PIA Technician - Winter 2020

Fall 2020

News About the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics

Women Changing Aviation Maintenance

Fall 2020

Dear Reader, If 2020 has proven anything this year, it is that PIA is resilient. Amidst challenges, the students, faculty, administration, and alumni have proven that their commitment to excellence in aviation will not waiver. Much like in the day-to-day of this industry, creative problemsolving, innovative solutions, and a unwavering passion has shown that we are able to overcome anything – technical or otherwise.

Women Changing Aviation Maintance

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COVID World

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I wish you safety and happiness as we enter 2021.

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

Editorial Staff: Editor-in-Chief Karin McKenna Assistant Editor Benjamin O’Keefe Creative Manager/Layout Ed Molek

PIA Contributors:

Bernard Adams Elizabeth Burke Joe DeRamo Dave Koehler Suzanne Markle Stephanie Ostrowski

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

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PIA Fleet

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Scholarships

3 �������������The State of PIA 4 �������������Women Changing Aviation Maintance 6 �������������Alumni Careers and COVID-19 7 �������������Campus Recognition 8 �������������Career Training in a COVID World 10 ���������PIA Fleet Report 12 ����������AMT 40 Under 40 Award 13 ����������Fleet of the Future 14 ����������Operation Renovation 15 ����������Instructor Spotlight: Ross Bowman 16 ����������Employee Anniversaries 16 ����������mikeroweWORKS Scholarships 17 ����������2020 Clays for a Cause 17 ����������Ivan D. Livi Educator Award 19 ����������Honor Rosie

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Our Future

State of PIA The

W

e have all been touched in some meaningful way by the unparalleled events of 2020.

Due to the pandemic, our daily routines have been upended, our working lives have changed significantly, and our personal relationships have been altered – either by unprecedented isolation or, in some cases, by unprecedented inseparability. In our country, acts of violence and intolerance toward one another have led to civil unrest unlike anything many of us have experienced in our lifetimes. And for the most unfortunate members of our community, this year has brought physical illness, injury, and even the loss of life. Our hearts go out to all who have felt these impacts.

At PIA, we have been challenged this year to keep our students on track with their training, first by shifting learning online, and then by modifying and expanding our classrooms, labs, and schedules to provide the safest possible onsite learning and working environments.

Our dedicated faculty, staff, and administration have worked tirelessly to make this happen, and our students have demonstrated their talent, flexibility, and determination to complete their program of study, even under these unusual circumstances.

As you read this issue of our newsletter, I believe that you will notice that the turbulence of 2020 has not diminished our spirit – in fact, it has had the opposite effect. We have learned valuable lessons and found ways to work together that we never imagined – to seek out opportunities, to overcome obstacles, and to progress toward a successful future. Although we cannot predict what the year ahead holds for us, we know that we are in the best possible position to meet it together, head on. 

Suzanne Markle PIA President & CEO

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Photo credit Jamel Toppin

Women Changing Aviation Maintenance I

n the career field of aviation maintenance, the percentage of women in the FAA database has increased over the last ten years, but only by a modest .4%, according to the Aviation Technician Education Council. Rising from 2.12% to 2.52%, this data indicates that while women are making themselves more present in this lucrative job field, there is still work to be done in order to address the underrepresentation of women, within both aviation maintenance jobs and other technical aviation positions. This year, efforts to encourage females to pursue careers in the aviation industry has received federal support, as U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao appointed industry leaders, including PIA’s President and CEO Suzanne Markle, to the Women in Aviation Advisory Board (WIABB).

The newly formed Women in Aviation Advisory Board includes thirty members, all of whom, “share a commitment and passion for encouraging women to access opportunities in aviation,” said Chao. Established in Fall 2019, the WIAAB was created with the purpose to develop strategies and recommendations to encourage women and young girls to enter the field of aviation.

Representation on the board ranges to including major airlines, aerospace companies, non-profits, and education institutions, in addition to several other areas.

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Suzanne Markle PIA President and CEO

The Aviation industry represents one of the world’s largest infrastructures and provides some of the most rewarding and lucrative careers available. Therefore, no group should be underrepresented.

Achieving More Than A Degree

Kate Folmar (PIA 2011), planned to pursue a career as an engineer, but first decided to gain a technical skill. She didn’t want to jump into a university and believes a good technician is something a company will never turn down. After PIA, Kate joined Pratt & Whitney who not only paid for Kate’s engineering degree but allowed three paid hours off a week to study for her degree. Then, Kate went on to work on rockets at NASA. She was hands-on with cryogenic operations — or servicing liquid nitrogen — and installs payloads into flight vehicles that head to space. Kate is currently employed by Blue Origin.

Focusing on the Details

Kelly Martin (PIA 2019) has a focus on teamwork and a sharp attention to detail which helped her land a job as a Research Lab Mechanic at HX5 Sierra.

The company provides engineering, research & development, and technical services to support the needs of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, NASA, and the General Services Administration.

Career Changes Are Nothing to Fear

Samantha Cortese (PIA 2019) followed her high school guidance counselor’s advice for job security and became a high school math teacher before she decided to change careers and become an aviation mechanic. “PIA was a very different experience for me because I had never worked on cars or other machines before,” Samantha says.

“But being a mechanic is really all about math. I just never would have thought to apply it in this way.” Today, Samantha works as an Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic at StandardAero—where she notes that she earns a higher salary than she ever did as a teacher, proving that traditional career advice isn’t always perfect.

New Challenges Every Day

Melissa Markell (PIA 2011) works as Assistant Chief Inspector at Constant Aviation, where she manages the Quality department at the company’s Cuyahoga County base. Melissa oversees a variety of quality assurance checks, inspections, and audits, as well as managing the workflow for her department. “It’s a thrill every day because I never know what new challenge I’m going to encounter,” says Melissa. “I love the constant change, and I also love the feeling of being needed. Every morning I can’t wait to unravel the next puzzle!”

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continued: Women changing Aviation Maintenance With nearly 200 applications submitted for consideration as board members, PIA President and CEO Suzanne Markle was one of the selected members. “I am honored to be given the opportunity to represent Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics on the Women in Aviation Advisory Board,” says Markle. “The Aviation industry represents one of the world’s largest infrastructures and provides some of the most rewarding and lucrative careers available. Therefore, no group should be underrepresented. I believe there is much we can do to encourage women to explore these opportunities and to identify and remove barriers to their success.

I look forward to working with the accomplished membership on this board, and I hope to make some meaningful contributions to its mission.”

Through evaluation of education, training, outreach, and more, the WIAAB hopes to positively contribute to female participation in aviation. Under the leadership of Markle, PIA has consistently evaluated its own ability to impact female interest in aviation.

PIA has developed partnerships with several organizations to continue to encourage female aviation education. PIA has planned and hosted events through the Carnegie Science Center ‘Tour Your Future’ Program, an educational experience for young girls to explore STEM-related career fields. PIA has sponsored Women in Aviation events. Through the Women in Aviation Cleveland Chapter, PIA has participated as a ‘Sally Ride Level Gold Partner’ and has also sponsored the Girls in Aviation Day event, a national event held by Women in Aviation each year.

As of October 2020, PIA’s female enrollment was 7.6% of the 563 total student population. Roxanne Ober, Director of Admissions and Student Outreach at PIA, has made it part of her mission to bring awareness to the important role women have in this industry. “We are so proud of the impact that our female alumni have had on the aviation industry as a whole,” says Ober. “In an industry that is actively seeking mechanics to fill these essential roles, females play an important part in filling the demand that exists. I’m proud of all the females who have taken a chance in this rewarding industry and encourage all women to pursue their true passion, no matter what the standard in that industry may be.” 

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AMT 40 Under 40 Award Winner

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IA Myrtle Beach Alumna Kerrigan Batsa was honored as one of AviationPros “AMT 40 Under 40” this year. Batsa, who graduated from PIA in January 2020, is employed at PSA Airlines. It was the Maintenance Manager at her base that nominated her for the award.

Her manager recognizes the eagerness she shows in her position, seeking out answers to questions and pursuing new challenges.

Batsa learned she was nominated for the award when she received it, saying, ”I was so shocked and happy. I was surprised that out of everybody it was me – I haven’t been doing this that long.”

Batsa worked in guest services at Spirit Airlines prior to enrolling at PIA. The passion the mechanics at Spirit had for their positions clued her in to a career field she hadn’t previously considered. “It took me two or three years after I graduated to learn this was even an option,” said Batsa. “I didn’t know there was a school like this in my backyard.”

Batsa finds that the biggest takeaway she learned from her time at PIA was the importance of teamwork. “All of my classmates, we were very different people with very different personalities. At the end of the day, when we were studying for a test or our exams for our certifications, we came together and helped each other regardless of our differences,” said Batsa.

Continuing her career at PSA, Batsa hopes to expand upon her current position, eventually becoming involved with inspections and ultimately teaching others the skills they need to succeed. Of her education at PIA, she thanks the staff and administration for their support. 

Myrtle Beach, SC

Campus Recognition Providing a high-quality education is a top priority for the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics.

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hat sentiment rang true as the Myrtle Beach branch campus was honored as a 2020 School of Distinction by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

The annual award recognizes a commitment to the accreditation procedures as well as the campus’s extraordinary efforts in training future aircraft maintenance technicians. These students graduated ready to fill the current need for technicians all throughout the country. According to the Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook, roughly 192,000 technicians will be needed in North America by 2039.

“Earning this recognition is truly an honor for our entire organization, from our staff and faculty to our students and graduates,” Peg Skalican, Myrtle Beach Campus Director, said. Skalican also noted the high-achieving habits of Myrtle Beach students, which greatly contributed to the recognition.

In true PIA fashion, Myrtle Beach is the third campus to be honored by the ACCSC. In 2014 the Hagerstown campus was recognized as a School of Distinction and the Youngstown campus earned a School of Excellence award in 2016.

THANK YOU This honor could not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the Administration, Faculty, Students and Alumni of the PIA Myrtle Beach Campus.

“[ACCSC’s] ability to assist their accredited institutions in achieving maximum education effectiveness allows PIA to continue to blossom as an organization and as a leader in aviation maintenance education,” Jason Mongan, PIA Director of Education, said. “PIA continues to utilize the ACCSC Standards of Accreditation and other provided resources as tools for the self-evaluation that is required to ensure that PIA’s education provides the necessary components to assist graduates in finding gainful employment after commencement.”

PIA Myrtle Beach was officially recognized at the 2020 ACCSC Virtual Professional Development Conference held on September 22, 2020. 

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PIA Perseverance

Career T Training in a COVID World

he hangars and shops of PIA, normally filled with sounds of students hard at work on aircraft and engines, went silent on March 16, 2020. They would remain that way for three months, as PIA was thrust into the longest on-campus shut down in its 92year history. COVID-19 had reached the United States, and PIA was tasked with the challenge of educating students amidst a worldwide pandemic.

PIA found itself in a fortuitous position when it came to navigating the new normal. Years earlier, late President John “Jocko” Graham III had expressed a desire to migrate PIA to the Microsoft Office 365 system, a vision that was carried out in 2019 by Director of Marketing and IT Steven Sabold. The transition allowed employees to access programs used in day-to-day activities from the web, a needed tool when offices moved from campuses to homes.

“The framework to carry on operations from home was there,” said Sabold. “The success of PIA’s transition to a virtual work-from-home format is all thanks to the faculty, students, and staff who embraced the unique situation we were in and made the best of it.”

Additional technological changes on the horizon at PIA in early 2020 included the introduction of a learning management system, Canvas, which would allow instructors to publish online accessible content for

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Pittsburgh Campus

of PIA’s curriculum being project-based, PIA students were once again forced to temporarily hold off on virtual learning.

The revelation that not all education institutions were able to fully continue due to the stay-at-home order was picked up

by Forbes Magazine - the same publication that two years earlier published PIA’s #1 ranking as a top trade school – which discussed the challenges that a trade school like PIA faced amidst this crisis.

Youngstown Campus students to utilize when outside of the classroom. While the initial development of PIA’s online classrooms had begun in March of 2020, the beginning of the pandemic forced a deadline much sooner than initially projected. Within a twoweek timeframe, PIA Faculty revamped aspects of their courses to fit a virtual learning platform.

PIA began online instruction on March 30th; however, the very nature of PIA programs requires a hands-on experience that could not be replicated in a virtual setting. Students at the Pittsburgh Campus with only 12 days before their graduation date were unable to complete the required projects they needed to meet FAA standards for certification testing. “These students were our top priority. They had dedicated the last 21 months of their lives to becoming certified Airframe & Powerplant Techni-

cians, and suddenly an achievement that had been so near had been taken out of their reach. We worked tirelessly with the FAA and our accrediting body to find a solution that would meet their standards but maintain distance learning,” said Dean of Academic Affairs Jason Pfarr.

One such project was a coin tap test, which requires students to inspect the adhesive bonds of composite materials by listening to the acoustic response of the material when tapped with a quarter or tap hammer. Seventh quarter students who had returned home obtained the composite piece via mail, and local students received them through a socially distanced pick-up on campus, which allowed them to complete the task at home under the virtual guidance of instructors.

Eventually, the online course content that is typically taught in classrooms began nearing its completion. With over half

In the Forbes article Suzanne Markle, President and CEO of PIA, said, “The key to America bouncing back is us digging our heels in, being brave and staying the course. If we react, if we downsize before we need to, or close a location if we don’t have to – that’s going to delay this whole thing. So I think it’s important for us as an established institution to say, we are going to do the hard thing and keep operating.” Under her leadership, PIA was able to achieve that goal.

The month of May saw the beginnings of stay-at-home orders slowly being rescinded, allowing for administration and faculty to begin returning to work to plan for the return of students. That return, however, provided unique obstacles that had never been encountered before. PIA campuses each sought out state and local approval to return to classroom instruction, each having their own guidelines that needed to be enforced.

Pre-pandemic, PIA Youngstown was bursting at the seams with students.

Waitlists were commonplace for the campus’s class starts each year. With classrooms already at the maximum –> continued on 19

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PIA Fleet Report PIA’s fleet of aircraft has changed and grown throughout the years. As essential training tools for current students and sources of nostalgia for alumni, the PIA fleet continues to be an impressive presence within the institution. As of November 2020, PIA’s fleet of aircraft stands at 23, all used for various aspects of training at the school. PIA’s fleet consists of mostly donated aircraft, commonly through military or personal donations.

These aircraft have hailed from all areas of the country, even as far away as Washington state.

King Air 65-A90 PGH

BEECH 310A PGH

CESSNA The largest portion of PIA’s aircraft fleet is made up of Cessna aircraft. Each of PIA’s campuses has at least one Cessna model, as they are commonly found in the General Aviation sector and make for excellent student projects and simulated return-to-service activities.

PIA’s Beech U8’s include one of the oldest acquisitions of the PIA fleet, first arriving on campus in 1982. Since then, the number of Beech aircraft has expanded to include five more, for a total of 6 aircraft. Most recently, the D50 currently in Myrtle Beach was obtained in 2014. The Beech King Air of the Pittsburgh Campus was originally manufactured in 1967 and is PIA’s only turboprop aircraft.

U8 PGH

310A HGR

U8 PGH

152 YNG U8 PGH

172C HGR

D50 MYB

172M MYB C50 YNG

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C-21A PGH

C-25 YNG

CAMPUS KEY PGH......Pittsburgh HGR......Hagerstown MYB......Myrtle Beach YNG......Youngstown

MISCELLANEOUS

LEARJET

Bert 5

In the mid-2010s, PIA was able to add two Learjets to its fleet. The C-21A was donated from the U.S. Air Force in 2014, and the C-25 was donated from NASA in 2017. Both aircraft are the most recently manufactured in the fleet, and still hold an estimated value of roughly $400,000 combined.

Hughes PGH

Bakeng Double Duce The Bakeng Double Duce located at PIA Hagerstown was built by PIA itself in 1979.

ROTORCRAFT Three helicopters, including a Bell, Hughes, and a Brown Jordan Revolution Mini 500, are included in the total number of PIA’s fleet.

This home-built aircraft was donated to PIA Myrtle Beach in 2007.

Piper Tri-Pacer Revolution Mini 500 HGR

NORTH AMERICAN SABRELINER

AERO JET COMMANDER PIA’s Jet Commander was obtained by the school in 1993 and was used primarily to demonstrate the proper care and testing of its engines, GE CJ610-SERs. Since the plane’s functionality has been replaced by the newer Learjet’s, the Jet Commander is currently undergoing deconstruction, with its pieces being used as training tools for Avionics students.

Obtained for training purposes in 1995, the Sabreliner at PIA Pittsburgh has become a fixture in the main hangar, used primarily for training students on engine changes. Its 1968 manufacture date drew attention to film crews for the Netflix Series “Mindhunter,” who used the plane in the Season 2 finale in the show.

Originally manufactured in 1956, PIA’s Tri-Pacer is the oldest aircraft in the fleet. Its fabric wings and fuselage have served as a restoration project for students in upper quarters of PIA programs.

AA-1 Yankee Clipper Built in the 1970’s, this is PIA’s newest acquisition, set to be delivered to PIA’s Youngstown Campus for training purposes.

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ALUMNI

Alumni

Careers – and –

COVID-19 Dustin Colella, Air Methods PIA Pittsburgh Graduate, 2018

Dustin Colella serves as a Quality Assurance Inspector at Air Methods, an air medical transport company that provides emergency medical services to over 70,000 patients each year.

Like STAT MedEvac, Air Methods is one of the few medical operators willing to transport patients infected or suspected to have COVID-19. With bases throughout New York, New Jersey, and eastern Pennsylvania, Air Methods has been transporting patients from NYC to various regional hospitals to ensure they receive the best available care.  Aaron Shreve, American Airlines PIA Myrtle Beach Graduate, 2016 As a mechanic for American Airlines, Aaron Shreve is based out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport, in Charlotte, NC. While the airline has seen domestic and international travel reduced drastically since the start of the pandemic, cargo transport remains an essential component of their operations.

“Right now, our domestic flights are usually under fifteen passengers,” says Shreve, “but we are still transporting domestic cargo as normal.” A wide variety of crucial items can be found aboard an American Airlines cargo flight, including USPS mail, fruits and vegetables, medical supplies, organ donations, and more.  12

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Sam Briski, STAT MedEvac PIA Pittsburgh Graduate, 2019

Alumnus Sam Briski is an A&P Mechanic at Pittsburgh-based STAT MedEvac, assisting in the maintenance of a fleet of helicopters that provide medical transport for patients with critical illness or injury. As the second largest non-profit medical provider in the U.S., STAT transports approximately 11,000 patients by helicopter per year.

Despite overall hospital admissions having decreased due to pandemic-related factors, Briski notes that STAT helicopters have not been grounded during the COVID-19 crisis. “STAT has been transporting COVID-19 patients since the beginning of the pandemic,” says Briski, “including some patients who would normally have been served by neighboring air medical programs.” 

Kyle Deardorff, FedEx Hawaii PIA Hagerstown Graduate, 2017 Alumnus Kyle Deardorff is an A&P Mechanic for FedEx in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Deardorff assists in maintaining a fleet of Cessna Caravans, used to transport FedEx deliveries to Hawaii’s smaller islands.

Deardorff is proud to be considered an essential employee during the COVID-19 crisis. “It makes me feel very satisfied to know that our Honolulu maintenance team is continuing to keep these aircraft flying safely, so they can keep delivering crucial supplies,” says Deardorff. 

Jump Start

Fleet of the Future E

lectric cars are commonplace on the road, having first made their debut in the U.S. in 1890.

With top speeds of 14mph, the car – while innovative – did not meet the needs of drivers1. The 20th century allowed those initial ideas of electric vehicles to be developed into cars for everyday use. That same innovation is now being applied to much larger vehicles – including freight trucks.

Heavy-duty big rigs operating on electric power are being developed and sold across the world, by some big-name developers. Daimler, the largest truck manufacturer in the world, announced the all-electric 18-wheeler the Freightliner eCascadia in 2018. Production of these vehicles is expected to begin in late 2021. Ever-innovative Tesla announced the Tesla Semi in 2017, with production dates scheduled for late 2020. With only 1% of current fleet vehicles operating on electricity, that number is expected to grow over 10% in the next ten years.2 Many challenges exist with a transition to a cleaner fleet. According to a Mortenson survey conducted

in 2019, the number one barrier to incorporating clean transportation is overcoming infrastructure challenges. That same survey indicates that nearly 48% of commercial fleets will be clean within 5-7 years of the survey.3 Surprisingly, embracing electricity does not entirely lie within cost savings for fleet managers. Many owners anticipate only a slight decrease in operating costs, or even project an increase in costs. The motivation to incorporate these modern vehicles primarily stems from the environmental responsibility felt from organizations.

While current projections anticipate the sale and production of these electric vehicles in the next several years, it will still be some time before electric semi-trucks make up a majority of the fleet.  Sources: 1 https://www.greenbiz.com/ article/8-electric-truck-and-van-companies-watch-2020 2 https://bit.ly/2UKyJ7B 3 https://www.mortenson.com/~/media/images/campaigns/ev%20 study/mortenson_electric_vehicle_study.ashx

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PIA HISTORY AT AGC

Operation Renovation C

onstruction is underway for nearly $1.4 Million in renovations to the Pittsburgh Campus of PIA. Renovations to the building have been planned for several years and are made possible in part thanks to State Senator Jim Brewster’s (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) support of the institution's application for a significant state grant.

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) is a Pennsylvania state grant program that assists in the acquisition and construction of regional, economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historic improvement projects. The program, which began in 1986, granted PIA’s project proposal in 2018, with $500,000 in grant funds awarded for the project. Nearly 500 projects were submitted for consideration for the grant in 2018.

Improvements to the campus have been steadily progressing throughout the years, with upgrades to the doors and computer servers occurring in 2020. The large-scale improvements, including updates to the computer lab, cafeteria area, creation of student lounge areas, and improvements to the HVAC system, required architectural and construction bids that occurred throughout 2019. With those contractors now secured, PIA has been able to move forward with the planned changes to the historic campus.

A renovation kick-off event was held at the campus on September 18th, attended by State Senator Jim Brewster, State Representative Austin Davis, and County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. These individuals, as well as the Allegheny County Airport Authority, State Representative Bill Kortz, and the Borough of West Mifflin, were thanked by PIA President and CEO Suzanne Markle. “Your collective support of our school, this project, and the impact it has on our students is a testament to your long-term commitment to helping our community and region thrive, by creating resources for students that are vital to the skills and credentials they need to succeed in the workforce,” said Markle.

The first planned changes to the campus will begin in PIA’s Jump Start Division, which will be permanently moved to Ball Hall, PIA’s former Learning Resource Center. During the event, Markle spoke of the excitement of moving forward with these long-awaited changes. “We as an institution are enthusiastic about the future and our ability to use these improvements to enhance training,” says Markle, ”and to attract and retain students eager to enter the in-demand aviation technology sector, specifically in the areas of aviation maintenance and electronics.” 

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PIA moved to the Allegheny County Airport in 1946, but what our students learn in now would be unrecognizable to our students back then. With new and exciting renovations on the way to help propel the institute forward, it only seems fitting to pay tribute to the changes that have come before. Many of our alumni will remember when some these changes took place, but our more recent graduates and current students just may not know how far we have come.

1946 PIA moves from its location from Downtown Pittsburgh to the current facility at the Allegheny County Airport.

At this point, the school was comprised of a row of T-hangars and a few classrooms. This space is what now holds the Jumpstart Division, welding shop, and the powerplant offices and classrooms.

1958 A 6,000 sq. ft. addition was built on to the T-hangars. This space is now used as the powerplant and composite shops.

1965 The Clifford Ball Learning Resource Center (Ball Hall) was built and used as electronics classrooms.

1968 Additional space was added along Lebanon Church Road. At the time it was built, the space was known as Graham Hall, and included classrooms, shops, and offices. The original construction was only one story, but a second story was added in 1984, adding even more classrooms and offices.

1980 An enclosure was built to connect PIA’s buildings. This created the space that is now used as the main hangar.

Before the enclosure, much of PIA’s equipment (and sometimes even its students) had to endure elements outside.

1985 Another enclosure was built on the back of the T-hangar, which is now the cafeteria. Another addition was added to the front of the building, extending the lobby out and enclosing the porch area. This space is now used as the lobby, conference room, and admissions department offices.

2007 PIA acquired Hangar 4 when Mellon Bank moved their flight department to PIT, which we now use to store aircraft and hold graduations and events. 

Instructor Spotlight

n o i t a i Av I

Ross Bowman

Hagerstown Campus Instructor

R

oss Bowman discovered a love for aviation at a young age. As he puts it, something inside of him lights on fire when he is around aircraft. While earning his pilot’s license in high school, he joked with his flight instructor that he was going to learn how to work on planes for fun. That joke led Bowman to a lifelong career within aviation, and ultimately found him sharing that knowledge and love with future A&P mechanics.

Like many mechanics, Bowman’s love for maintenance began with tearing apart everyday household items, much to the chagrin of his father. “As a kid, I would take things apart and put them back together. Usually it didn’t make my dad happy, as I didn’t always get it back together.” Flying RC airplanes started his flying career, leading to him earning his pilot’s license in high school. While flying with his flight instructor one day, Bowman joked about working on airplanes, just for fun. “He said people do that for a career. It wasn’t until I started looking into colleges, seeing the A&P program at Fairmont State, that made me decide to become an A&P,” says Bowman.

Bowman’s education at Fairmont State earned him his Airframe and Powerplant Certification, as well as his FCC certifications for Avionics. Those certifications began his career within the industry, including positions at Pratt & Whitney Canada and Bombardier.

While working at the Bridgeport, WV Service Center for Bombardier, Bowman would help perform heavy c-check maintenance on the CRJ-200, 700, and 900s.

His early childhood hobby of tearing apart everyday items had turned into a full-fledged career.

As Bowman’s personal life began changing, particularly with the birth of his children, he began to rethink his position within the industry. “I had been offered the opportunity to go work overseas in Afghanistan for six months. My daughter had just been born, and I couldn’t justify that at the time. For me, family has always come before money,” said Bowman. His children motivated his search for a position with more regular hours, outside of the unusual schedules that aviation can often involve.

“I had previously been offered a position at Fairmont State for teaching, but I said I didn’t want to do it at the time,” said Bowman. But the timing of a career change coincided with an available position at PIA Hagerstown, prompting Bowman to interview and ultimately accept the job.

Since 2012, Bowman has served on PIA’s faculty at the Hagerstown Campus, contributing to students’ educations in various ways, but his focus has been within the electronics portion of the program.

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Employee Anniversaries PIA would like to recognize those employees celebrating anniversaries from the years 2019 and 2020. Your years of service to PIA are greatly appreciated, and your dedication to the mission of PIA are valued by students and fellow staff members alike.

We wish you continued success in your PIA careers.

2019 Anniversaries 5 years

Thomas O’Keefe Jr. Stephen Smith Charles Trenk Derek Vrabel Thomas Zietak

Jon Vukmanic

10 Years Margaret Neely 15 Years

Susan Veverka

20 Years

Suzanne Markle

2020 Anniversaries 5 years

Lori Fine John Kovac Chris Miletti Ed Molek Mindy Pavilonis Carly Straight

15 Years

Kevin Reid Steven Sabold Bonnie Vatovec

20 Years

David Koehler Randall Reynolds Margaret Skalican

35 Years

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Tom O’Keefe Sr.

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Students Receive mikeroweWORKS Work Ethic Scholarships First semester PIA students Braden Brunson and Shane Miley are two of the nationwide recipients of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation Work Ethic Scholarship Program. Through this program, the mikeroweWORKS Foundation provides financial support to students in trade schools that clearly demonstrate a commitment to work ethic, personal responsibility, delayed gratification, and a positive attitude.

Consideration for the scholarship includes submission of a video essay and commitment to the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge, which stands for “Skill & Work Ethic Aren’t Taboo.” Written by Mike Rowe, CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge outlines the qualities that every student and worker can benefit from embracing in 12 statements. Brunson, hailing from Beaver Falls, PA, has already begun applying the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge outside of the classroom with his work as a line maintenance technician at the Beaver County Airport. Miley, of Ijamsville, MD, recalls watching Mike Rowe’s Dirty Jobs as he grew up and considered it a major influence in his own career choices.

President and CEO of PIA Suzanne Markle recognized the importance of carrying a ‘cando’ work ethic throughout one’s education and their career and praised Mike Rowe for his efforts in supporting the trades. “Our graduates are the next generation of mechanics and technicians who will keep the aerospace industry moving forward throughout the 21st Century. It is my sincere hope that the mikeroweWORKS Foundation’s efforts to bring additional visibility to these kinds of crucial but often ‘invisible’ jobs will help get even more hands-on learners interested in pursuing this vital career field." 

continued: I Love Aviation Having completed small avionics jobs at Bombardier, the interests which drove him to earn his FCC endorsements at Fairmont State were dusted off for his career at PIA. For Bowman, the best part of being an educator is seeing the students reach an understanding of the material being taught.

“When you are explaining something and the students are watching you, you can see that lightbulb go off when they finally get it,” says Bowman, “They understand, they are getting what I said in lecture, what I said at the board, and they can see it.” That understanding, Bowman says, may not occur until well after a student leaves the classroom. “There might be something I say to a student now, and ten years down the road they’ll be in a plane and start yelling ‘I finally

understand what he said!’ But I just give you the information. I never take credit for doing anything – I could sit here and say the same information to a student all day, but it’s all in them understanding it. Unless they pick up the ball and run with it, it’s all useless information.”

While Bowman has had the opportunity to do many things in his career, he understands his weaknesses and strengths. Those earlier job experiences, even the fast-food job he held in high school, molded him into the instructor he is today. He advises his students to do the same – gather experiences. “Any place willing to hire you with no experience and pay you money is a great place to work. Be willing to go outside of your comfort zone.” 

2020

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IA’s annual scholarship fundraising event, Clays for a Cause, was cancelled this year due to the impact that COVID-19 had on group activities. The fundraising event is held each year to raise funds for PIA’s Memorial Scholarship, which assists deserving students with the financial burden of continuing their education.

“The decision to cancel the event was a difficult one to make,” says Andrea Smith, Records and Compliance Coordinator at PIA. “The administration at PIA looked at every angle possible to see if an event could be held while maintaining the guidelines that were set forth by local, state, and federal officials. Unfortunately, those guidelines really prevented any type of in person event from occurring, and we made the decision to forgo an event this year.” The decision to cancel also took into consideration the difficulties that many aviation organizations faced during the pandemic.

 SAVE THE DATE 

PIA plans to hold the next Clays for a Cause Event in September of 2021. Interested participants should reach out to Andrea Smith at asmith@pia.edu to get more information on the event. 

Ivan D. Livi Educator of the Year: Albert Simon, Jr.

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n the eve of his official retirement from PIA, Instructor Albert Simon, Jr. of PIA Pittsburgh received news that he had been named the recipient of the Ivan D. Livi Aviation Maintenance Educator of the Year Award. Nominations for the award pour in from across the country, recognizing AMT instructors who, either through a single event or over the span of a career, have a direct impact on Aviation Maintenance students.

In an interview featured in the Fall 2018 Technician, Mr. Simon stated, “Giving students the best of my experience is very rewarding.” His experience began as a 1969 graduate of PIA, after which he began his service in the United States Marine Corps. His civilian career includes positions at Allegheny Airlines and FedEx. Mr. Simon retired from his full time duties at PIA after a 20 year career, handing down his wisdom and experience to future technicians.

Jason Pfarr, Dean of Academic Affairs at PIA, began the process of nominating Mr. Simon for the Award. “Mr. Simon has contributed so much to the education of PIA students over the years. We are truly honored that he has spent his career at our institution.”

Mr. Simon was the third PIA Instructor to be honored with this award. Michael Smith of PIA Myrtle Beach was honored in 2015, and Brian Allen of PIA Pittsburgh was honored in 1999.

The award itself pays homage to former PIA President Ivan Livi, who served as an instructor prior to his presidency in 1978. 

In Memory - Warren Marshal Guthrie Long time PIA instructor Warren Guthrie passed away on March 1, 2020. Before taking on a teaching role at the school, Guthrie was a student of PIA and became a graduate in 1960. In addition to his roles within the aviation industry after graduation, Guthrie served in the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command from 1962 to 1966. He returned to PIA in 1967, where he served as an instructor until 2019.

Warren Guthrie was seen as a wealth of knowledge on campus, where his experience and love of aviation benefited students and staff alike. Guthrie’s passion for the industry was apparent with his vast array of knowledge in each area that PIA teaches. During his career, Guthrie played a role in each area of students’ education, from powerplant and airframe to the electrical side where he finished his career at PIA. Warren Guthrie’s memory will last on in the successful careers to which he contributed. 

Fall Technician 2020

17

Crossword Puzzle

FARs

Federal Aviation Regulations Answers on pg 19

Across 2. FAR part 21 lists the Certification Procedures for ______________ and Articles.

4. Appendix A to part 43 contains a list of ______________ Alterations, Repairs and Preventative Maintenance.

7. FAR part 23 subpart D contains information about the Design and Construction of various aircraft ______________.

8. FAR 65.79 lists the ______________ requirements to obtain a Mechanic Certificate or Rating.

10. Appendix D to part 43 contains the Scope and Detail of ______________ and 100 Hour Inspections.

11. FAR Part 65 contains information about the Certification of ____________ __ Other Than Flightcrew Members.

12. FAR part 43.12 contains information about the penalties for Records ______________.

14. FAR part 21 subpart O contains information about ______________ Approvals.

16. Certification for ______________ is in Part 65 Subpart D. 19. FAR part 23 subpart C contains information about the Design and Performance of the ______________.

20. FAR part 43.9(a) contains information about ______________ Record Entries.

21. FAR part 23 subpart G contains information about the ______________ Interface.

22. Appendix B to part 43 contains information about ______________ Major Repairs and Alterations.

23. FAR part 43.10 is for Disposition of ______________-______________ Aircraft Parts.

18

Fall Technician 2020

Down 1. FAR 65.75 lists the ______________ requirements to obtain a Mechanic Certificate or Rating.

2. FAR part 23 subpart E contains information about the ______________.

3. Appendix F to part 43 contains information about Testing and Inspecting the ATC ______________.

5. FAR part 21 subpart H contains information about ______________ Certificates.

6. FAR part 21 subpart E contains information about ______________ Type Certificates.

9. Part 23 subpart B contains information about ______________ Performance and Characteristics.

10. FAR part 21 subpart K contains information about Parts Manufacturing ______________.

11. FAR part 43 contains information about Maintenance, Preventative Maintenance, Rebuilding and ______________.

13. Airworthiness Directives are issued by the ______________ for unsafe conditions in products.

15. Appendix E to part 43 contains information about Testing and Inspecting the ______________ System.

17. FAR 65.77 lists the ______________ requirements to obtain a Mechanic Certificate or Rating.

18. FAR part 23 contains the Airworthiness Standards for ______________ Category Airplanes.

Mae Can Do It!

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t the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, mask making became a way for many to have a positive impact on the world. With manufacturers struggling to keep up with demand, individuals took it upon themselves to create masks to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Mae Krier, a 92-year old Pennsylvania native with ties to the aviation industry, did just that.

Having left home at the age of 17 to work at Boeing in Seattle, Krier was one of many women who came to be known as “Rosies,” leaving traditional comforts behind in World War II and replacing men in factories. Krier’s modern day contribution came in the form of red polka dot masks, designed after the famous ‘Rosie the Riveter’ poster of WWII. PIA Myrtle Beach requested and received a shipment of these masks, and female students at the campus echo the same “We Can Do It!” attitude of the 1940s, today.

In a typed note sent along with the masks, Krier writes: “If this Rosie the Riveter face mask can save one life, it is worth every hour I have worked.” Krier has made hundreds of masks and has orders for hundreds of more pouring in through her Facebook Page, @HonorRosie. The passion Krier has for helping her country, both during WWII and now, is an inspiration to all. 

continued: Career Training in a COVID World capacity, the newly renovated campus seemed much smaller under the COVID-19 guidelines. As the first campus to reopen for students, Campus Director Joe DeRamo was tasked with seeking solutions for operating a campus under social distancing guidelines.

“Under the new guidelines, we were able to open and allow 50% of our fire code capacity into the building,” said DeRamo. With the assistance of the Western Reserve Port Authority, who owns the Youngstown-Vienna Airport, additional space was able to be secured to accommodate for current students.

“They permitted us to utilize the terminal and a nearby hangar as classroom space at no additional cost,” said DeRamo. The necessary space allowed all current and future students to return to the classroom while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Hagerstown Campus

On June 15th, the last campus of PIA was able to reopen the doors for on-campus instruction. Each campus resumed classes with strict guidelines in place and changes to the day-to-day routines of students to encourage social distancing. Students at PIA have resumed working towards their goals, with virtual graduations celebrating the achievements of those completing their program. As expected, PIA students, faculty, and staff have continued to exemplify the values and dedication that have set our institution apart for 92 years.  Myrtle Beach Campus 2 PRODUCTS 4 MAJOR 7 SYSTEMS 8 SKILL

Across

10 ANNUAL 11 AIRMEN 12 FALSIFICATION 14 TSO 16 MECHANICS

Crossword Answers Fall Technician 2020

19

19 STRUCTURE 20 MAINTENANCE 21 FLIGHTCREW 22 RECORDING 23 LIFELIMITED

1 KNOWLEDGE 2 POWERPLANT 3 TRANSPONDER

Down

5 AIRWORTHINESS 6 SUPPLEMENTAL 9 FLIGHT 10 APPROVALS 11 ALTERATION

13 FAA 15 ALTIMETER 17 EXPERIENCE 18 NORMAL

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

ALUMNI OPINIONS

NEEDED! PIA is actively seeking the voices of alumni interested in contributing their thoughts to the development of an Alumni Organization. As initial progress in the development of the organization begins, PIA would like to hear from Alumni regarding the type of events and participation they would expect of an organization like this.

Please visit bit.ly/PIA-ALUMNIQuestionnaire to contribute your ideas!