amos finally had a choice over what his next step in life would be. With several scholarship offers to play soccer or basketball at the collegiate level, Amos reflected back to an interest he had as a child in Nigeria, long before he ever came to the United States to play basketball. He recalled being in awe of the airplanes that would fly above him. In describing the emotion that they evoked in him, he compared their flight to beautiful, metal birds soaring the sky through the power of technology.

That thought and memory fueled Amos’ decision not to pursue athletics in college, but rather to fulfill his dream of working on airplanes by attending PIA. Described by faculty and staff as a stellar student and a genuine joy of a person, Amos graduated from PIA Youngstown in April 2021. Having not

seen his family in Nigeria since the day he left at 15, Amos flew home for a reunion five years in the making.

He was met by family with hugs and tears of joy and admiration. Amos recalls family and friends saying to him, "You made it!", as he had returned a PIA graduate with his FAA A&P Certification, having just accepted an Aviation Maintenance Technician position at PSA Airlines.

With his PSA Airline employee privileges, Amos can now fly to many exciting destinations for free. The young man who couldn't fly home, who couldn't choose where he went next, can now travel with freedom.

Amos said he plans to use his next flight to fly to Western Pennsylvania to see the Stieglars, the family kind enough to take him, the family that became his family in the US. Amos currently works at Norfolk International Airport in Virginia where he lives with his two roommates, both PIA graduates who work alongside Amos at PSA Airlines. He credits PIA with providing him the education that he needed to fulfill his dream of working on airplanes and for providing him a supportive environment to learn and grow in.

Amos hopes sharing his story will lend inspiration to anyone facing adversity and obstacles, whatever it may be. In his words, "Stay positive and try, try, try" no matter what you are up against. 

he Allegheny County Airport has a rich history and a bright future,” says Vice President of Allegheny County Airport (AGC) Traci Clark. AGC celebrated its 90th year of serving the Pittsburgh area in September of 2021, and continues to strive to be a destination of choice in West Mifflin not only for the aviation industry, but also for the community.

Originally established as the primary commercial airport for Pittsburgh, AGC and PIA began their relationship in the 1940s when PIA moved their shop locations to the airport property it resides on today.

When commercial operation was relocated to the Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), AGC became the designated reliever airport for PIT and continues to be one of the busiest airports in the state.

While much humbler than its commercial counterparts, general aviation facilities like AGC are the "backbones of the aviation industry," according to Clark. With tenants like PIA and the Pittsburgh Flight Training Center, AGC mirrors many general aviation facilities that house tenants that fuel the pipelines of aviation. Its corporate tenants rely on the accessibility of the facility to the downtown area, allowing their executives to travel without the bustle of an international airport.

AGC has recently opened a conference and events space to accommodate for travelling executives, wedding parties, and even baby showers. Throughout its history, AGC has served as the backdrop for TV and feature films, and the facility's beauty only continues to grow as additional improvements are made. 

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OR T A RE N A S EE MCCAN Y O PL – PAT M E Y MENT M F UT F O TIRE O % E 4 2 R RE OM OICE O C A S E N UAL E A CHVENS D I V V E I IND G, ‘I HA FRANK ST G EIN AYIN O.’ – E S RE L S G WE' CHOO NT TO A OF SRE I W E WH

Employer Roundtable Eric Wagner, Program Manager for TechOps Outreach and Recruitment, Endeavor Air Endeavor Air is one of three wholly-owned subsidiaries of Delta Airlines based out of Minneapolis, MN. Endeavor serves 750 cities with over 1,100 flights per day. Eleven maintenance bases make up the organization’s MRO network, equipped to maintain the world's largest fleet of MHI RJ CRJ-900s.

Frank Stevens, VP Global MRO Centers, VSS, Embraer Embraer is the 3rd largest aircraft manufacturer in the world, designing, building, and maintaining everything from a four-seater light business jet to its revolutionary new E2, capable of holding up to 146 passengers.

Stevens oversees the executive, commercial, and defense MROs globally, which consists of over 70 MRO facilities.

Janson Finkbeiner, Co-founder/Owner, South Carolina Avionics Services (SCAS) Founded by Finkbeiner in 2011, SCAS serves the South Carolina general aviation community from its new location at the Sumter County Airport.

With over 800 clients, SCAS provides avionics and maintenance services with exceptional quality and customer service.

Pat McCann, HRBP Lockheed Martin Aeroparts, Lockheed Martin Lockheed Martin Aeroparts is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, a global provider of security, aerospace, and information technology. Based in Johnstown, PA, 420 employees fabricate components for three of Lockheed’s aircraft: The F-16 Fighting Falcon, the F-35 Lightning II, and the C-130 Hercules.

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The aviation industry was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the end of September 2020, fewer than one million individuals passed through TSA checkpoints to board their flight. One year later, on September 3rd, 2021, the TSA processed 2,129,999 passengers to board US flights. Was this the expected trajectory of aviation in a post-COVID-19 industry? 1

Stevens (Embraer) We expected a gradual increase of service requests coming from our customers in our executive and commercial sectors, but the industry is rebounding faster than we expected. We are seeing our partners in the commercial side of the industry put their airplanes into service faster than they took them out of service. On the executive side of our business, we are seeing a lot of people come into the sector that weren’t there before. They want to fly their executives or even their family members on our closed environment

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NO O TUR NE EX SO NARO PECTE FAS UND D T T. – TO HE H E RI C W APP AGN ER EN WE ‘NE ARE W W A ORK – JAVION ING W NSO IC N F S’. ITH IN K BEI N

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aircraft. We are seeing things come back post-pandemic faster than we ever expected them to happen.

Wagner (Endeavor) [Throughout the pandemic], airlines had to retire a lot of aircraft. A lot of them probably had to retire more aircraft than they wanted to. Now, we don’t have as much capacity to meet the current demand for flights.

Airlines are looking for used aircraft to gain more capacity for travel because of the early retirements of the aircraft. At the time, it was a good decision, but no one expected the turnaround to happen so fast.

Aviation has continued to rank as one of the most impacted industries during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Did this impact affect every sector of aviation? 2 McCann (Lockheed Martin) What is unique about Lockheed Martin is that we are a Defense Contractor, and we worked throughout the pandemic and did not have any layoffs. But, we have had a lot of growth with the sales of our F-16 fighter.

Finkbeiner (SCAS) Our business grew significantly through COVID, and probably would have grown more had we been able to relocate to our current location sooner. Many customers took advantage of the downtime and were able to get upgrades done to their aircraft. In 2019, we were scheduling work three to four months in advance. At the beginning of the pandemic, it became closer to six months.

The career outlook for aviation technicians has projected growth for several years. How has COVID-19 impacted current and future aviation technicians? 3 McCann (Lockheed Martin) What I am faced with in my plant is that 24% of my employees are at or near retirement age or are eligible to retire at any given time.

So, what I am seeing is a higher attrition rate of retirees, and we are struggling to deal with the talent and knowledge base that we are losing.

Wagner (Endeavor) A lot of technicians that were on at the borderline of retirement were presented with early retirement packages that they could not turn down; they were so lucrative. We’ve lost an upper portion of experienced technicians, which has accelerated the position we were in regarding the pipeline of technicians. We already saw quite a few retirements, not enough technicians being enrolled in the schools, and now that these technicians have decided to leave the industry entirely, it’s escalated

the challenge of replacing retiring technicians and training new technicians.

Stevens (Embraer) We are seeing a huge need for technicians today. The biggest thing we are seeing is that retirees are not coming back. We now have this huge vacuum that’s coming through our facilities for spots that need to be filled.

There are a lot of green mechanics coming into the industry, but we are losing a lot of that technical skill at the top end to teach that other half the skills they need. We have a need for more than just technicians: we need skilled, qualified, and trained technicians.

Despite the hardships the industry has recently faced, aviation is rebounding positively. Why is aviation so resilient?

Stevens (Embraer) What makes it so resilient is the affordability of it - people can jump on an airplane and go somewhere and see somebody. We’ve made our world smaller thanks to aviation.

Resiliency is based on the supply and demand. Eric said it really well earlier; we’ve parked all these airplanes [during the pandemic], and now all of the sudden we need airplanes back! There is pent-up demand of people that are saying ‘I need to get out’.

1 Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/air-travel-tracker-how-many-people-are-flying-usa-tsa-n1252745 2 Source: https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/blog/ industries-most-and-least-impacted-by-covid19-from-a-probability-of-default-perspective-september-2020-update 3 Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/aircraft-and-avionics-equipment-mechanics-and-technicians.htm#:~:text=in%20May%202020.-,Job%20Outlook,the%20average%20for%20all%20 occupations.

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ALUMNI @

Dane Ramsay

AMT: Line Maintenance When a career in automotive maintenance wasn’t what he thought it would be, Dane Ramsay decided to enroll at PIA. His first position after graduating in 2016 was at Endeavor Air, where he was able to get the valuable experience he needed to pursue his career at Delta Airlines. “It happened so quickly, going from Endeavor to Delta – I was hoping to be there in five years. I got to Delta in a year.”

Serving as a Line Maintenance Technician out of JFK Airport, Dane says, “There is nothing that’s routine – everything can change in a split second. Every day there is something different.” Graduating from PIA as one of the top students in his class, Dane has continued educating himself in aviation maintenance, focusing on completing his ETOPS certification for long-haul aircraft. 

McCann (Lockheed Martin) I think you are 100% right. The affordability of travel; there are a lot of vacation homes and deals. It used to be that you could arrange a three- or four-day trip to Las Vegas at $500; now, you can do something like that anywhere, especially when comparing the cost and time of driving somewhere.

Finkbeiner (SCAS) I think the main reason is that we have a nation that has really fostered aviation.

In WWII, it was a new, interesting technology. The federal government realized the need for preserving the airports and made sure they stayed in existence. This preservation has allowed an atmosphere for the everyday person to interact with aviation. I lived in Europe for a period of time as an exchange student, and it’s an entirely different industry. You must find just the right opportunity to get into it. We really have an atmosphere that has provided opportunities in aviation to everyday people.

Are there any aspects halting our recovery?

Stevens (Embraer) One thing that stifles it is the manpower. We can’t get airplanes in the air because we don’t have the pilots, we don’t have the flight attendants, and now the industry is suffering from the same issues with mechanics. It’s stifling the ability of people to get out [and utilize air travel].

ALUMNI @

Marissa Estebanez

Aviation Maintenance Technician “I first became interested in aircraft maintenance when I was in my high school robotics club,” says Marissa Estebanez. “That’s when I realized I can’t just sit in a cubicle and do the same job all day for the rest of my life.”

A 2021 graduate of PIA Myrtle Beach, Estebanez is an AMT for South Carolina Avionics Services LLC. Her days are filled with new discoveries, as she gets to work on a wide variety of aircraft: “In just a few months, I’ve already worked on general aviation (GA), experimental, and vintage aircraft, as well as helicopters, float planes, and v-tails. Every day I get to work on something different, and that’s my favorite part of my job.”

McCann (Lockheed Martin) Another component in addition to the loss of personal is the materials [needed for manufacturing]. Supply Chain issues will hurt the aviation industry.

How are your organizations working to address this technician shortage?

McCann (Lockheed Martin) Across the country we are struggling with technicians. The [tactic] we’ve taken [at Lockheed Martin] is to partner with PIA to reach down into the high schools and area vo-techs and explain careers in aviation, which is a long-term tactic to help build a supply chain of people to go through PIA, get their A&P and come work for us or even another aviation organization – the focus is really grassroots recruiting.

Wagner (Endeavor) Pathway programs have been a big part of what we have been doing on both the pilot and the technician sides. Getting students interested in our company early, recruiting early, While Estebanez enjoyed her hands-on maintenance classes at PIA, offering jobs much earlier than in the past – as one of her most helpful experiences is one many students might overearly as six months before graduation – we are look: “At PIA Myrtle Beach, we got to perform sections of a mock ‘anstarting to see the fruits of those pathway pronual.’ This helped me get comfortable with paperwork and logbook grams. Broadening our relationships with different entries, which I now do every single day. I’m so thankful to the PIA teachers and staff for giving me such a wonderful and valuable learnschools and strengthening our relationships with ing experience.”  core schools, PIA being one of those. These are the schools we rely on for a very high percentage of our new technicians.

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What kind of industry are the next generation of technicians coming into? What should they expect taking their first job at your organization?

Finkbeiner (SCAS) We are working with ‘new avionics’ – these are glass panels that interface with the whole airplane. It is a reinvention of electricity and electrical wiring in the whole aircraft.

They are in the process of creating new training requirements for A&P schools.

There is a tremendous emphasis to teach more electrical. There are systems that have never been on a single-engine airplane. Some of the aircraft we work on can be upwards of 60-years-old, and we are bringing them up to 2021 specifications.

Wagner (Endeavor) One of the things new technicians will experience is the drastic changes to technology.

The avionics portion of the aircraft is the focus moving forward. I could eventually see a lot of the hydraulic portions of the aircraft going away and not having much left on the aircraft, and it being driven by electrical. We are seeing that now with how Airbus, Boeing and Embraer are putting their aircraft together. The more a technician has the ability to troubleshoot and think outside the box, the better technicians they will be. In the future, a technician is going to have to be a lot more diversified as far as what they can do as a line maintenance technician.

ALUMNI @

Josh Evans

Aviation Maintenance Technician When PIA Administration made their first trip to the Embraer Hangar in Nashville, TN June of 2021, the goal was to focus on continuing to build the existing relationship between the two organizations. The visit to the facility further strengthened PIA and Embraer’s already stellar partnership, as ideas and continued support between both organizations was discussed. President and CEO Suzanne Markle and Associate Director of Career Services Mindy Pavilonis participated in the meetings with the executive team at Embraer.

The relationship between PIA and Embraer has continued to result in future A&Ps exploring their options at the Brazilian-based manufacturer. “We are so thankful to have formed such a close relationship with the team at Embraer” says Pavilonis, “Their company has placed value in the aviation education we provide, and we could not be prouder to connect our students to their organization.” One such student who benefitted from that connection was Josh Evans, who was working during the time of the walkthrough. Josh started his career at Embraer in 2018 after his graduation from PIA Pittsburgh. 

But a position where you are working on the live aircraft doing things that need to be done spontaneously and immediately, the challenge is going to be harder because of the increased technology.

Stevens (Embraer) I couldn’t agree more. We used to call them mechanics – now we call them technicians. What’s the difference between the two?

A mechanic goes out to an airplane and says, ‘The valve is bad. I’m going to remove and replace this bad valve.’ A technician goes out to an airplane and says, ‘The airplane is telling me there is something wrong with the valve, and I need to find out why.’ Those are the people that we are looking to employ. We had specific people, ‘The Avionics Team’, that used to go out and troubleshoot aircraft, but now everyone needs that base knowledge in avionics. An airplane is essentially a living, breathing computer that is flying around. [New technicians] must recognize they have got to be the Swiss Army Knife of technicians; you cannot expect to just go out and change tires anymore. We need well-versed, well-read personnel.

You don’t just work on airplanes. You are survival for this airplane, and you are the person that makes that happen. 

ALUMNI @

Caron Blackwell

Structural Assembler Caron Blackwell didn’t initially plan to become an AMT. When the company he worked for was bought out and new owners shut down his facility, Blackwell got the unexpected opportunity to go back to school with funding provided by TRA, a Federal Trade Act program.

“To be honest, it came down to studying aviation or HVAC,” says Blackwell. “I had to do a lot of research between the two jobs to make my final decision. I wanted the path that would take me the farthest.”

For Blackwell, his post-PIA path has led him to Lockheed Martin, where he works as a structural assembler. “Being hired by the world’s largest defense company to work alongside some of the brightest minds in aviation as we build parts for C–130 aircraft, which are used by the U.S. military and our allies; this is a job that I take great pride in doing well.” 

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CAMPUS COMMUNITY NEXT GEN continued from page 5

PIA MYRTLE BEACH KEEPS FORMER AIR FORCE BASE FLYING HIGH

P

IA Myrtle Beach students have the one-ofa-kind experience of being taught in the very same building that once housed the avionics facilities for the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base.

This deep connection to aviation history helps them follow directly in the footsteps of previous generations of aeronautics specialists.

Decommissioned and closed in 1993, the base has since been revitalized by the efforts of retired Air Force colonel Buddy Styers and the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Redevelopment Authority, which has turned the 3,936-acre property into a thriving community of homes, parks, and sporting facilities, as well as the Myrtle Beach International Airport and PIA Myrtle Beach. Sustained support from the organization ensures that PIA’s campus will continue to upgrade and expand in the years to come.

“We’ll soon be getting a second building to house all three of the planes that our students train on,” said PIA Myrtle Beach campus director Margaret (Peg) Skalican. This includes a historic Beechcraft Twin Bonanza D50 which was flown around the world by a husband and wife duo of amateur aviators before being donated to PIA. “Being able to enclose the D50, in our new building will help protect it from salt breeze erosion,” explains Skalican.

Skalican also appreciates the support of nearby Myrtle Air Services. As providers of maintenance and repair service for private and commercial aircraft, MASI has hired several recent PIA Myrtle Beach grads, and also makes additional storage space available for PIA aircraft and equipment.

Other southeastern U.S. employers that attract PIA Myrtle Beach grads include Gulfstream, Embraer, Piedmont, and HAECO Americas. 

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“IT’S NOT THE SAME THING EVERY DAY. IT’S ALWAYS DIFFERENT AND I AM CONSTANTLY LEARNING SOMETHING. Ryan Knupp PIA Hagerstown Campus Alumni Maintenance Technician at LJ Aviation require technicians to not only identify a problem but understand it. Evolutions in technology do not replace the value of a good technician, says Marissa Estebanez, a 2021 graduate of PIA Myrtle Beach. “We can teach a computer system how to diagnose an issue or read a slight change. When it comes to being able to put all the facts together and come up with a diagnostic for a situation where there are thousands of possible solutions, mechanics still have the capabilities to think in a completely different way [than computers].”

During our Employer Roundtable, featured on page 12 of this issue, employers unanimously cited changes in electrical technology as a key industry feature impacting new technicians.

Our new technologies have made our lives easier but still require a complete set of skills to manage them effectively.

While the aviation industry continues to change and adapt to the new world we live in, so do the technicians that maintain the safety of our skies. Our industry must constantly rely on the knowledge of the current professionals and the eagerness and innovation of the newest generation of technicians.

Thanks to those who came before us – sharing inspiration from one generation to the next, like we hear from the Davis family on page 18 – that the aviation maintenance industry is the tight-knit community we are today. To the newest generation of aviation technicians, we are happy you made it! 

HANGAR DONATIONS PIA Pittsburgh Campus Rolls Royce AE3007, Donated by Envoy Air

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40

Years of Aviation Inspiration

BOB ALLISON

Admissions Representitave

O

n August 10th, 2021, Admissions Representative Robert (Bob) Allison celebrated his 40year anniversary at PIA. Year after year, Bob has traveled to high schools all over the state of Pennsylvania and beyond as an advocate for PIA. The impact of Bob Allison can be seen through so many of the students who currently walk the halls of PIA, as well as a countless number of industry professionals who consider PIA’s visit to their high school classroom the reason for their start in aviation. A number of lives have been changed for the better because Bob ignited a spark in them to pursue a path into the aeronautical industries.

Over the years, many things have changed, but what has remained unchanged is Bob’s drive to inspire generation after generation of Aviation Technicians. continued on next page

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A Family with a Purpose T

here are many things are passed down in a family. Genetics, traditions and interests often trickle from one generation to the next. The idea of becoming a part of the family business is no new concept, and the Davis family perfectly represents passions transferring to the next generation.

“I wanted a career that I would enjoy but also with importance, purpose and impact, like my dad,” said Noah Davis, an April 2021 graduate of PIA Hagerstown. His father, Craig Davis, is a 1991 PIA graduate who currently works as a Crew Chief at Northrop Grumman Corporation in Baltimore.

30 years after he earned his A&P, Craig was proud to see Noah graduate from PIA Hagerstown and begin his career in aviation as an Aviation Maintenance Technician at Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services in Wilmington, Ohio.

Reflecting on his decision to follow in his father’s footsteps and attend PIA, Noah said, “I absolutely made the right decision.”

The Davis family’s generational legacy in aviation doesn’t end there. Isaac Timbrook is Noah’s foster brother and is currently enrolled at PIA Hagerstown to follow the footsteps of the family that has taken him in.

During high school, Isaac was unexpectedly without a place to call home. Noah invited Isaac to stay over for a few nights and made his parents aware of Isaac’s situation. Craig and Noah’s mother, Kim, had a conversation and made the decision to invite Isaac to move in with them permanently. Just like that, Isaac was part of the family.

Witnessing Noah go through his program at PIA and how much he enjoyed it, Isaac began to seriously consider attending PIA, just like Noah and Craig had. After a tour, consideration turned to certainty, and Isaac enrolled at PIA, having just started his program at Hagerstown in August.

The passionate individuals who begin their career in aviation have a true impact on the industry at large. While their careers flourish, those who truly love their role in aviation are inspiring the next generation of technicians.

Issac is currently considering a career at an MRO facility after he graduates; however, he is open to the idea of exploring other sectors of aviation. 

40 YEARS continued from page 17

Bob will be the first to tell you that he encouraged his son and brother to attend PIA. Like so many others have, they took his advice as both are PIA graduates and industry success stories.

In his time outside PIA, Bob is active in several philanthropic endeavors through his church as well as serving as a licensed funeral director. According to Bob, his ventures outside of PIA are inspired by one overarching message: “I can never take away the hurt and loss that a family is dealing with when they need the services of a funeral director, but I can provide them the support and care they need during that tough time, when they need it most. It’s another

18

opportunity for me to do good in the world.”

That is who Bob Allison is, someone who genuinely cares about doing good in the world by helping people both personally and professionally.

When congratulated and commended for his forty years of service at PIA, Bob responded, “It has been my privilege to serve PIA these past 40 years with so many wonderful people. I consider myself blessed to have known you all. With the quality of people that are [supporting] our school now, our best days are ahead. God bless you all.” 

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CAMPUS COMMUNITY

HANGAR DONATIONS PIA Myrtle Beach Campus Helicopter Parts Donated by Signature Utility Services, LCC Garrett/Honeywell TFE 731-3 Donated by StandardAero

PIA YOUNGSTOWN BUILDS REGIONAL SUPPORT WITH EMPLOYERS, SCHOLARSHIPS

O

hio is known as the birthplace of aviation, and PIA Youngstown is proud to carry that pioneering spirit into the 21st Century through its collaborations with employers and supporters at the local and national levels.

One nearby company that employs many PIA grads is Winner Aviation, an MRO and FBO located at Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. Its talented staff have been servicing the region’s aircraft for over 70 years, including private planes and larger commercial work with Allegiant Air. Recently, Winner has expanded its involvement with PIA Youngstown to include early outreach and education at the high school level.

It is possible to fly without motors, but not without knowledge and skill.

- Wilbur Wright

#pia_aviationschool

“Winner visits our campus and talks to our students throughout the year, and now we’re taking that dialogue a step further by collaborating with Winner on a high school information program,” said PIA Youngstown campus director Joe DeRamo. “Representatives from Winner will be visiting area high schools alongside our PIA admissions team, which will help their students and faculty get an even more detailed understanding of the value and opportunities that come with pursuing a career in aviation maintenance.”

PIA Youngsown is also creating new financial aid opportunities for future students by expanding its scholarship programs. Financial supporters of the school’s scholarships include the Ernie Hall Aviation Museum in nearby Warren, Ohio, and the James “Jim” Strock Memorial Fund, managed by Teresa Strock in honor of her husband, a beloved PIA instructor who passed away in 2018.

To help defray the cost of tools for some students, PIA Youngstown is also developing a new series of “toolbox scholarships” with Lockheed Martin, in which the company will supply fully-outfitted toolboxes to students in need. “When Lockheed realized that the cost of tools creates a barrier to entry for some of our students, they stepped up to help tear that barrier down,” said DeRamo. 

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RECOGNITION

Student Instructor Mentor

  

William Ogle

PIA Youngstown Campus

L

ongtime PIA instructor William Ogle likes to say he was born a mechanic: “I was the type of kid who’d rather take my toys apart than play with them.” His lifelong passion for analyzing how things work has helped him inspire more than 20 years’ worth of PIA graduates — and their careers have taken off because of it.

One reason why Mr. Ogle is so effective at bringing out the best in his students is because he sees things from their point of view: “I was a PIA student years before I became an instructor, and that helps me appreciate our programs from their perspective.”

Born in 1957, Mr. Ogle grew up repairing cars and motorcycles in the same neighborhood as a corporate pilot for Heinz, whose car he occa-

20

sionally helped fix. When their talk turned to airplanes, the pilot mentioned that Mr. Ogle might enjoy becoming an aircraft mechanic, which eventually led him to enroll at PIA’s Pittsburgh campus.

After graduating, Ogle worked for Bell Helicopters, as well as for a small flight school in Indiana, PA, and high school programs in Indiana and West Virginia.

When an opening for a new instructor became available at PIA in 1997, Mr. Ogle returned to his alma mater to help teach a new generation of technicians. In 2009, he relocated from the Pittsburgh campus to assist with the growth of PIA Youngstown.

“Mr. Ogle was, and still is, the best teacher I ever had,” says 2011 PIA Youngstown alumna Melissa Markell, who currently works as a dedicated inspector at Constant Aviation. “He made the biggest impact on me. I was so nervous, and Mr. Ogle always put me at ease. He kept telling me ‘the information is in your mind, you just have to find it.’ He believed in me, and, in turn, I believed in myself. He’s the reason I’ve gone so far in my career.”

“What makes Bill unique is the depth and variety of his experience and knowledge, especially when it comes to handson instruction,” said Joseph DeRamo, Campus Director of PIA Youngstown.

“Bill can make or build anything, and he has a ‘mad inventor’ enthusiasm that’s

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spent as much time researching how to do it as I actually spent building it.”

The triangle is the strongest geometric shape in an aircraft structure and in all of nature for that matter.

We as humans are also triune in nature.

Don't forget we need to always work on good physical, mental and spiritual health to be a strong and successful A/P mechanic.

contagious. For example, he built most of the equipment and engine stands that our students use here on campus, including a training aid for flight controls.”

In addition to building a wide array of classroom resources at PIA, Mr. Ogle built his own personal airplane by hand. “It was a 20-year build, a real labor of love,” says Ogle. A 30-year member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, he fabricated his plane from raw materials. “The challenge was figuring out how to do every part of it from scratch. I

As a licensed pilot, Mr. Ogle loves flying his custom-built plane, as well as teaching his students about the principles of flight. “Theory of Flight is one of my favorite classes to teach, because I love to show students how it all works. It really helps illustrate why we do what we do. When it comes to math, some people might hate fractions or think formulas are boring, but I show them why they need to know it and how it all applies in the real world.”

Former students like Markell say Mr. Ogle’s approach to teaching has made a big difference in their understanding of the material and in their passion for the job: “Mr. Ogle made everything clear in the most wonderful way. His delivery was so electrifying and relatable for every age, and he adds tricks into his curriculum to help you remember things like formulas. I am forever in his debt for giving me the perfect knowledge base to build my career on.”

While the aviation industry has changed rapidly over the years, one thing has changed much more slowly: Mr. Ogle’s teaching style.

“For 23 years, I’ve mostly been lecturing and drawing on a whiteboard with colored markers — my students call it OglePoint,” says Ogle, as a joking reference to the ubiquitous corporate presentation tool Microsoft PowerPoint. “But I know younger generations prefer high-tech learning, so sometimes I find videos that show the inner workings of

different engines. Electronic maintenance manuals have also really evolved over the years to become more interactive, with searchable details and photos. Technical education is trial and error; over time, you learn what works in the classroom and what doesn’t.”

Mr. Ogle’s whiteboard teaching may feel classic, but the values he instills in his students are even more timeless. “Safety is the main reason for everything we do,” says Ogle, “so to help prepare our students to work in this field, I talk to them about the importance of honesty, integrity, and getting in the habit of checking and re-checking. It’s crucial that our students understand just how important their jobs really are.”

More than two decades of PIA students have learned the basics of flight, formulas, and feeling proud of their work, all thanks to OglePoint — and the lessons he’s taught them will continue to be passed down to new generations of mechanics.

“When I think about people like Bill Ogle, I think of the massive legacy he has within the aviation community,” says DeRamo. “Bill’s students are working across the country and around the world in virtually every aspect of aeronautics. He’s helped thousands of students obtain their A&P licenses, and now many of them will also help future generations obtain their licenses. To me, it’s profound to realize that Bill has played such a crucial and foundational role in thousands of careers.” 

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LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER

New Era

A R BALL HALL

Celebrating the Future

enovations at the Pittsburgh Campus of PIA were completed in October of 2021, marking the fulfillment of the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Project (RACP) at PIA. RACP assists organizations as they acquire and construct economic, cultural, civic, and historical improvement projects. PIA committed funds for this project to support the student experience, resulting in improved resource and common areas for students.

Groundbreaking on the $1.5 Million dollar project began in the Fall of 2020, with the renovation of Ball Hall, which formerly housed the Learning Resource Center and Computer Lab at PIA. The JumpStart Division of PIA was relocated to the new space, and construction on the Main Building began in April of 2021. The addition of new classroom spaces, offices, and relocation of the computer lab has reinvigorated the area near the Powerplant shops.

A short walk down the corridor now reveals a fresh cafeteria and student lounge area, with fresh vending areas becoming available in March of 2022. Most notably updated is the Learning Resource Center, which was dedicated in

22

honor of the late PIA Instructor Warren Guthrie, who served PIA for over 50 years before his passing in March of 2020.

Mr. Guthrie was consistently looked to as one of PIA’s most knowledgeable instructors, sharing his love for aviation and education with generations of aviation technicians.

Gary Hoyle, Director of Campus Operations at PIA, remembers Guthrie as both an instructor and a mentor when he returned to PIA to work alongside him. “I became the instructor that I was because of Warren Guthrie,” said Hoyle.

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COMPUTER LAB

of Education CAFETERIA

The completion of PIA’s RACP project is thanks in part to The Honorable Tom Wolf, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, State Senator Jim Brewster, The Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County, Allegheny Airport Authority, and the Borough of West Mifflin. 

Left to Right: Jason Mongan, Director of Student Affairs of PIA Jason Pfarr, Dean of Academic Affairs of PIA James Brewster , Pennsylvania State Senator Gary Hoyle, Director of Campus Operations of PIA Suzanne Markle, President and CEO of PIA Rich Fitzgerald , Allegheny County Executive Nick Pisciottano, P ennsylvania House of Representatives Steven Sabold, Director of Marketing & I.T.

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CAMPUS COMMUNITY

SHOW OFF YOUR PIA PRIDE

PIA HAGERSTOWN SOARS WITH A BOOST FROM LOCAL LEADERS

E

ver since classes first began at PIA Hagerstown, the school has enjoyed exceptional support from the administrators and staff at Hagerstown Regional Airport.

Visit store.pia.edu • T-shirts • Tumblers • Hats • Coolers • and more

HANGAR DONATIONS PIA Hagerstown Campus Tire Cutaway Board, Donated by Spirit Airlines Hand-held Borescope, Donated by Spirit Airlines Pratt & Whitney PW120, Donated by Piedmont Airlines

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“We initially taught classes at the old Fairchild building, which connected our students to Hagerstown’s proud past as a manufacturer of Fairchild aircraft,” explained PIA Hagerstown campus director Bernard (Butch) Adams. “But due to high enrollment, we quickly outgrew that space in just two years. That’s when Hagerstown Airport invited us in.”

Thanks to the energetic support of county commissioners and the late local developer David Rider, owner of Rider Jet Center, unused structures on airport property were removed and new space was created to house PIA Hagerstown’s fast-growing campus. Since then, the robust relationship between PIA and the airport has led to numerous facility additions and upgrades. This ensures that PIA students get hands-on training with modern equipment and technology that matches the responsibilities they’ll soon see on the job.

“The airport even installed a new taxiway for us, which allows our students to get real-world experience at taxiing a Cessna 172 Skyhawk,” says Adams.

In addition to the Hagerstown Regional Airport and Rider Jet Center, Adams also credits a number of nearby aviation employers and resources with their enthusiastic support of PIA’s educational mission. This includes Piedmont Airlines, Republic Airlines, Embraer, FEAM Aero, and Mitsubishi Aircraft, as well as the Hagerstown Aviation Museum, which allows PIA to use sections of its aircraft engines during in-class training and also hosts a variety of exhibits and events throughout the year. The museum’s close proximity and collaborative outreach offers PIA Hagerstown students the rare chance to learn about classic aircraft up close and also experience the thrill of seeing them in action. 

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PIA Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser

FAIRWAYS

FOR THE

AIRWAYS

9•10 • 21

• THANK YOU SPONSORS •

T

he Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics held its annual fundraising event on September 10, 2021. The event returned in 2021 after COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the previous year’s fundraiser. The event, a golf outing held at Cedarbrook Golf Course, raised over $17,000 in support of the PIA Memorial Scholarship Fund.

“It is truly great to see all these companies come together to support future aviation technicians.

Through their efforts, we were able to raise a substantial contribution to the scholarship fund, which continues to assist students pursue their education at PIA year after year,” says Andrea Smith, Records & Compliance Coordinator at PIA, who chairs the event.

PIA would like to thank our event sponsors who contributed to the education of future aviation technicians and all those involved with planning and executing this event. We look forward to seeing you in 2022 for the next event! 

 SAVE THE DATE 

PIA plans to hold the next Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser Event in the Fall of 2022. Interested participants should reach out to Andrea Smith at asmith@pia.edu to get more information on the event.

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2021 SC HOL ARSHIPS FEBRUARY PIA Pittsburgh student Molly Rimko and PIA Hagerstown student Miranda Wales were recipients of the David J. Forgac Aviation Scholarship. The scholarship was inspired by David Forgac’s desire to have more women involved in the aviation industry.

Miranda Wales

Molly Rimko

MAY

Ryan Pentz

Troy Lindsay

Troy Lindsay and Ryan Pentz, students at PIA Youngstown, were awarded the Bill Griffin Memorial Scholarship, presented by the Ernie Hall Aviation Museum in Warren, Ohio. The scholarship was able to be used for tuition, books, supplies, or testing fees associated with the program.

The goal of the scholarship is to continue to promote individuals to pursue careers in aviation.

SEPT EMBER

James Hiott

James Hiott was a recipient of a scholarship thanks to the support of the South Carolina Aviation Association (SCAA) and the late Reid Garrison.

Scholarships available through SCAA this year were made possible thanks to generous donations by the Garrison family.

*This is not a comprehensive list of every scholarship received by students at PIA. Scholarships featured were reported to the PIA Communications Team and featured on PIA News.

26

MARC H Brian Saylor, PIA Pittsburgh, was awarded a $2,500 scholarship from the Aviation Foundation. In his essay, Saylor spoke of his decision to pursue aviation. “I never felt more right about something;” said Saylor, “finally something I enjoyed to do and felt like I had a purpose for doing it.” Saylor graduated in June of 2021.

Brian Saylor

AUGUST Jeffrey Linton and Jacob Woods of PIA Hagerstown were the first recipients of the Walter Green Memorial Scholarship offered through the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). Considerations for the scholarship included attendance, academic success, and the entrants desire to continue and complete their aviation maintenance training.

Elise Krause, who started classes with PIA in the Fall of 2021, was awarded the Mike Rowe ‘Work Ethic Scholarship’, a yearly scholarship opportunity for students pursuing trade careers. Krause received $7,500 to help with costs towards her pursuit of her A&P certification.

Jeffrey Linton

Jacob Woods

Elise Krause

OC TOBER PIA Myrtle Beach student Leticia De Lima received a $2,000 scholarship from the Myrtle Beach Woman’s Club. De Lima will graduate from her program in January 2022, and hopes to work with a major cargo carrier after earning her A&P.

Leticia De Lima

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� 7/1/20–6/30/21�

of

AVERAGE AGE

23

GRADUATES

256

PIA

As you take the next steps forward in your careers, take pride in knowing that your education here has taught you more than technical lessons. Know that problems always can be solved, teamwork is crucial to success, and that hard work, dedication and perseverance will help you to overcome any challenges you may face in your lives.

We as an institution are proud of all you have achieved and look forward to hearing about your future successes.

Jason Pfarr Dean of Academic Affairs

GRADUATION

70 %

VETERANS

117

2020–2021 VALEDICTORIANS & SALUTATORIANS PITTSBURGH CAMPUS

HAGERSTOWN CAMPUS

MYRTLE BEACH CAMPUS

YOUNGSTOWN CAMPUS

October 20

September 20

September 20

September 20

Val..........Wayne Bird Sal..........Kyle Hendricks

Val..........Arlin Sauder Sal..........Matthew Johnson

Val..........Shawn Wodogaza Sal..........Timothy Begeot

January 21

December 20

Val..........Ted Eddings Jr Co-Sal...Dallas Brewer Co-Sal...Brennan Smothers

Val..........Dillon Longden Sal..........Caron Blackwell

Val..........Austin Engel Sal..........James Matlock

January 21

Val..........Charlotte Donaldson Sal..........John Beckwith

March 21

April 21

Val..........Caleb Washabau Sal..........Trenton Bell

Val..........Karl Casperson Val..........William Tuckey Co-Sal...Sean Farrell Co-Sal...Robert Hoverkamp Sal..........Daniel Grainger

June 21

Val..........Brian Saylor Sal..........Cynthia Wycroft

Val..........Nicholas Turpen Sal..........Kathryn Metzger May 21

December 20

April 21 Val..........Patrick Mortier Sal..........Kellan Wilging

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

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

HAPPY ANNIV ERSARY HAGERSTOW N!

COMING SOON!

ASSOCIATION

10 Y EARS For ten years, the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics in Hagerstown, MD, has strived to meet the demands of the aviation industry and the need for skilled technicians. April 29, 2011, marked the first classes held in the region to educate future aviation technicians. It is an honor to have served the Hagerstown Community for the last ten years. Through the support of the local community, government officials, and industry professionals, PIA Hagerstown has grown into a leader within the aviation industry. We look forward to continued relationships with our community and welcome everyone interested to learn more about an education at PIA’s Hagerstown branch campus.

Join a community of fellow PIA Alumni and stay connected with the institution that helped launch your career. Registration details are available on PIA’s website under Alumni. We look forward to your participation in this newly formed organization!