PIA Technician - Spring 2015

Spring 2015

News About the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics and the Aviation Industry

Looking to the Stars pg 3 ATEC takes the FAA to School pg 6 New PIA Corporate Training Division pg 10

Humanity has always looked outside of the box

Table of Contents: Spring 2015

Editorial Staff: Editor-in-Chief............ Benjamin O’Keefe

Copy Editor................................. Pat Sylves

Layout Design.....................Edward Molek

PIA Contributors: David Koehler Heather Allen

Jason Mongan Jason Pfarr

Kylee Bennett

Dear Reader,

3 ����������Career Services Looks to the Stars

4 ����������Solar Exploration Around the Globe

5 ����������Grad’s Career Takes Off

6 ����������ATEC takes the FAA to School

6 ����������ATEC Student of the Year 7 ����������Movember

7 ����������Instructor Receives State Recognition

8 ����������A Road to the Future

Pat Sylves

9 ����������Alumnus Isn’t Loafing Around

Stephanie Ostrowski

12 �������Hagerstown Campus Hosts

Roxanne Ober Todd Kruszka

Outside Contributors: Brett Levanto

ATEC Communications Manager

Neal Lorenzi

Compressed Air Best Practices

10 ��������Training Outside the Hangar First Career Fair

13 �������How Kyle Wertman Got his START

14 ��������Employee Anniversaries

Welcome to the Spring 2015 edition of the Technician!

In this year’s edition, we take a look at how the aviation industry and technology is evolving. With every passing day, great strides are made to bring technology that as children, we could only imagine as fantasy, into reality.

Within these pages you will discover that PIA’s alumni and staff play no small role in these endeavors. They serve as a proud part of the innovative force launching this industry into the future.

Be sure to keep up to date with the latest information, news and events on our website (pia.edu) and our Facebook page!

Thanks for reading, Benjamin O’ Keefe Editor-in-Chief

14 ��������Annual PIA Crossword

Back ��2014 Scholarship Winners

A Shot at Education Support Aviation’s Future

October 9, 2015 @ 1:00 PM Proceeds benefit the PIA Memorial Scholarship Fund

Contact Pat Sylves at 412-346-2123 for more information 2 | Spring Technician 2015

PIA Career Services Looks to the Stars

By Jason Mongan, jmongan@pia.edu

H

umanity has always looked outside of the box. When we were told we couldn’t swim for long distances, we created boats. When we were told we couldn’t fly, we created wings. When we were told that there is but one planet we could step foot on, we created rockets. After stepping foot on the Moon, we have looked upward and beyond with nothing to limit our imaginations.

This mindset assisted in the creation of the best science fiction of our time, such as: • Star Trek • Star Wars • Firefly and much more. The interesting part is that much of this “science fiction” is quickly becoming reality. Aviation and space technologies continue to develop on a daily basis. Humanity is on the brink of launching commercial space flights, traversing new worlds, and even transforming the fantastical warp drive into reality. NASA recently developed the Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships (NextSTEP) program to assist with this very re-

search. Ten companies were chosen to help assist with technology that could allow humans to travel to deep space for the first time. This technology includes advanced electric propulsion, human habitation and small satellites. The TIE Fighter could possibly be closer than we thought.

PIA has been assisting the space program since its inception. Our students, alumni, and valued employer relationships helped transform these dreams into reality. PIA graduates continue this tradition through their work at various aerospace innovators, including Aerojet Rocketdyne, SpaceX and Sierra Lobo/NASA. Our alumni assist in everything from the creation of RL10 rocket engines to the fabrication and maintenance of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster. Current PIA students can look forward to more opportunities in the future with the continued partnership of Sierra Lobo and NASA in Cleveland, OH. As space industry technology continues to develop and enter mainstream use,

NextSTEP Technologies • Advanced Electric Propulsion • Human Habitation • Small Satellites industry employment opportunities will grow for maintenance and avionics technicians alike. PIA has hosted Sierra Lobo/NASA and Rocketdyne in the past year for interviews and networking engagements, and students have greatly enjoyed seeing the future as a present reality on campus.

PIA Career Services remains dedicated to supporting the space program and providing our graduates with the most current, unique and lucrative careers they could imagine. Through our alumni network, we have been able to maintain a constant line of communication with the space industry. We encourage all our alumni to keep in contact with PIA Career Services and help support the next generation of maintenance technicians in the space industry.

As the late Leonard Nimoy said in his most notable role as Spock, “Live Long and Prosper.”

Spring Technician 2015 | 3

Solar Exploration Around the Globe

By Jason Pfarr, jpfarr@pia.edu

S

wiss adventurer Bertrand Piccard, pilot Andre Borschberg and a team of 80 technicians and engineers aim to be the first team to fly a non-fossil fuel powered plane around the world.

According to the Solar Impulse 2 website, this single-seat, glider like aircraft has a 236 foot wingspan (larger than that of the Boeing 747-8I) and a weight of just over 5000 pounds. The airframe of Solar Impulse 2 is constructed primarily of composite materials, with carbon fiber ribs providing the wing with a rigid yet aerodynamic profile. A high strength flexible skin covers the aircraft, with 17,248 thin solar cells, each 135 microns thick. The solar cells are mounted on the wing, fuselage and horizontal stabilizer.

These solar cells power four brushless electric motors mounted below the wing of Solar Impulse 2. Each motor generates a maximum of ten horsepower and average about eight horsepower to conserve battery power during flight.

During the day, the solar cells recharge a 2077 pound lithium battery system which enables nighttime flight.

The high aspect ratio wings’ low-speed profile enables Solar Impulse 2 to fly at

4 | Spring Technician 2015

high altitudes. At maximum altitude, Solar Impulse 2 can cruise at 60-150 miles per hour.

Solar Impulse 2 is the brainchild of two individuals: Piccard and Borschberg. Piccard continues in the footsteps of a long lineage of explorers, and has already piloted the world’s first nonstop balloon flight around the globe.

Borschberg is an MIT-educated engineer, businessman and pilot with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Both have recruited numerous engineers, technicians and investors to make their “impossible” dream possible.

“With each of their great “firsts”, the explorers of the last century constantly pushed back the limits of the impossible,” Piccard said. “Today, the drive to make new discoveries must go on, with the aim of improving the quality of life on our planet.”

According to the Solar Impulse website, the endeavor’s goal is the promotion of renewable energies as a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

Piccard and Borschberg aim to demonstrate the importance of a pioneering and innovative spirit by achieving impossible things with renewable energy and highlighting new solutions for environmental problems.

Look for Solar Impulse 2 to begin its journey in 2015. After crossing the Pacific Ocean via Hawaii, the aircraft will fly across the Continental United States, stopping in three locations – Phoenix, AZ, a yet-to-be determined location in the Midwest dependent on weather conditions and New York City.

If you would like more information, visit the Solar Impulse website at www. solarimpulse.com.

Courtesy of Solar Impulse

Grad’s Career Takes Off “I work hand in hand with my teammates and the build engineers to do final assembly on the engine from inception to its departure,” Hofmann said.” We address and remedy any problems that may come up during assemblies or checkouts.”

By Kylee Bennett, kbennett@pia.edu

A

s a propulsion technician for Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), 2011 graduate Chris Hofmann is on the build team for the second stage engine that can be found on the Falcon 9 rocket.

Designed and manufactured by SpaceX, Falcon 9 is the first rocket completely developed in the 21st century, according to www.spacex.com. This two-stage rocket is designed for safe and reliable transport of satellites and SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft into orbit.

Hofmann explained that his team’s engine, the Merlin Vacuum Engine, or MVAC-D, isn’t your typical engine.

“It is designed to operate in the vacuum of space,” Hofmann said.

Hofmann works as part of a six-man team which is exclusively responsible for this particular engine.

When Hofmann began his training at PIA, he had previous experience working with National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and NASCAR vehicles.

In addition to his technical background, he credits PIA for cultivating his skills and laying a foundation for success in the aerospace industry.

“I work with some very talented engineers, but they don’t always know the mechanical ins and outs of what we do,” Hofmann said.

“I worked with people of all different backgrounds and experiences at PIA,” Hofmann said. “It makes you rethink how to attack challenges and communicate with your coworkers and teammates.”

Hofmann offered some advice to those who may be considering training toward their A&P. “Go for it,” Hofmann said. “The A&P is highly respected in aviation and aerospace, and will help you for reasons beyond a better starting pay.”

“Always remember that it is a license to keep learning as you work on new and exciting things.”

“Having that kind of a background made me very mechanically inclined,” Hofmann said.

Spring Technician 2015 | 5

ATEC takes the FAA to School

By Brett Levanto, ATEC Communications Manager

T

he FAA has developed a new academy course for inspectors of part 147 schools, and ATEC is helping get it right.

Gary Hoyle, council board member and treasurer with 40 years of aviation maintenance education experience, accepted an invitation to attend the October session of the FAA Academy’s course for inspectors who perform certification and surveillance of aviation maintenance technician programs. Topics included curriculum review, instructor qualifications, facilities and equipment requirements, quality of instruction, and certification and surveillance procedures.

Hoyle’s attendance is part of a long partnership. The story - and ATEC’s impact on the program - began years ago during the part 147 Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC) deliberations in 2007. The ARAC’s final report, delivered on Dec. 5, 2008, included a recommendation to create a “specific school surveillance training course for principal inspectors.”

The FAA had a problem, and it knew it. The agency needed to develop an instructional program for its academy curriculum to address deficiencies in part 147 school certification and surveillance. For help, officials came to ATEC to develop a course outline and content. Hoyle and fellow board member Tim Guerrero of Redstone College began working with the FAA to lay out training material. It was the beginning of a years-long project that was officially introduced to students this October.

“Part 147 schools are a different kind of animal that presently few of the FAA inspectors know much about,” Guerrero said. He explained that ATEC representatives worked closely with the 6 | Spring Technician 2015

agency’s Aircraft Maintenance Division (AFS-300) to develop the basic course content that would be written into a complete curriculum and presented at the academy.

“It finally happened,” said Hoyle, providing his assessment of the class while thinking back on its development. “My thoughts [on the class] are: there were a lot of good things, and some things that needed clarification or more time spent on them.”

The best part? This is exactly what the agency wanted to hear - a clear assessment of this first class and guidance for improving it. While Hoyle was asked for input or clarification at several points during the two-and-a-half day seminar, the real work began after the students left. During a debrief session, Hoyle highlighted areas that needed improvement. As a result, the class will be extended to a full three days to allow for more detailed coverage of certain topics. “[My suggestions] were well accepted,” Hoyle said, before offering a specific example of his - and ATEC’s - value to the FAA: 8900.1. The order is out of date because it does not reflect other flight standards documents. During the post-class debrief, Hoyle noted that 8900.1 did not include updated policy regarding graduate certificates or certificates of completion. It was news to everyone.

“No one knew,” Hoyle said. “We looked up the document [Order 8080.6G, which changed testing requirements], so they are now aware of it. They need to change the inspectors’ guidance to reflect this new document. We were able to solve that problem.”

Summing up his experience, Hoyle was optimistic: “I was pleased to be includ-

ATEC Student of the Year

Russell Wheatley

By Roxanne Ober, rober@pia.edu

T

he Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) recently selected PIA Hagerstown student Russell Wheatley as the “James Rardon Aviation Maintenance Technician Student of the Year”. ATEC recognized Wheatley, a graduate of Geneva College’s electrical engineering program and current third semester student at the Hagerstown Campus, for accomplishments in academics as well as leadership and extracurricular involvement.

When not focusing on his academics, Wheatley spends his time mentoring and helping others via a local church youth group focused on cleaning and improving the neighborhood. He also volunteers at Fox Haven Organic Farm & Learning Center in Central Maryland. Wheatley developed his leadership skills through experiences with local summer camps, the Eagle Scouts and on-campus as a class representative. He hopes to utilize both his bachelor’s degree and PIA education to eventually enter the field of aviation research and development. ed in this process. It is a very positive sign for the future to have the FAA looking for feedback from experienced part 147 school administrators in an effort to bring consistency and clarification to the certification and surveillance of schools like ours.”

That consistency, as Guerrero explained, is exactly what the council has been working for years with the agency to create: “It is hoped that as an inspector is assigned to a part 147 school, they have the opportunity to attend this course and gain insight into basic school operations, with the ultimate goal of continuity in interpretation of the rule and of the guidance.”

Movember

By Pat Sylves, psylves@pia.edu

S

tudents, faculty and staff from PIA’s Pittsburgh and Youngstown campuses celebrated the brisk November weather with a Movember competition to determine the best beard and finest facial hair at both campuses. Participants from both campuses helped raise $267.05 for the American Cancer Society by voting for their favorite facial hair.

Movember is a national event focused on raising awareness of men’s health issues (particularly cancer) via the growth of facial hair. PIA staff organized interested beard-growers and sold tickets for students, faculty and staff to vote for their favorite facial hair.

The event drew more than 20 beard and moustache enthusiasts toting handlebar moustaches, mutton chops and numerous other facial hair styles. In the end, Pittsburgh Campus AMT student Howard Walmsley and Youngstown Campus student Allan Perunko came out on top.

The final vote for PIA’s “Best Beard” took place via PIA’s Facebook page, with voters commenting on whether they preferred the facial hair of Walmsley or Perunko. Participants voted Walmsley the “Best Beard” of PIA by an overwhelming margin.

“Thank you to everyone who voted,” Walmsley wrote via Facebook.

“I’m sure Allan Perunko feels the same way when I say I’m proud to have helped in raising any amount of money for the American Cancer Society.”

By Pat Sylves, psylves@pia.edu

Pittsburgh Instructor Receives State Recognition

T

he Aviation Council of Pennsylvania (ACP) recognized Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) Instructor Dave Koehler as the recipient of their 2014 Education Award. The award was bestowed on Koehler for his work with PIA’s courses on Aircraft Instruments and Controls.

Koehler, a PIA graduate and 14 year veteran of the instructional staff, was grateful for the acknowledgment.

“I’m honored and flattered to even be nominated,” Koehler said. “It’s quite humbling to be recognized for my efforts.”

Howard Walmsley

Koehler brings a wide range of experience to the classroom, including work as a maintenance controller and quality control management. He constantly updates his teaching materials to reflect the latest advancements in the field of aviation.

Many of Koehler’s pupils affirm the ACP’s selection, describing him as enthusiastic, knowledgeable and passionate. Koehler appreciates watching his students grow during their time at PIA. “I enjoy attending graduation and seeing the changes my students have undergone since going through my class,” Koehler said.

Allan Perunko

The ACP also selected Corey Staley, a student at the Hagerstown Branch Campus, for their Aviation Technology Scholarship.

‘The ACP focuses on improving and promoting aviation in both the government and private sector while increasing public awareness of aviation and aerospace. PIA President John Graham III serves as a member of the ACP Board of Directors.

Spring Technician 2015 | 7

A Road to the Future

By PIA JumpStart Department

PIA’s Jump Start Division was started in 1995 offering short term training in CDL Class A Truck Driving, and in 2003, Heavy Equipment Operator training was added to their catalog. Since then, PIA has trained over 9,000 students through their multiple‐location training system and continuously seeks opportunities to fulfill the needs of the skilled labor industry by partnering with employers and state workforce agencies.

A Career Fair for CDL Drivers and Heavy Equipment Operators was held at the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics in November 2014. 20+ industry employers including • Halliburton • CalFrac • Select Energy Services • Waste Management • UPS • Mon Valley Transport, and • Maverick Trucking attended the fair and accepted applications from qualified individuals for immediate hire. PIA students, recent graduates and job seeking individuals working with state agencies attended the fair.

“It was exciting to connect employers, staff and job seekers in the same room,” Anthony Sharro, Jump Start Admissions Representative, said. “Many of 8 | Spring Technician 2015

the attending companies also actively recruit our students while they are attending their program(s), meaning motivated graduates can find themselves interviewing for a job as soon as a week after they graduate.”

Multiple industries were represented at the hiring event including oil and gas, local delivery, transportation and over the road trucking companies.

“There are a tremendous number of job opportunities for our graduates,” Clay Alter, Jump Start Education Supervisor, said. “Individuals who have been professionally trained to operate vehicles requiring a CDL and [or] heavy equipment, can find a good job in our region to begin their new career.”

The Commercial Vehicle Training Association (of which PIA is a long-standing member) projected a qualified driver shortage of up to 239,000 drivers in the next 10 years across multiple industries.

“Training programs like the ones offered

by PIA directly help to meet the rapidly

growing workforce needs of the trucking and heavy equipment industries,” Nadia Speney, Jump Start Admissions Supervisor, explained. “The Jump Start division provides skilled training courses that afford students with various backgrounds the practical knowledge and hands‐on experience necessary to become safe, qualified drivers and operators to obtain employment within a short period of time.”

PIA’s curriculum is designed with employer input to better address hiring needs. The result? An industry relevant curriculum which produces a skilled driver with solid prospects for a job in the industry.

Employers have reached out to PIA to commend the school for the professionalism of their graduates. Companies such as Equipment Transport and Oil Service, Inc. are among those who reached out to PIA after hiring a graduate who impressed them, providing ample opportunity for future Jump Start graduates.

PIA’s Jump Start division looks forward to developing new opportunities for its graduates and will hold their next large scale career fair in November 2015.

Alumnus Isn’t Loafing Around at

By Stephanie Ostrowski, sostrowski@pia.edu

V

eteran and PIA-Hagerstown graduate, David Smith, is one of those individuals who used their veterans benefits for continuing education. Already equipped with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Messiah College, Smith decided he didn’t want to spend a career sitting behind a desk. With a better career in mind, he left a comfortable full-time salary to begin the 16-month AMT program at PIA-Hagerstown to become an aircraft mechanic.

“Sure, I could’ve found another engineering job making great money, but going insane is not worth it,” Smith said. “I just love working with my hands and money is not my guiding factor.”

Smith, who is also a pilot, joined the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in 2006 and is currently serving with five years left and big plans for the future.

Smith accepted a position after graduation with Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe in Hagerstown, MD as an Airframe and Powerplant Technician.

Smith works alongside three other technicians and is responsible for: • Three Cessna 441’s • One Cessna 425 • One Piper Seneca “We do all maintenance on the airplanes, including cleaning the planes inside and out before the flights,” Smith said. “Right now we are doing a major phase inspection that requires us to disassemble parts of the plane to inspect and service each area. It is an inspection that happens every 2 years.”

their plants in Georgia and Chambersburg, PA. The corporation also travels via air to many of the cities where Martin’s products are sold.

“It’s a great company and I really like the guys I work with,” Smith said. “We get great experience and no two days are the same.”

Ultimately Smith’s goal is to become a missionary overseas where he can utilize both his flying and aviation technical skills.

“I had a mentor who always said ‘if you do anything in life, do something that’s bigger than yourself,’ and that stuck with me,” Smith said. “So I did some soul searching and becoming a missionary has been in my heart ever since I was in college. I quit my comfortable job to do something risky and come to PIA and it’s been awesome.”

According to Smith, it can take days to drive through the mountains in areas like Papua, New Guinea. Instead, missionaries utilize small helicopters to quickly distribute translated Bibles, food, water and humanitarian supplies to tribes.

Smith speaks highly of his PIA education and the way it has helped him along on his career path.

“For me, it works well since I’m a pilot because I already know the aviation side, then I needed to come here and learn how to turn a wrench,” Smith said. “PIA is definitely the best school if you have a positive attitude and willingness to learn.”

“I had a mentor who always said ‘if you do anything in life, do something that’s bigger than yourself,’ and that stuck with me.”

- David Smith PIA and veteran facts: • About 18% of PIA’s students are veterans.

• PIA was named as one of G.I. Job Magazine’s “2015 Military-Friendly Schools.”

• A significant number of PIA’s faculty and staff have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

• PIA may grant credit based on results of evaluation tests administered to those who have relevant military experience.

• PIA operates in accordance with the “VA Principles of Excellence” and reviews a “Shopping Sheet” with each veteran.

Martin’s administration primarily uses the aircraft for business trips between Spring Technician 2015 | 9

Training Outside the Hangar PIA Brings Coursework to the Workforce with

By Pat Sylves, psylves@pia.edu

P

IA has trained generations of aviation maintenance technicians since the school’s conception in 1929. The school has also engaged in training partnerships with numerous corporate clients throughout its existence, including Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics and the Army National Guard. PIA administration decided to expand these training opportunities with the creation of a Corporate Training Department in late 2013.

The department aims to provide a threefold educational experience focusing on safety, productivity and compliance.

PIA Corporate Training provides numerous course offerings, ranging from sheet metal fabrication to forklift operation and first aid training. The diverse classes and PIA’s nationally renowned education credentials have attracted cli-

10 | Spring Technician 2015

entele from both the public and private sector, including: • Select Energy Services • Baker Hughes • GeoStabilization International • US Army National Guard 1991 PIA Graduate Shawn Martinelli heads the department. Martinelli’s goal for the future of corporate training at PIA is a larger client base as well as a larger department to properly handle them.

“We’d like to expand both the department and our client base,” Martinelli said.

The department has enlisted in numerous professional organizations in order to expand the base of prospective clientele, including the Pennsylvania

Independent Oil and Gas Association (PIOGA) and the Washington County Chamber of Commerce.

Martinelli believes this step could be essential to accomplishing an additional department goal: establishing PIA Corporate Training as a premier training resource for the oil and gas industry.

“I’d like for more members of the oil and gas industry to recognize PIA as a multi-faceted opportunity to both educate and improve their employees,” Martinelli said.

Interested in learning more about PIA Corporate Training’s course offerings?

Contact Department Supervisor Shawn Martinelli at 412-346-2178 or visit PIACorporateTraining.com.

Corporate Training Department

Solutions for a Safer Workplace Providing Customized Aviation Training in: • • • • • • •

Composite Layup & Repair Sheet Metal Fabrication & Repair Hydraulics Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Welding & Brazing Pitot Static Equipment And a variety of Specialized Safety Training

www.piacorporatetraining.com 412.346.2178

Spring Technician 2015 | 11

Hagerstown Campus Hosts First Career Fair

By Heather Allen, hallen@pia.edu

T

he Hagerstown Campus hosted its first Career Fair on Wednesday, November 12th. The fair provided students with a chance to explore local opportunities in both aviation and non-aviation fields with companies like GE Aviation/Dowty Propellers (Sterling, VA) and Mellott Company (Warfordsburg, PA). Additionally, they were able to look into relocation and continuing education with Elliott Aviation (Moline, IL) and Pennsylvania College of Technology (Williamsport, PA). Visits from M.A.G. and Sun Air International also afforded students the opportunity to discuss future employment at the Hagerstown Regional Airport.

The President/CEO of Stephenson Equipment (Harrisburg, PA) personally took the day to visit PIA and recruit students for employment. He openly discussed long-term career goals with students which created a noticeable 12 | Spring Technician 2015

draw among the upcoming graduates, as many returned to his table to speak with him more than once. Two of the students who talked with him that day are now employed at Stephenson Equipment.

C.H. Reed (Hanover, PA) and Piedmont Airlines (Salisbury, MD) also hired students based on exchanges initially made at the November Career Fair. Other companies did make offers to students following the fair; however, the students had a large number of career options to choose from and not all of the employers in attendance were able

to recruit from the Fall 2014 graduates.

PIA maintains active communication with these employers so that they can continue to recruit from future PIA graduating classes.

Many employers who visited the campus reached out after the fair to commend students for actively networking and asking the right questions.

How Kyle Wertman Got his START

By Neal Lorenzi

This article focuses on a project involving 2004 PIA Alumnus Kyle Wertman, (pictured above, far left) a Compressed Air Specialist with C.H. Reed. We’re always excited to see our alumni tackle new challenges and continue the tradition of excellence fostered at PIA. In June 2011, C.H. Reed was asked to participate in a project with Penn State University; FS-Elliot Co., Export, PA.; and the U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory to design a compressor-driven turbine testing facility: the Steady Thermal Aero Research Turbine (START) facility in State College, PA. The facility was designed to test new, fuel-efficient, high-pressure turbine (HPT) system designs used on jet aircraft and land-based power generation turbines. Researchers evaluate leakage and gas-path flows along with new cooling technologies for the next generation of gas turbine engine designs to improve fuel efficiency and reduce gas emissions.

“One of the biggest challenges in the gas turbine engine industry today is the increase in fuel costs,” says Michael Barringer, associate at Penn State University, Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Department. “It is imperative that gas turbine propulsion systems and land-based power generation systems become more fuel efficient.” To that end, research conducted at the

The project team standing in front of the 1500 horsepower FS-Elliott Polaris P-700 centrifugal air compressor at the Steady Thermal Aero Research Turbine (START) facility in State College, PA. Pictured are Kyle Wertman and Kris Wertman (C.H. Reed) and Mike Barringer (Penn State University).

START Facility is aimed at reducing secondary air system flow leakages (via improved seal designs) using advanced turbine stage cooling designs.

Installing a high-performing air compressor was a key to the application.

C.H. Reed, the local FS-Elliott distributor for Pennsylvania, was contacted by Penn State to size and quiet a centrifugal compressor to drive the aircraft turbines being tested.

FS-Elliott performed numerous flow and pressure studies and provided performance curves for the two-stage machine at various off-design conditions. After a year of design and testing, the Polaris P700 air compressor unit met performance requirement. The unit was ordered and installed in late 2012. The air compressor was commissioned by Kris Wertman, C.H. Reed’s senior project manager. Penn State has since ordered an identical compressor to double the design air flow required for Phase Two testing. This second compressor was installed in November 2014.

C.H. Reed supported Penn State throughout the project and continues to do so during Phase Two. Wertman worked with Barringer and Karen Thole, Penn State head of mechanical and nuclear engineering, from design through the installation and commissioning to bring the compressed air solution into operation.

The START project is a multi-year endeavor, which encompasses design and construction from 2011 to 2013, and testing and research from 2014 to 2017. “We’re happy with the work completed thus far and the initial data being acquired is encouraging. We’ve been working closely with Wertman at C.H.Reed during the project, and he has helped us tremendously,” Barringer says.

As an industrial distributor for 65 years, C.H. Reed, Inc. has been providing ideas, concepts and sustainable solutions to help manage issues associated with three key areas of industrial plants: compressed air systems and equipment; assembly tools and ergonomic material handling; and paint finishing and fluid handling equipment. Compressed air has always been a strong focus for C.H. Reed, and it’s a common thread running through all of its product families.

Based in Hanover, PA, C.H. Reed strives to provide a “total solution” within its product families – engineering, equipment, installation, commissioning, training, service, parts, accessories and consultation.

“Our capabilities start with designing and installing the complete compressed air system. This includes the generation, treatment and distribution system to efficiently provide clean, dry air to

Continued on next page 14 Spring Technician 2015 | 13

Employee Anniversaries

By Todd Kruszka, tkruszka@pia.edu

20 years of Service, Charles Boles Currently a part time instructor at PIA, Boles began as a full time instructor in 1988. He graduated from PIA in April of 1972, and prior to his tenure here was a Quality Assurance Inspector at Sikorsky Helicopters. He retired officially in 2008, but came back part time after one year leave. “It’s like a family here, that’s why I came back,” he said. He has four children, six grandchildren, and enjoys boating, fishing, coin collecting and is a Civil War enthusiast. He also tinkers with cars: he formerly specialized in restoring 50’s era Chevys, but more recently restored a BMW Z-3.

15 years of Service, Suzanne Markle Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of PIA, Markle is celebrating 15 years with PIA. She began as a member of the instructional staff in 1999, and since then has worked in a number of capacities throughout the organization, including program development and regulatory compliance. She served as Director of Placement from 2005 until 2008, then as Director of Admissions until 2010.

Markle received her undergraduate degree in Secondary Education from California University of Pennsylvania, and her Master of Business Administration from Seton Hill University. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and enjoying the outdoors.

10 years of Service, Susan Veverka Veverka has been a math and aviation history instructor at PIA for ten years. Prior to this, she held teaching positions at Baldwin High School, Bethel Park High School, Robert Morris University, and the Community College of Allegheny County. She has also worked as a cost accountant, an income tax preparer, and a free-lance accounting consultant. Veverka has a Master’s degree in Business Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Robert Morris University. She enjoys outdoor activities “but only in the warm weather,” playing tennis, and spending time with her five grandchildren.

5 years of Service, Peg Neely

PIA’s merchandise and account specialist, Neely has been here since April of 2009. Prior to arriving, she was an administrative assistant at Cardello Electric, where she handled payroll and human resources. She enjoys conversing with coworkers, spends a lot of time with her husband, son, and daughter, and enjoys reading and watching Academy-Award nominated films.

5 years of Service, Jon Vukmanic Vukmanic, PIA’s Director of Financial Aid and Student Services, began at PIA in July of 2009. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with a minor in Marketing from Juniata College, and a Masters degree in Education from American Intercontinental University. Prior to arriving at PIA, he worked at the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). He enjoys barbecuing and smoking meats and playing guitar. He is a self-described “avid Flyers fan.”

14 | Spring Technician 2015

PIA Crossword To be a successful technician in aviation you not only have to walk the walk.

You also have to talk the talk, which includes a lot of acronyms. There are no spaces between the words.

Across 1.......FCC 4.......CHT 5.......FDR 7.......GPWS 9.......AFCS 11.....CFM 12.....ILS 14.....AOA 17.....FMS 18.....GPH 20.....FPM 22.....CRT 26.....ATC 27.....HUD 28.....FAA 29.....IFR 30.....LRU 31.....ESD 32.....LCD

Down 2.......EICAS 3.......ADC 6.......LCD 8.......INS 10.....AFM 13.....ADF 15.....ELT 16.....ARINC 19.....DME 21.....FM 23.....AGL 24.....EPR 25.....AM

Continued from page 13 support our wet or dry finishing, fluid handling, assembly capabilities and related system components,” says Dennis Reed, vice president.

Since 1948, the company has grown to include more than 100 employees in five locations servicing thousands of customers in the mid-Atlantic region. Fill air compressor sales and service branch facilities are located in Milton, Erie and Pittsburgh, PA. C.H. Reed is still family-owned with many third and fourth generation people active in the business.

Reprinted with permission from Compressed Air Best Practices

Aviation Acronyms

Aviation Acronyms

By Dave Koehler, dkoehler@pia.edu Spring Technician 2015 | 15

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

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

2014 Scholarship Winners 2014 PIA Memorial Scholarship Anderson, Jay Vitolo, Vincent

David G Marshall Memorial Scholarship Maher, Michael Moore, Brenton

Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Assoc.

Asche, Aaron

Delegate Afzali Scholarship Maher, Michael

Alumni Assoc. of Franklin County Career & Technical Center Grissinger, Tyler

Delegate Schultz Scholarship Maher, Michael

Northrop Rice Scholarship Beck, Mason Smith, David

Doug Althouse Memorial Foundation Cameron, Tyler

Ohio Grand Prix Youth Bowling Scholarship George, William

Ed & Safety Fund Scholarship Diaz, James

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First Data Corp Scholarship Rock, Hunter

Projet Aviation Scholarship Beck, Mason Smith, David

Assembly 065 of Chicago Perpetual Award Belmonte, Roman Aviation Technology Scholarship AC of PA Staley, Corey Association for Women in Aviation Jackson, Natasha Barberton Community Foundation Hafler, Brenden Brian Corle Memorial Scholarship Pfaunmiller, Shane Brighter Future Scholarship by Valley Rural Electric Mottern, Timothy Brookside Scholarship Fund Hewitt, Devan Cafaro Memorial Scholarship Fund Berarducci, Peter Celebrity Bowl Youth Scholarship Klamer, Michael Community Foundation of Frederick County Maher, Michael Croatian Fraternal Union of America Kisan, Alex Daryl Lambert Memorial Scholarship Morgan, Samuel

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NATA Business Scholarship Nissel, Brian National Air Transportation Foundation Nissel, Brian

South Carolina Aviation Association Brown, Britain

Hagerstown Professional Firefighters Yeargan, John

Scott Gaurlick Memorial Scholarship Eberwein, Noah

John & Helen Fussell Memorial Scholarship Smith, Cody

Southern Fulton School District Scholarship Mottern, Timothy

Lifeshare Community Blood Services Thompson Caleb

United Fly Tyers Grimm, Seth

MD State Senatorial Scholarship Tolley, Steven

United States Bowling Congress George, William

Mellott Company 2014 Scholarship Mottern, Timothy

Walmart Dependent Scholarship Hafler, Brenden

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West End Lions Club Industrial Tech Scholarship Cameron, Tyler

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William Christy Memorial Scholarship Mega, Tyler

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