STRATUS - Fall 2022

FORMERLY THE TECHNICIAN

PIA CAMPUS, ALUMNI AND AVIATION NEWS

FALL 2022

STUDENT POWER..PG 4 – TRAIL BLAZERS..PG9 – A LASTING LEGACY..PG20–

MAGAZINE

Fall 2022

Dear Reader, Welcome to the Fall 2022 edition of Stratus. In this issue, we highlight the work of alumni, show appreciation for a few of the many faculty members who help students succeed, and address the current needs of the aviation industry.

Student Power

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the industry.

Sincerely, Brittany Elliott Editor-in-Chief belliott@pia.edu

Your Flight Plan

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Trail Blazers

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CHOOSING EDUCATIO 15 FLIGHT 26 P Showcasing Skills

A guide for new care and high school

Editorial Staff: Editor-in-Chief Brittany Elliott Creative Manager/Layout Ed Molek

PIA Contributors: Carrie On Communication Nealey Bond Tasha Hall Janet Heim Aaron Phillips 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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7..................A Lifetime Of Influence 8..................2022 Scholarships 12...............What Employers Are Looking For 14...............Campus Updates, Pittsburgh 18...............PIA Alumni Make 2022 AMT 40 Under 40 List 1 19...............Campus Updates, Hagerstown & Youngstown 20..............A Lasting Legacy PIA Graduation 23..............Showing Students How It's Done Since Day Rate One 24..............Planes, Trains, And Rocket Ships 25..............Recognizing Leadership 28..............Campus Updates, Myrtle Beach 28..............Student Ambassador Program Invites PIA Students To Lead The Way 29..............Fairways For The Airways Before beginning any aircraft repair, a 30..............Employee Celebrations assess the situation and consider all re BACK.......PIA Myrtle Beach Turns 10!

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determine the best course of action. If your first career or making a change, same approach when exploring y education choices

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This Educational Flight Plan compares the (ROI) between a PIA education and the aver

PIA is not immune to the aftermath of a pandemic, which includes economic uncertainty, inflation, and shifting workforce demands.

No doubt, we have met with our fair share of adversity in the past few years, and we continue to monitor all the external forces that might impact our goals.

Unlike many postsecondary institutions, however, PIA has never faltered. The challenges that our school has encountered over the last few years have instead sharpened our focus and resolve to provide the aviation industry with the finest aviation technicians in the country.

Charles Lindbergh said, “Success is not measured by what a man accomplishes, but by the opposition he has encountered and the courage with which he has maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds”.

Adversity is critical to understanding our fears and weaknesses, but it is also necessary for our growth and improvement. I have witnessed in awe as our faculty and staff have leveraged teaching and communication tools developed through the pandemic to transform our institution’s future. Novel approaches which began as stopgap measures have now evolved fully to enhance our students' learning experiences, to seek and maintain communication with our students and each other, and to increase, by vast measure, our outreach to alumni, high schools, industry partners, and employers.

As you read this issue of Stratus, you’ll notice the amazing passion that our faculty, staff, students, and alumni bring to a PIA education. I am certain that this passion will continue to drive PIA’s mission and promote the success of our graduates, regardless of -- and maybe even because of -- the challenges we face.

With #PIAPride, Suzanne Markle

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t n e r d e u t S P ow s n e a o i r e e c e i h g t H n a t f h e r o c o h e h T T S .

S U.

Since the dawn of aviation, mechanics have been essential for keeping planes in the air, running on time, and operating safely. But a nationwide shortage of aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) means that the entire aeronautics field is currently struggling to find enough skilled talent to meet the growing demand.

If this labor gap isn’t closed, there won’t be enough AMTs available to keep the global air fleet operational at current rates. This means airlines would be forced to operate fewer planes and offer fewer daily flights, making it much harder for people to travel and for businesses to ship goods cost-effectively.

Over time, the ripple effects from this labor gap could lead to steep price increases for everything from hotels to basic necessities, all because a shortage of mechanics would make our current aviation conditions impossible to continue.

Here’s the problem by the numbers, and why every new AMT who joins the field has a heroic opportunity to be part of the solution.

PICTURED: DANIELLE MOOSE, PIA STUDENT

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–> continued on 6

T he Problem 0rs 0 0 , ea y 0 6 1 2 0 0a 0 ic r e 0 , am 4 h 1n3ort

America’s current AMT shortage is the result of four overlapping challenges.

First, there is the quickly-rising demand for new aviation maintenance technicians.

The 2022-2041 Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook1 predicts that a total of 610,000 new maintenance technicians will be needed to maintain the global commercial fleet over the next 20 years. To meet that demand, an average of more than 30,000 new technicians would need to join the field globally each year.

Is the U.S. better positioned to meet this need than our global neighbors? Unfortunately, the answer is no: Boeing forecasts1 that the North American aviation industry, including airlines and repair stations, will need to hire 134,000 new maintenance technicians by 2041 — or 6,700 per year — to meet demand.

Second, there is a looming retirement wave that will even further reduce the number of available AMTs in the U.S.

3 5 ld o s r a y e n ex t 0 1 a ye rs

According to the 2021 Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) report2, the average age of an aviation maintenance technician in the U.S. is 53 years old — 11 years older than the average American worker’s age of 42. Even female AMTs, who make up only 2.6% of the field, are older on average (45) than the typical American worker. Many of these AMTs are expected to retire over the next 10 years, taking their decades of on-the-job experience will leave with them, which means employers will have even fewer mentors available to help train the next generation of mechanics.

Third, there are not enough new candidates entering the aviation maintenance field to fill the current openings.

As the ATEC report2 notes, the number of retiring AMTs is already outpacing the number of new hires. At current rates, this means it won’t be possible for employers to even begin meeting the expected labor demand for AMTs until 2032 at the earliest.

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Complicating matters further, the FAA issued 30% fewer new mechanic certificates in 2020 than it did in 20192.

Experts are hoping this drop-off is a one-time fluke due to the pandemic. But with the industry’s current shortage of AMTs, even a brief hiccup in certifications will make it even harder for employers to find qualified talent to fill their thousands of open positions. This imbalance could leave a shortage of as many as 12,000 mechanics below Boeing’s forecast goal by 2041.

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Finally, there is a lack of awareness of aviation maintenance as a viable career path for young people who are planning their post-academic futures.

While many high school students are encouraged to pursue a four-year degree at a traditional college or university, few consider the alternative of learning a skilled trade at a vocational school. Despite the growing number of job openings in blue collar trades, and the rising frustration among many students who graduate from four-year programs with significant student loan debt and minimal job satisfaction, trade schools are still rarely discussed by teachers and guidance counselors as viable career pathways. As a result, many young people overlook the trades as career options, and few resources are available to promote them as a rewarding and satisfying alternative to the traditional four-year college plan.

All together, these challenges have combined to create a serious labor shortage in the aviation maintenance field that could continue indefinitely, leading to massive disruptions of global travel and business.

Unless… >>>

T he Solution 300 45 employers

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cadet programs 10

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15,000 bonuses

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65,550 salary

Fortunately, aviation employers and training programs like PIA are working hard to close the AMT labor gap.

This past May, PIA Pittsburgh hosted a full house of over 300 students and 45 employers, such as PSA Airlines and Endeavor Air. The event resulted in nearly 60 conditional job offers being issued. With regional and even national aviation employers actively strengthening their relationships with trade schools, this talent pipeline will hopefully continue to pick up speed.

Some employers have also begun partnering with training schools to create a more direct path to employment even before a student enrolls. For example, Republic Airways has established a “cadet program” that extends conditional job offers to qualified candidates during their training process, while Constant Aviation has expanded its Maintenance Apprenticeship Program. Learn more about a similar program between PIA and Piedmont Airlines on page 13!

Recognizing how vital AMTs are to the aviation industry, some employers are also offering expanded benefits packages with perks like lower health insurance premiums, relocation assistance, and 401(k) matching programs. For example, Constant Aviation recently increased technician pay by 10% and has offered $15,000 signing bonuses for qualified veterans to help meet the rising demand for skilled talent.

Some students are also starting to see trade schools as a more cost-efficient career prep option. Most vocational programs take just two years to complete, at a total cost that is about the same as one year of tuition at a four-year school. With the median AMT salary in the U.S. of $65,5503, many young people are starting to realize that becoming an AMT offers a swift and steady pathway to a fulfilling and financially rewarding future.

Will these programs, partnerships, and perks attract enough new AMTs to meet the expected needs of the aviation industry over the next 20 years? Only time will tell.

But every new AMT who joins the field in the next decade will be doing much more than just starting a new career. They will also be doing their part to help solve one of the most important labor challenges in U.S. history. By keeping America’s planes and helicopters flying safely, efficiently, and on-schedule, the next generation of AMTs has a chance to become the real superheroes of the 21st Century.  1: Source: boeing.com/commercial/market/pilot-technician-outlook 2: Source: atec-amt.org/pipeline-report.html 3: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/aircraft-and-avionics-equipment-mechanics-and-technicians.htm

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GARY E. HOYLE

A Lifetime of Inf luence Gary E. Hoyle spent the past 49 years walking through the same doors, down the same halls. “You never know where you’ll end up. I didn’t know I would become an instructor, and I didn’t know I would spend so much time at PIA,” said Hoyle.

Mr. Hoyle began working for PIA as an instructor in October 1973 and worked in many roles over the years including Dean of Students and Director of Campus Operations.

“I’ve always put the students as number 1 in my book,” said Hoyle in his acceptance speech for the FAA Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award, an honor he earned in 2018 in recognition of his 50+ years in the field of aviation maintenance.

Mr. Hoyle also served as President of the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) from 2018 – 2022. Through his work with ATEC, Mr. Hoyle was a major contributor to bringing about the new Part 147 regulations that took effect in September of 2022, which allow AMT schools to modernize their programs to better reflect new aviation technologies. continued on page 19 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————— FALL STRATUS '22 7

Shanice Williams

DeAndre Allen

Jereme Thompson

Raegan Buzzard

Bailey Kimmel

Stephen Bice

Kyle Bacich

Haruna Ali

Kurtis Dalton

Bain Harrold

Andrew Hess

Jeffery May

Mark O’Donnell

Juston Shorts

Ethan Briggs

Brock Delauter

Austin Wagler

Javen Winkelman

Cameron Fisher

Noah Yingling

Elise Krause

Brooke Strunk

Lexi-Grace Walker

Nikolaj Vignjevich

Charles Hotalen

Raymond Edmond

Nathan Stoots

Lucas Box

Scholarships and awards are a form of financial aid that does not need to be repaid. PIA offers several sources for possible scholarship funding.

Please check our website for updates and new opportunities: pia.edu/ financial-aid/

Blue Collar Brain Scholarship

PIA Institutional Match Grant

Ernie Hall Aviation Museum Scholarship

There are 36 Institutional Match Grant awards available for the fiscal year limited to up to $1,000 per quarter and semester.

PIA Youngstown Shanice Williams Clifford Ball Memorial Scholarship PIA Pittsburgh DeAndre Allen Jereme Thompson David J. Forgac Aviation Scholarship PIA Hagerstown Raegan Buzzard PIA Youngstown Bailey Kimmel

The Bill Griffin Memorial ScholarshipPIA Youngstown Stephen Bice Kyle Bacich James P. Strock Memorial Scholarship PIA Youngstown Stephen Bice

Matthias Buchheister

Lauren Kretchman

Lockheed Martin Toolbox Scholarship PIA Pittsburgh Haruna Ali Kurtis Dalton Bain Harrold Andrew Hess Jeffery May Mark O’Donnell PIA Youngstown Juston Shorts Lockheed Martin Vocational Scholarship PIA Pittsburgh Ethan Briggs Brock Delauter Austin Wagler Javen Winkelman PIA Youngstown Cameron Fisher Noah Yingling

Joshua Lindberg

Myrtle Beach Women’s Club PIA Myrtle Beach Brooke Strunk Lexi-Grace Walker PIA Memorial Scholarship PIA Pittsburgh Nikolaj Vignjevich Charles Hotalen Raymond Edmond Nathan Stoots Lucas Box Work Ethic Scholarship The Mike Rowe Scholarship PIA Hagerstown Matthias Buchheister PIA Pittsburgh Lauren Kretchman Joshua Lindberg

PIA Hagerstown Elise Krause

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.

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Trail Blazers HOST Suzanne Markle PIA President and CEO

GUESTS Marissa Estebanez Myrtle Beach Campus Graduate AMT - South Carolina Avionics Services, LLC

Elizabeth Householder Youngstown Campus Graduate Raptor Final Integration Technician - SpaceX

Melissa (Bayura) Markell Youngstown Campus Graduate AMT - Constant Aviation

PIA GRADUATES SHARING THEIR INSIGHT AND EXPERIENCES IN THE AVIATION INDUSTRY

PIA WOMEN ARE BLAZING NEW TRAILS! Aviation maintenance has traditionally been a male-dominated field. But with more women entering the AMT and avionics fields than ever before, that picture is starting to change.

Kate Metzger Myrtle Beach Campus Graduate Avionics Technician - Stambaugh Aviation

Miranda Wales Hagerstown Campus Graduate Mechanic II - Skywest Airlines

Watch the full video discussion at https://youtu.be/bn_a2RuHoSU

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Trail Blazers

The 2022-2041 Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook2 predicts that 610,000 new maintenance technicians will be needed to fly and maintain the global commercial fleet over the next 20 years.

Women considering a career in aviation maintenance can look to recent female PIA grads for insights on what to expect, how to prepare, and why the AMT field is the perfect fit for women who love hands-on work and problem-solving.

1: https://www.faa.gov/data_research/ aviation_data_statistics/civil_airmen_statistics 2: Source: https://www.boeing.com/commercial/ market/pilot-technician-outlook/

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WOMEN IN AVIATION FACTS

While 2021 FAA1 data indicates just 8,011 (2.6%) of the 313,093 licensed aviation mechanics in the U.S. identify as female, the ratio of female students at training programs across the country continues to increase. For example, 7% of current students across PIA’s four campuses identify as female, which is nearly three times the ratio of female mechanics currently seen in professional roles.

Advice from Fellow Female Techs This summer, PIA President Suzanne Markle led an online discussion of PIA graduates. The forum gave them an opportunity to share their stories, discuss specific challenges, and offer advice to others who are interested in joining the field.

Every grad had her own story of what inspired her to join the field. For Melissa Markell (PIA Youngstown 2011), it was a love of puzzles and paperwork.

Melissa (Bayura) Markell Melissa Markell (pictured here during her tenure at Constant Aviation) is currently an Aviation Safety Inspector at the FAA.

“The paperwork will never lie to you,” said Markell, who worked as the Assistant Chief Inspector at Constant Aviation in Cleveland. “Every plane has a story, whether it was damaged or had been in precarious areas and had so much corrosion.” Markell enjoys researching a plane’s backstory “from birth to the present day” and solving the puzzle of how it came to be in its current condition, which is crucial in order to perform necessary maintenance and repairs or evaluate it before it can be sold to a new buyer.

Marissa Estebanez (PIA Myrtle Beach 2021) said she was drawn to AMT work when she realized she wouldn’t be satisfied with an office job.

A representative from PIA visited Estebanez’s high school during her freshman year and told the students about the shortfall in AMTs. “She explained how much we really need technicians at the moment and I remember thinking, ‘That

Marissa Estebanez

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Kate Metzger

all super helpful and accepting and willing to work with me, which was so different [from] how I grew up.”

At PIA, Wales received the David J. Forgac Aviation Scholarship, created to honor Forgac’s desire to get more women involved in the aviation industry. She currently works for SkyWest Inc., based in Colorado Springs, Colo.

is perfect. That sounds wonderful,’” says Estebanez. “I was able to get into the program directly out of high school.”

Today, Estebanez is an AMT at South Carolina Avionics Services, LLC. She was recently recognized as one of the 2022 “40 Under 40” AMTs by Aircraft Maintenance Technology magazine.

“I never get bored of [doing] the same thing,” said Estebanez. “For me, aircraft maintenance isn’t just, ‘Oh, I’ve gotta fix that screw.’ It’s really interesting to have something extremely different day to day, and that really ties into the reason I went into aviation.”

While some women like Estebanez are joining the AMT field straight out of high school, others are changing career paths.

Miranda Wales (PIA Hagerstown 2021) had previously earned a traditional fouryear degree, only to find that she would need even more schooling — and more student loan debt — in order to make real headway in her chosen career. When she heard about PIA on the radio, she knew she’d found a better path.

Unfortunately, not all male mechanics have been quite as welcoming. Kate Metzger (PIA Myrtle Beach 2021) said she initially faced skepticism from one male coworker.

“He kept saying ‘you’ll never be a real mechanic,’” says Metzger. “But that’s not true. It’s not a matter of ‘I’m smaller, or I’m a girl,’ it’s a matter of what you’re willing to learn. It’s not so much about gender, it’s [just] someone insecure with themselves saying that to you.”

Today, Metzger is one of two female avionics technicians in her 100-person shop at Stambaugh Aviation in Brunswick, GA. She says her work experience there has taught her important lessons about capability, responsibility, and confidence. “[Early on], we had to redo a whole cargo handling system. It was basically, ‘Here’s what you’re doing, now go do it, you’ve got this.’ And I did,” said Metzger. “[But] you have to learn on the go, and learn to read the manual yourself and not trust whatever someone else is telling you to do, because at the end of the day it’s your signature on the paperwork.”

Like Wales, Elizabeth Householder (PIA Youngstown 2021) also came to PIA

“I’ve always loved mechanics,” Wales said. “My dad owned his own excavation business and I’d spend hours watching him, wanting to know more about what was going on.” But despite her interest in working on the equipment there, she was often told, “You can’t do that, you’re a girl.” Fortunately, Wales says her PIA experience was the exact opposite.

“I knew I was on the right track the minute we got into shop work,” said Wales.

“I very much enjoyed the experience of working with the other guys. They were

Elizabeth Householder

Miranda Wales

after working in other fields like customer service and manufacturing. After telling friends and family that she would be attending PIA, they asked if she would still pursue a four-year degree, but she let them know it wouldn’t be necessary.

“My FAA license opened so many doors for me, including getting my dream job out of school,” said Householder. Today she works as a Raptor Final Integration Technician at SpaceX, a role which entails assembling engine components and then running system checks on essential functions such as electrical and hydraulics.

When it comes to raising awareness of AMT and avionics careers among girls and women, Householder notes that visibility is important: “If we are more transparent with who we are as individuals, and what we do in our work lives, I feel we can start to inspire and outreach to individuals who don’t even know this is an option [for] them.” 

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WHAT ARE EMPLOYERS LOOKING FOR...

IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF AMTs? PIA has worked closely with aviation employers for nearly a century to make sure our graduates are learning the skills they need to succeed as aviation maintenance technicians.

B

ut how are these needs changing over time, and what skills are today’s employers hoping to see from tomorrow’s AMTs?

To find out, PIA Associate Director of Career Services Mindy Pavilonis reached out to several recent employers of PIA grads to learn more about their side of the hiring experience. Here’s what they had to say about their labor needs, what traits they’re seeking in new talent, and what PIA students should focus on if they want to excel as AMTs.

In Aviation Maintenance, Every Little Detail Matters What's one way to be sure you’ll stand out in the AMT job market? Prove that you can stay laser-focused on the details of any project.

“Attention to detail and the ability to follow written instructions is unfortunately lacking among many new AMTs, and that can lead to potential failures,” said Cory Highfield, a PIA alum who currently works as a Technician at GE Aviation’s Durham Engine Facility.

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Highfield isn’t alone; nearly every employer mentioned how important it is for new AMTs to clearly follow directions, pay close attention to minor details, and remain safety-conscious at all times. That’s because every little detail is so crucial to the performance of a plane — and to the safety and well-being of everyone in and around it.

Never Stop Learning No employer expects a new AMT to know everything about the planes they work on, but being excited to learn as much as possible about the aircraft they service is a huge asset.

For example, L. Martin Fletes, QC/TO/LT at Flightcheck Commercial Aviation Services, notes that the AMTs at Flightcheck must learn to be proficient in hydraulic service, compressed gas service and nav/com systems for Airbus, Boeing, CRJ, and Embraer.

“A solid AMT candidate will learn to troubleshoot/repair/defer defects ranging from small regional to wide body commercial jets and in doing so, gain functional understanding of commercial jet systems” said Fletes.

Angie Poston, a Recruiter at Signature TECHNICAir, which provides Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services for aircraft operators at 11 locations worldwide, points out: “We have several seasoned mechanics who will be great mentors for new AMTs.

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PIEDMONT PROGRAMS GIVE PIA STUDENTS MORE OPTIONS Submitted By Crystal Byrd, Piedmont Director, Corporate Communications

Also, the shops serve a range of aircraft from a single piston trainer to large corporate jets. This gives AMTs the opportunity to learn about and become flexible enough to work on any aircraft that visits the hangar, from avionics or engine work to structure repair and troubleshooting.”

“Soft Skills” Are Hard to Find While employers love to find mechanics who have hands-on experience with the particular aircraft or machinery they specialize in producing or repairing, there’s one thing that makes them even happier: Finding mechanics with great people skills.

So-called “soft skills” like communication and collaboration are increasingly important for success in the AMT field. As Angie Poston at Signature TECHNICAir notes: “Some of the top skills we look for in AMTs are problem-solving, leadership, clear communication, and the ability to work as a team player.”

Not only do mechanics need to be able to work well in teams, but they frequently need to interface with clients, customers, vendors, and aircraft owners as well. Being able to communicate clearly and comfortably with coworkers, inspectors, and the general public is a key component of good customer service, effective management, and promotion-focused professional development. continued on next page ————————————————————— FALL STRATUS '22 13

“Piedmont Airlines, Inc., is one of American Airlines wholly owned regional carriers and is headquartered in Salisbury, Maryland, and operates and maintains a fleet of Embraer 145 regional jets. Piedmont is proud to employee more than 10,000 aviation professionals across the United States.

“To help new AMTs get the training they need to start their careers, Piedmont has become one of the first aviation employers to offer a tuition support program for selected students. Piedmont’s Maintenance Tuition Payment Program provides tuition coverage, with additional support available during PIA training. Program participants will gain valuable hands-on experience and the educational foundation they need to become aircraft technicians at no cost, while allowing Piedmont the opportunity to work with and develop students in the local communities we serve.”

“In addition, Piedmont also offers an innovative Cadet program, the most flexible program in the industry to help aspiring pilots earn their flight hours when they want and where they want. Piedmont Airline pilots are among the highest paid pilots in the regional industry offering industry-leading wage and bonus packages. Piedmont also offers a contractual flow program that guarantees new pilots a job at their parent company, American Airlines, with no further interview required.”

Piedmont Airlines is committed to making quality training accessible for students seeking a rewarding career in aviation. Learn more at piedmont-airlines.com. 

continued

WHAT ARE EMPLOYERS LOOKING FOR...

CAMPUS UPDATES PITTSBURGH

“Also crucial is the ability to accept constructive criticism,” adds David Abner, Vice President of Dunhill Staffing Systems. This South Carolina-based staffing agency expects to hire at least 150 AMTs over the next five years, and they know that mechanics who can learn from their colleagues without taking offense to suggestions and corrections are the best team players.

Small Employers Can Offer Big Opportunities Aspiring AMTs may dream of working for major airlines or fastpaced maintenance, repair, and operations facilities (MROs) that service a wide variety of aircraft. But sometimes finding the right small business employer can lead to new opportunities for learning and advancement that larger companies can’t always match.

Eagle Aviation is a fixed base operator (FBO) in Columbia, SC, that primarily services Cirrus and Cessna aircraft. Howard Henry, Director of Technical Services, says: “The size of our business can be a challenge to recruit and keep AMTs, but that is also the appeal of Eagle: we’re small and family-oriented, with great hours, pay, and benefits.” Henry also notes that AMTs at Eagle attend Cirrus and Cessna training schools and complete online classwork, which furthers their education and increases their value at the company.

Be Willing to Try New Things (and Go to New Places) Because many airlines and repair shops are currently understaffed, new AMTs must often be self-directed workers who can stay on-task without requiring large amounts of supervision.

As Angie Poston at Signature TECHNICAir notes, “Finding people who are willing to broaden their abilities and cross-train, especially on different types of aircraft, is key.” Being open to taking on new tasks, or to working on aircraft that they are unfamiliar with, is a valuable and versatile trait that will help new AMTs adapt to their employers’ changing needs.

Sometimes this can even mean entering an entirely different field. For example, Krifft & Zipsner Mechanical Engineering specializes in the production of heavy machinery like pile turners and conveyor systems. They recently hired several AMT graduates to work in the capital equipment manufacturing field, and their fast-growing business has plans to hire several more.

“We require the same mechanical and electrical hands-on skills in the manufacture of capital equipment as aviation employers require from AMTs,” said Axel Conrads, Director of the Krifft & Zipsner Division of DRA LLC. Conrads also notes that mechanics being willing to travel to job sites is an increasingly important aspect of their global business.  To learn about more non-aviation jobs that PIA grads have obtained with their A&P license, visit page 24.

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PIA Pittsburgh improved air circulation in February, making the hangar space more comfortable for students.

Jason Pfarr, Dean of Academic Affairs for PIA, said Big Ass Fans is the biggest name in the niche business of fans for industrial spaces. The fan company did an assessment of the hangar space to determine PIA’s needs. In addition, wall-mounted fans were installed in the sheet metal shop.

Pfarr noted that fans aren’t used just in the summertime, but also in the winter when the heat rises. Fans circulate the air and bring the heat down in the winter.

Federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) grants were used for the fan purchase.

“They absolutely make a big difference. Air movement over the body feels cooler. Students are really appreciative of this,” Pfarr said.

The air circulation was so effective that additional fans in Hangar 4 are in facility improvement plan and are slated to be installed in the next few months.

An aviation technician in training needs many tools. Keeping the tools organized has been a hot topic amongst students and faculty at PIA Pittsburgh. The original home-built wooden tool cabinets made it difficult to keep tools organized so 7th quarter students along with their instructors, Todd Bickerton and Glenn Atkins, came up with a more efficient system. The switch to rolling tool carts (pictured above) has eliminated downtime while improving workflow and tool control.

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CHOOSING YOUR EDUCATIONAL FLIGHT PLAN A guide for new career seekers and high school grads

66

%

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PIA Graduation Rate

33

%

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4yr College Average Graduation Rate Before beginning any aircraft repair, a technician must first assess the situation and consider all relevant information to determine the best course of action. If you are planning for your first career or making a change, you should take this same approach when exploring your career and education choices.

This Educational Flight Plan compares the Return On Investment (ROI) between a PIA education and the average outcomes at 4-year colleges. This infographic also highlights different career opportunities in aviation maintenance that PIA graduates can pursue. This comparison takes into account career trajectories, average salaries for aviation maintenance professionals, commitment of cost, and length of program.

If your target destination is to start a career that provides you with passion, pride, and financial stability, (and you think that a trade school like PIA might be an option) let this Educational Flight Plan help you chart a course that’s right for you.

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ies from r o t s s s e c c Su

trade school training

Josh Akins was making good money in manufacturing while traveling on the side as a professional photographer, but he felt like something was missing. When he toured PIA, he realized working on planes was his true calling.

Akins enrolled at PIA Hagerstown at the age of 25 and landed his dream job even before he graduated sixteen months later: working on airplanes at Tyndall Air Force Base.

“Growing up, I was never taught to see trade school as a pathway to a good career,” says Akins.

“But trade school helped me land the best job I’ve ever had. I only wish I had made this choice sooner.”

Samantha Cortese Taunton wanted to be a pilot, but her parents expected her to get a 4-year degree instead, so she did. After earning a degree in Mathematics and graduating with honors, she became a teacher — but she also grew frustrated that she wasn’t moving closer to her goal of working with airplanes. When she began looking into other ways to enter the aeronautics industry, she discovered that she could train at PIA to become an AMT in under two years, and for a much lower tuition than pilot training.

“Student debt is a thief,” says Taunton. “I wish I had known that there were other options.”

Today she is happily employed as a mechanic at Pratt & Whitney in Georgia. She and her husband — who is also a mechanic — look forward to someday teaching their own children that it’s worth exploring a variety of pathways to education in order to find the right fit.

Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians 2021 Median Pay �65,550 4

96,320

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SCHEDULED AIR TRANSPORTATION

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FALL STRATUS '22

64,710

�

5

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, EXCLUDING POSTAL SERVICE

PIA 2 Years � 14,498

1

Average Debt

41-50k

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9

Overall Starting Salary

64,900

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5

AEROSPACE PRODUCT AND PARTS MANUFACTURING

I think the stigmas and stereotypes that keep so many people from pursuing a truly useful skill begin with the mistaken belief that a four-year degree is somehow superior to all other forms of learning.

– Mike Rowe, mikeroweWORKS Foundation

College 4 Years 28,800

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6

Average Debt

50k

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3

Overall Starting Salary

63,590

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5

NONSCHEDULED AIR TRANSPORTATION

89,540

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5

SUPPORT ACTIVITIES FOR AIR TRANSPORTATION

FALL STRATUS '22 17

1,369,000

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8

PIA Lifetime ROI

(40 Years)

1,174,752

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4 Year College Lifetime ROI (40 Years)

Your education is an investment in your future. The time, effort, and finances that you invest in gaining knowledge and developing skills will pay off when your education leads you to a rewarding and satisfying career.

While there are many different pathways to success, each path comes with its own set of questions. Some questions to consider for your own future include: • What is the lifetime earning potential of the careers that interest me?

• What kind of training or degree does my dream job require?

• How much financial aid will I need?

• How quickly will I be able to repay my student loan debt?

• How does the average starting salary for a job compare to my expected financial needs?

• How much can I expect to be earning in 5 to 10 years?

This Educational Flight Plan offers some insight into some of these questions. It also helps illustrate the substantial earning potential of a trade education, which is a factor that every career seeker should consider.

While there is no one “right” plan when it comes to selecting a career and education pathway, by making sure you have accurate data and taking all available options into consideration, you’ll have the crucial information you need to help you make the right decision for a successful future. 

SOURCES: 1 U.S. Department of Education (2022). College Scorecard, Institutional Search, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. Retrieved October 26, 2022, from https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?215381-Pittsburgh-Institute-of-Aeronautics 2 O'Shaughnessy, L. (2022). Federal government publishes more complete graduation rate data. College Insider. Retrieved October 26, 2022, from https://www.cappex.com/articles/blog/government-publishes-graduation-rate-data#:~:text=The%20 official%20four%2Dyear%20graduation,%2Dyear%20rate%20is%2057.6%25.

3 Hanson, Melanie. (2021, November 19) College Degree Return on Investment. EducationData.org. Retrieved October 26, 2022, from https://educationdata.org/college-degree-roi 4 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor (2022, September 8). Occupational Outlook Handbook, Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technician. Retrieved October 26, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/aircraft-and-avionics-equipment-mechanics-and-technicians.htm 5 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor (2022). Occupational Outlook Handbook, Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technician. Retrieved October 26, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/ aircraft-and-avionics-equipment-mechanics-and-technicians.htm#tab-5 6 Hanson, Melanie. (2022, October 26) College Degree Return on Investment. EducationData.org. Retrieved October 26, 2022, from https://educationdata.org/average-debt-for-a-bachelors-degree#:~:text=Report%20Highlights.,college%20have%20 student%20loan%20debt.

7 Avjobs, Inc. (2022, January 4). A&P Mechanic and Maintenance salary, Wages & Pay. Avjobs, Inc. Retrieved October 26, 2022, from https://www.avjobs.com/salaries-wages-pay/index.asp?c=APMechanicMaintenance 8 Center on Education and the Workforce, Georgetown University (2022). Ranking 4,500 Colleges by ROI. Retrieved October 26, 2022, from https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/roi2022/ 9 PIA graduates traditionally start their first positions between $41,901 ($20.14/hour) and $50,409 ($24.24/hour).

Starting salaries based on employed graduates between January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021.

"CHOOSING YOUR EDUCATIONAL FLIGHT PLAN" Article published in December 2022

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3

PIA ALUMNI MAKE 2022 AMT 40 UNDER 40 LIST

This fall, Aircraft Maintenance Technology magazine named three PIA grads, Marissa Estebanez (PIA Myrtle Beach, age 20), Devan Fronk (PIA Youngstown, age 24), and Jeffrey W. Turner (PIA Pittsburgh, age 34), to their annual AMT 40 Under 40 Maintenance Professionals Awards.

Estebanez is an AMT at South Carolina Avionics Services LLC, an FAA certified maintenance, repair, and custom install facility located in Sumter, SC. She hopes her 40 Under 40 recognition will inspire more young women to pursue careers as AMTs. Fronk works for Sky Quest, a Part 135 aircraft charter and management company in Cleveland, OH, where he manages a fleet of three Learjet 40s. He also performs extensive maintenance on Beechjets, Hawkers, Challengers, and a Gulfstream.

Turner is the Director of Avionics at Jet East Dallas, where he is currently developing an avionics installation department and an avionics mobile team. He is also a partner in a repair shop at Medina Municipal Airport, where he and his crew have earned three bronze awards for their work from Garmin.  Congratulations to these talented PIA alumni! Your hard work and dedication to your craft is an inspiring example to every young mechanic who hopes to make an impact in aviation maintenance.

CAMPUS UPDATES HAGERSTOWN

A Christie RF80-M Aircraft Battery Charger/Analyzer was purchased to replace a GE battery charger, an older model from the Pittsburgh campus that had been in use since the Hagerstown campus opened in 2011.

“The new Christie is a top-of-the-line automatic charger that is used in the industry today. Most airlines use it, so students are using equipment they’ll see in the field,” said Hagerstown Campus Director Bernard “Butch” Adams. continued from page 7

A Lifetime of Inf luence At his retirement dinner in October, Mr. Hoyle was celebrated by former students and colleagues from past and present. “[Gary] taught me a lot. We may not have always seen eyeto-eye, but he always had my back,” said Al Simon Jr., retired PIA instructor.

Jason Mongan, Executive Director for Academic and Student Affairs, went on to say “When I was new at PIA, Gary took me around to show me how everything worked and why we do what we do. I was completely new to aviation, and I always appreciated him taking me under his wing.”

PIA was founded in 1929, so Mr. Hoyle has been around for more than half the institution’s existence. He has experienced, firsthand, PIA’s impact and has played a huge part in the success of PIA over the years. He has also made it possible for others to succeed at PIA. Although it will be an adjustment for Mr. Hoyle to move forward in this next chapter, he is proud of all he has accomplished with PIA. “It will be different not doing the same thing I’ve always done for all these years, but I am ready.”

In her farewell speech to Mr. Hoyle, President Suzanne Markle noted, “Gary is a well-known, highly regarded member of the aviation community through his travels and affiliations over the years. Mr. Hoyle was instrumental in establishing our Myrtle Beach campus, as well as leading us through the growth and development of our Youngstown and Hagerstown campuses, and most recently during our renovations at the main campus. His influences are everywhere, whether in the equipment he acquired, the buildings and training areas he helped design and maintain, or in the people he taught as students or developed as colleagues. I extend our most heartfelt thanks to Gary Hoyle for a lifetime of being here for this organization. And even though we won’t see you every day, never forget, we will always be your PIA family.” 

Christie refers to its NiCad battery charger as "the worldwide industry standard." It charges more efficiently and has a long list of user-friendly features.

Every August break, one-quarter of the interior of the Hagerstown building is painted. This summer, the men's and women's bathrooms, part of the hallway, and Room 108 (the electronics shop) were all given a fresh coat of paint..

“It’s important to me to keep the appearance of the building up,” Adams said.

YOUNGSTOWN

You have to look up to see the building upgrade at the Youngstown campus and even then, it is not visible from the ground. An overhaul of the hangar roof was completed in the summer.

"With the warranty up and some minor leaking that needed to be addressed, it was time for remediation of the corrugated metal roof," said Youngstown Campus Director Joseph DeRamo. The project included scraping off the old rubber coating, replacing screws and fasteners that had rusted, and applying a fresh coat of sealant.

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A Lasting Legacy I don't view this as a job. I view what I do as a calling.

S

usan "Sue" Veverka's humor about her impressive eighteen-year tenure as an Aviation History and Mathematics instructor at PIA Pittsburgh, can be found in one of her family's favorite jokes: Who will retire first, her or one of her sons?” With a robust passion and deep-rooted pride in helping mold the aviation technicians of tomorrow, there is a great value in the lifelong impact Veverka’s contributions have had on so many students who are now industry professionals. This becomes evident to her students from the first words she speaks at orientation: "Welcome to PIA. This is your first day, and you are buying into our reputation which speaks volumes in the industry."

Before a student at the Pittsburgh Campus begins to physically work on an aircraft as part of their program, they must pass Aviation History. "They need to get a feeling for what it was like when people only dreamed of flying. They have to feel it. I really strive for them to not only understand that but really feel it," said Veverka on the deeper purpose of the course. This creates a tri-fold connection between past, present and future. She passes on a respect for the past of aviation that students use as they continue their education, learning the technical and mechanical aspects applicable to present day aviation.

Veverka brings an avant-garde approach to teaching her mathematics class, easing many students’ apprehension of being able to succeed by directly relating course material to aviation. She relates an algebraic equation to the balancing of weight on an aircraft. Just as an aircraft has a concise calculation to be properly balanced, so does an equation. To solve the equation by balancing it is the goal. Creative analogies like this help put her students in a more confident position to succeed. Her unofficial continued on next page

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SUSAN VEVERKA Instructor

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It is now your responsibility as the next generation to write history, so do a good job of it.

definition of Algebra is the “ability to think logically” which she then directly relates to what it takes to diagnose and repair an aircraft, the ability to assess the details, think logically, and find the solution. She expresses the seriousness of the career they are entering into by creating a safe space for them to learn and make mistakes while on the way to understanding. Veverka then shares with them a short but meaningful piece of advice that will aid them in her mathematics classes as well as their ultimate aviation career; “Check your work, then check it again to be sure.”

Years before working at PIA, Veverka vividly recalls attending a local Brentwood 1976 Fourth of July parade where a passing PIA float caught her eye — so much so that she felt inclined to take a picture of the float despite having no direct knowledge of what PIA was at the time. Little did she know then that she was seeing a foreshadowing of her future and her life's legacy as an instructor at that same institute. She helps put people in the professional position to allow planes to safely come and go only a few thousand feet away from where she once marveled over planes as a young girl with her father at Allegheny County Airport.

The passion she exhibits not only for what she teaches but also the students she teaches is physicalized in what she refers to as her hall of fame. This is a collection of items that students have given her as gifts of appreciation throughout the years. Not only has she kept these many different gifts as badges of honor for the lives she has positively impacted, but she recalls each student’s name and where they hailed from. A good example of this is an aerial photograph from 2001 of Pittsburgh’s three sports stadiums given to her by a former student.

Without hesitation, she was able to recall not only his name but where he was from, Bob Marshall from West Virginia. This is a true testament to 22

FALL STRATUS '22 ————————

the reciprocal impact that she has had on her students and that they have had on her. It exemplifies a woman who cares about educating her students and about them as people, connected by a shared passion for aviation… past, present and future.

In reflecting on the decades of dedication and innovation that has brought aviation and humanity to where it is today, Veverka leaves her Aviation History students with this thought and challenge: “It is now your responsibility as the next generation to write history, so do a good job of it.”  A token of appreciation from Veverka’s student gift hall of fame. A metal airplane made by one of her students in metal shop, personalized with Veverka’s favorite football team, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Always looking for ways to broaden her students knowledge and appreciation of aviation, this Technician cover highlights a field trip Veverka took students on to the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Airshow in 2007 held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

This poster signed by the Flight Engineer, George Cohen, was gifted to PIA and is still displayed in Veverka’s office.

Further reinforcing Veverka’s destined connection to Aviation, George Cohen happens to be Veverka’s neighbor. Upon her request, Cohen has even come in to speak with her Aviation History class.

Showing Students How It's Done Since Day One M

ike Smith has been teaching students at PIA Myrtle Beach since the day the school’s doors opened in January of 2012. After a decade as a PIA instructor, Smith is now preparing for a whole new adventure: retirement.

“The school opened with two official instructors and myself,” recalls Smith, who was volunteering his time at PIA even before he was officially on the payroll. He joined the regular faculty shortly thereafter and has been a mainstay at the school ever since, even serving as lead instructor for several years.

“Things were very lean in the beginning — we spent a few years with just four total instructors, one for each quarter,” said Smith. “We’ve obviously grown a lot since day one.”

Asked what he’ll miss most about teaching, Smith answers without hesitation: “The students. When you see someone finally understand how to do something, and their face lights up because you were able to explain it in a way they never thought of before, that’s the real joy.”

Teaching others how to make sense of machines has been part of Mike Smith’s nature ever since his early days as a hot rod mechanic. A lifelong gearhead, he eventually instilled this same passion in his children, Joshua and Abby. Today Joshua is a Specialist at Mazda Motorsports while Abby works and races in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA).

Originally from Rochester, NY, Smith first found his way to Myrtle Beach in the 1970s when he was stationed at the city’s Air Force Base for more than three years. There he served as a weapons mechanic responsible for loading guns, missiles, and bombs onto the planes. During that time continued on page 29

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Planes, Trains, and Rocket Ships:

PIA Grads Find Many Different Pathways to Employment When you hear the term “aviation maintenance,” you might picture a mechanic working on a jet engine. While that image is an accurate example of the work that’s being done by some aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs), it’s not the only way PIA graduates are building exciting careers. In fact, our alumni are working on a wide variety of important machines all across the U.S., all thanks to the remarkable versatility of their A&P certification.

“I had young kids and a growing family, so I was a little nervous, but I remembered that advice from my second quarter at PIA,” says Wesoloski. Deciding to cast a wider job hunting net, Wesoloski was hired in 2006 as a railroad electrician. Over the past 16 years, he progressed from journeyman to the top of his field: this year, he accepted a promotion to Supervisor of Facilities – Atlanta Zone for CSX Transportation.

An Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification is often referred to as a “license to learn.” This is because the basic mechanical principles learned during A&P training can be applied to almost any engine-powered machine. With an A&P certification, a mechanic can be hired to work on airplanes, helicopters, trains, boats, hovercrafts, drones, rockets, and more.

“I’ve worked on so many systems and equipment electrically at the railroad, and it’s mind-boggling because it all goes back to the foundation I learned at PIA,” says Wesoloski. “The skills and knowledge are universal.”

According to the 2021 Pipeline Report from the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC), the FAA issued more A&P certificates in 2019 than in any of the previous 17 years. While that number dropped 30 percent in 2020, presumably due to complications of the COVID–19 pandemic, it still means that more licensed mechanics are now entering the workforce than at any point since 2002. This is good news for airlines and repair stations, which have more job openings due to retirements than the country’s training pipeline is currently able to fill. But other industries are also actively seeking out talented new mechanics, which makes earning an A&P license more valuable.

Next time you see the Goodyear blimp floating above a stadium during a sporting event, you might feel a little extra pride in knowing that a PIA alumnus helped make it possible.

Here are just some of the many interesting and rewarding careers that PIA alumni are enjoying beyond the world of airplanes.

NEVER FORGET YOUR TRAIN-ING

David Wesoloski (PIA Pittsburgh, 1998) remembers PIA instructor Gary Hoyle telling his students, “if we learned the info about motors, transformers, A/C voltage, etc., we would always have work.” For Wesoloski, this passing advice became crucial for his career.

After working as an AMT for nearly 8 years, including stints at Raytheon in Wichita, Vanguard in Chicago, and Delta in Atlanta, Wesoloski was downsized during a 2006 industry downturn. He needed a new opportunity.

24

FLOATING ABOVE IT ALL

Shane Healey (PIA Youngstown, 2022) is an Airship Mechanic at Goodyear, where he has a wide variety of responsibilities that include inspecting and repairing the airship and serving as ground crew on travel days when the ship is in action, helping it take off and land.

“I was always interested in mechanics, but my brother Owen shifted my interest into aviation mechanics after he started attending PIA himself,” said Healey. He credits PIA not just with training him for his career but also giving him the tools he needed to ace his interview — literally: “Carrie Grimes in Career Placement helped me every step of the way during my interview process, from proofreading my emails to even giving up her desk for an hour so I could do an online interview. I would not have obtained my dream job without her help.”

PIVOTING TO POWER

After PIA, Hope Boschert’s (PIA Hagerstown, 2018) original goal was to work on trains, not planes. Instead, she now works on power generation equipment, which proves just how many different career paths are possible with an aviation maintenance & electronics training from PIA.

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Shortly after graduating from PIA, Boschert enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where she pivoted from working on planes to working on the gas turbine systems that power the ships’ engines. Today, Boschert’s job duties as a Power Generation Service Technician for Curtis Power Solutions include performing oil changes and annual and semiannual inspections, as well as 24/7 service for repairs, upgrades, or new startups on generators.

Hoffman joined fellow rocket startup Astra as Senior Launch Engineer and Launch Conductor. In that capacity, Hofmann served as “the voice of the countdown,” running the procedures needed to launch Astra’s rockets and keep their entire team safe during launch events. This year, Astra promoted Hofmann to Senior Manager of Launch Operations Product Introduction. 

“My PIA education has set me up for the best success,” says Boschert. “I got all the basic knowledge and understanding, not just on the engines, but also electrical, hydraulics, sheet metal, welding, and troubleshooting. I use everything I learned at PIA almost daily. I will forever be grateful to PIA for giving me the stepping stones to my career.”

SAVING LIVES AND PROTECTING COMMUNITIES

Helicopters provide vital support for public health and safety, and many PIA graduates find their role in supporting these helicopter missions to be extremely rewarding.

Dustin Colella (PIA Pittsburgh, 2018) is a Quality Assurance Auditor at Air Methods, a nationwide air medical transport company that provides emergency services to over 70,000 patients annually in 48 states. His fellow Pittsburgh graduate Sam Briski (2019) is an A&P Mechanic at Pittsburgh-based STAT MedEvac, where he inspects, troubleshoots, and helps maintain a fleet of helicopters that provide medical transport for around 11,000 patients each year who have a critical illness or injury. STAT employs 35 aviation maintenance technicians throughout the country, most of whom are PIA graduates.

Law enforcement agencies also must keep their helicopter fleets in peak condition. As an Aviation Technician for the Maryland State Police, Patrick Glinski (PIA Pittsburgh, 2004) helps maintain ten AW139 helicopters used in medevac and police support missions. “I really like my job, because I know what I do here is crucial work,” says Glinski.

AIM FOR THE STARS

Elizabeth Householder (PIA Youngstown, 2021) grew up dreaming of working on spaceships, not aircraft. Earning her A&P certification empowered her to land her dream job right out of PIA: working as a Raptor Final Integration Technician at SpaceX. “I get the unique opportunity to see my work on television, YouTube, fan sites, and everywhere else,” says Householder. “The first time I saw one of my engines arrive at Starbase..., I was so thrilled and proud of my accomplishments. Seeing my engines mounted on Booster 7 or Starship 25 and actually seeing them being used is just an amazing (and gratifying) opportunity.”

Chris Hofmann (PIA Pittsburgh, 2011) shares Householder’s passion for space. After working on the SpaceX team that built the Merlin Vacuum engines for the Falcon 9 rocket,

Suzanne Markle, PIA’s President & CEO, presented Mr. Bickerton with his certificate on August 2, 2022.

He also received a $1500 award.

RECOGNIZING LEADERSHIP

T

he President’s Award for Exceptional Employee Achievement was created to recognize exemplary achievement among faculty and staff who rise above in areas such as character, innovation, exceptional standards, instructional excellence, and noteworthy accomplishments. Nominations come directly from faculty and staff who feel their peers have displayed such achievement.

Todd Bickerton, 6th Quarter AMT instructor at the Pittsburgh campus, won the inaugural President’s Award. He received two nominations for the award.

“He is willing to go above and beyond for students and other instructors,” wrote one nominator.

“I am honored and humbled to have been recognized by my colleagues and be selected as the first recipient of the PIA President’s award,” said Mr. Bickerton.

“It is absolutely rewarding watching these students grow as they get prepared to enter their career with confidence, and I look forward to the many more that will be coming through.” 

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Showcasing Av iation Skills I

n the last week of April 2022, ninety college and professional teams came together in Dallas to compete in the Aerospace Maintenance Competition (AMC). Comparable to the Olympics, it is a global competition with 27 events over the course of several days with the final day culminating in an award ceremony. Replicating industry standards, techniques and practices, the AMC allows participants the opportunity to display their skillsets in a competitive format.

Held annually and shifting host cities with each year, the venue provides certified AMTs from major airlines, MROs and OEMs, as well as military personnel and students in FAA Part 147 schools the chance to test their skills against their peers.

Most recently held at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center, coinciding with Aviation Week Network's MRO Americas, the AMC has grown to become one of the most widely attended international aviation experiences for both technicians and fans.

“As a student, coming here is mind-boggling on how many people are invested into it,” said Jereme Thompson of PIA. Led by instructors as their coaches, PIA sent 4 teams, one from each campus, to compete in this large-scale aviation skill showcase. Teams participated in a wide variety of events such as

Airframe Damage Inspection, Virtual Reality Paint Booth, and Engine Fan Blade Removal.

“One of the best student times.

[They were] well instructed, professional. They worked great as a team. These are outstanding technicians.

Glad to have them in the industry,” said AMC Judge and American Airlines Avionics Technical Crew Chief, Jason Yoder regarding the effort put forth by Joseph Corridoni and John Custer in the APU Burner Can event.

In addition to competing, PIA students also had the opportunity to network with industry professionals in what is deemed "Recruitment Row". There, industry pros conduct on the spot interviews and even make job offers to student competitors as a result of their impressive event performances and industry skill competency.

"I got to talk to United, Flexjet, and Boeing, and I've gotten job offers from two of them so far," said PIA student competitor Bailey Kimmel.

Looking back with great pride on our representation at the 2022 AMC, PIA is excited to compete at AMC 2023 in Atlanta. 

TEAM PITTSBURGH

TEAM HAGERSTOWN

TEAM MYRTLE BEACH

TEAM YOUNGSTOWN

L-R: Nicholas Wakeley, Michael Woodruff, Micah Snowberger, Coach Tom O'Keefe, Jereme Thompson, Nathaniel Miske, Jeremy Layton

Back L-R: John Custer, Draven Carbaugh, Joseph Corridoni Middle L-R: Mikhail Kurmanov, Coach Amanda Spencer, Jeffrey McGraw, Front L-R: Lauren Kimberly, Raegan Buzzard, Rebecca Waring

Back L-R: Phillip Nojunas, Coach Mike Basara, Travis Johnson, Lexie-Grace Walker, Tatum Grogan, Peg Skalican (Campus Director), Marcus Moore Front: William Bryant

Back L-R: Cameron Fisher, Sean Helpy, Coach Bill Ogle, Bailey Kimmel, Coach Tom Repula, Herbie Hogue, Michael McFall Front: Michael Bell

SPONSORS

SPONSORS

SPONSORS

SPONSORS

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Rebecca Waring, who won the Phoebe Omlie Award and $5,000 scholarship, had this to share with next year’s competitors: “I really appreciated the opportunity to come here, compete, and represent PIA. I hope to bring the knowledge of these events and the excitement of getting to see everything back to everybody to help everyone push through to the finish line.”

FALL STRATUS '22 27

CAMPUS UPDATES MYRTLE BEACH

Student Ambassador Program Invites PIA Students to Lead the Way

A fresh coat of paint on the exterior of the Myrtle Beach campus is turning heads. “It looks much more modern and clean,” said Myrtle Beach Campus Director Margaret “Peg” Skalican.

The 3-week-long project represents the first time since PIA moved into the building in 2012 that it has received a paint job. An updated color scheme – PIA blue and two shades of gray – graces the exterior and meets the strict community guidelines.

After 10 years of parking PIA’s D-50 outside, it now has a home inside a hangar two doors down from the campus building. Previously, in inclement weather the Horry County Airport, Myrtle Air Services, and ExecuHeliJet helped house the PIA airplane. The new hangar space is now in use following the completion of some upgrades.

“We greatly appreciate the support that the airport and the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Redevelopment Authority provided in adding the upgrades such as a hangar door and LED lighting to the building,” Skalican said.

She added that the hangar is big enough to accommodate a small jet, which the campus is currently seeking.

In January of 2022, PIA Pittsburgh introduced a new Student Ambassador program that offers current students a chance to serve as guides for visitors, alumni, and prospective students.

“Our President and CEO, Suzanne Markle, wanted to implement this program in order to provide PIA students with opportunities to interact with visitors, represent the school at events, and practice their communication and leadership skills,” said Donna Moore, Dean of Student Affairs.

Currently there are sixteen Student Ambassadors at the Pittsburgh campus, who were selected through an application and interview process. These students attend Open House, Graduation, and New Student Orientation events, where they are happy to discuss their firsthand experiences at PIA, and to welcome and mentor new students on campus.

Thanks to its success in Pittsburgh, the PIA Student Ambassador program will soon be expanded to include the Hagerstown, Myrtle Beach, and Youngstown campuses. 

PHOTO: PIA Pittsburgh Campus First Ambassador Class Front Row: L - R Joshua Lindberg, Emily Craig-McCurdy & Danielle Moose Middle Row: L - R Charles Hotalen, Jeffery Natter, Charles Angiulli, Thomas Cullinan, Amy Pham, Jayla Willis & Ian Arcaro Back Row: L - R Andrew Thomas, Zachary Sexton, Forrest Zischkau, Hannah Fritsch, Matthew Geib, RJ Francis & Jeremy Layton

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continued from page 23

Instructor Mike Smith he also obtained his pilot’s license, which led him to fly commercial aircraft like air taxis and sky banners.

After leaving the Air Force in 1977, Smith enrolled at PIA Pittsburgh, which was the only PIA campus at the time. He also became a flight instructor for Vee Neal Aviation, which enabled him to give flying lessons to several of his classmates and even his PIA instructors.

In 1979, Smith graduated from PIA with his A&P certification and returned to Myrtle Beach, where he worked for over 30 years as a technician for a variety of regional companies, including Canal Wood, Sands Investment Group, and AVX. In most cases, Smith’s employers were looking for a pilot-mechanic. “The A&P has gotten me every job I’ve ever had,” said Smith. “A lot of guys could fly those planes, but they couldn’t fix them. I could.”

Smith joined the PIA Myrtle Beach faculty in 2012 after seeing a newspaper ad announcing the new campus. Since then he’s taught hundreds of students, but he says the most important lessons aren’t always the ones in the books.

“As a PIA instructor, you also want to pass on the tribal knowledge, the things they don’t always teach in school,” says Smith. “How to remove a screw that’s frozen without breaking it. That’s something you’re not gonna find in the manual. But it’s the kind of knowledge we can teach because we’ve been there, and we know it firsthand. That's the difference." 

PIA Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser

9•23• 22

FAIRWAYS AIRWAYS FOR THE

The Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics held its annual fundraising event September 23, 2022. The golf outing, held at Butler's Golf Course, raised more approximately $10,000 in support of the PIA Memorial Scholarship Fund.

"This event holds a very special place in my heart, and I love seeing all of the hard work come to fruition," says Andrea Smith, Records & Compliance Coordinator at PIA, who chairs the event "Fairways for the Airways wouldn’t be possible without the amazing support we receive from our sponsors and, of course, our amazing volunteers. They believe in what we do and step up to make sure this event is a success! I am grateful for the opportunity to plan this event and to help raise money for PIA’s Memorial Scholarship Fund."

• THANK YOU SPONSORS •

PIA would like to thank the event sponsors who contributed to the education of future aviation technicians, and everyone involved with planning and executing this event. We look forward to seeing you in 2023 for the next event! 

 SAVE THE DATE 

PIA plans to hold the next Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser Event on September 22, 2023.

Interested participants should reach out to Andrea Smith at asmith@pia.edu to get more information on the event.

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EMPLOYEE A special note from Jason Mongan, Executive Director for Academic and Student Affairs

2021 ANNIVERSARIES 5 years Alexander Ladzinski Barbara Martin Ed Molek Donna Moore Andrea Smith Laura Yankush

10 years

Thomas Repula Jason Mongan Roxanne Ober

20 years

Butch Adams

40 years

Bob Allison

2022 ANNIVERSARIES

Donata Clark Rules and Regulations, Financial Aid and student advocacy. Those word sometimes don’t seem to mix well in the world of higher education, but they should. PIA believes that and Donata believed that greatly in her time at PIA. Throughout her almost 24 years of service at PIA, Donata worked diligently to ensure that all students were provided the necessary resources for successful funding at PIA’s campuses. During her time at PIA, she worked in various positions, from Financial Aid Representative to Associate Director of Financial Aid, ultimately retiring as the Director of Financial Aid. This allowed Donata to instill knowledge and student-centered culture to all employees she touched within her department.

Donata was instrumental during multiple critical moments at PIA; From COVID to HEERF Grants, Donata was able to successfully navigate the uncertainty not only in herself but also within her department, ensuring that the necessary resources and positive interactions were in place to allow each of her team members to have the confidence to support the financial aid department, PIA and its students.  A special note from Roxanne Ober, Director of Admissions and Outreach

5 years Michael Basara Joe Deramo Donald Franzwick Greg Mondry

10 years

Warren Bourne Ross Bowman Brooke Hrinda J. Holt Jason Pfarr Michael Smith

25 years Bill Ogle

35 years Frank Saye 30

Dino Cicconi retired in May 2022 after 25 years of service. Dino served as a High School Recruiter for the Admissions Team, traveling to high schools in the Northeast PA, Southwest NY, and Southeast OH regions.

Dino conducted thousands of presentations where his background and extensive experience in electronics captivated high school students to apply to PIA and go on to careers in the aviation field.

Dino was dedicated to PIA’s mission and put in the time and effort to expand PIA’s footprint in his territory and beyond. Dino’s professionalism, timeliness and sense of humor will be missed by PIA. Thank you, Dino Cicconi! 

FALL STRATUS '22 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

� 7/1/21–6/30/22�

of

CERTIFICATION RATE

95%

GRADUATES

317

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

AVERAGE AGE

24

VETERANS

50

2021–2022 VALEDICTORIANS & SALUTATORIANS PITTSBURGH CAMPUS

HAGERSTOWN CAMPUS

YOUNGSTOWN CAMPUS

October 5, 2021

December 23, 2021

August 19, 2021

Val........Damian Philip Diehl Sal........Brody James Flowers

Val........Jamie Christine Region Sal........ Nathan Michael deGuzman

Val..........Troy Michael Lindsay Ryan Keith Pentz

January 5, 2022

April 26, 2022

Sal..........Gary Dodge

Val........Robert Graham Bussard III Sal........James Lawrence Bindernagel

Val........Tony Orlando Ryan Jr. Sal........ Logan Matthew Curran

December 23, 2021

March 11, 2022

MYRTLE BEACH CAMPUS

CoVal....Cody John Ebersole CoVal....William James Nelson V CoVal....Daniel Malcolm Nolan CoVal....Tristan Alexander Younger

Val........Christian David Rhoden Sal........Jacob Landon Truelove

June 24, 2022

May 5, 2022

Val........Jacob Junming Adams Sal........Molly Renee Rimko

Val........Keith Christopher Casares Sal........Michael Craig Martinal

January 13, 2022

Val........James Stephen Kadas Sal........Mercedes Marie Binns April 26, 2022 Val........Phillip Charles Gerner Sal........Johnathon James White

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————— FALL STRATUS '22 31

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

PIA MY RT LE BEAC H T URNS 10!

In January of 2012, PIA opened a new branch campus in Myrtle Beach, SC, with a class of 24 students. Today, PIA Myrtle Beach serves an average of 90 students each semester. The school has graduated more than 340 students over the past decade, and PIA Myrtle Beach alumni currently enjoy a 92% placement rate* in the aviation maintenance field.

With support from our local community and leading aviation employers, PIA Myrtle Beach has become a top destination for aspiring AMTs who love to learn in warm weather. We are extremely proud of how quickly our newest campus has grown, and we invite potential students to learn more at pia. edu/campuses/myrtle-beach/ * Statistics based on students that graduated in August 2019 through April 2020 as reported to ACCSC.