Current Spotlights
Spotlight: Aircraft Mechanic
(Students working on
an engine in class)
an engine in class)
Aircraft Mechanics are charged with keeping aircraft in peak operating condition, perform scheduled maintenance, make repairs, and perform inspections as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (or F.A.A.). They are required to hold certifications issued by the F.A.A. in either Powerplant, Airframe, or both Airframe and Powerplant maintenance.
Powerplant mechanics hold at least a Powerplant certificate and work on engines and limited work on propellers. Airframe mechanics hold at least an Airframe certificate and work on all parts of the aircraft except the instruments, powerplants, or propellers. Airframe & Powerplant (A & P for short) mechanics hold both certificates and work on all parts of the plane except instruments. Most mechanics get both a Powerplant and an Airframe certificate and work as A & P mechanics. Lastly, there are the Avionics technicians that repair and maintain instruments used for aircraft navigation, communications, weather radar systems, and others as well as computers that control primary functions, like engines. Avionics technicians are certified by the Federal Communications Commission (or F.C.C.) instead of the F.A.A.
Our Airframe and Powerplant Program prepares students for a career as an Aircraft Mechanic. The program includes both the Airframe and Powerplant certificates approved by the FAA. See our program's page for details.
Spotlight: Aircraft Pilot
(Student and Teacher
in a flight simulator)
in a flight simulator)
Aircraft Pilots are highly trained professionals who fly airplanes and helicopters for a living. They are required to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (or F.A.A.) and the F.A.A. also requires a maximum to the amount of hours that a pilot can fly a month/year. These certifications and regulations are made by the F.A.A. to keep flying safe and prevent accidents.
Most pilots are Airline Pilots, Co-pilots, and Flight Engineers. Airline pilots and co-pilots are responsible for flying the aircraft, communicating with Air Traffic controllers, and monitoring instruments. If an aircraft is large enough, a flight engineer assists the other pilots by monitoring and operating the instruments and systems on the aircraft. These pilots mostly transport passengers and cargo around the world.
1 in 5 pilots is a Commercial Pilot performs more unusual tasks. They are flying instructors, monitoring traffic, testing new aircraft, fighting fires, tracking criminals, rescuing and evacuating people in trouble, flying passengers and cargo to remote locations, dusting crops, or reseeding forests.
Our Flight Operations and Management Program prepares students for a career as an Aircraft Pilot. The program includes a Private and Commercial Certificate as well as its Instrument rating, all approved by the FAA. See our program's page for details.
Spotlight: Flight Attendant
(Instructor and
Students in class)
Students in class)
Major airlines are required by law to provide flight attendants for the safety of the traveling public. Their primary job is to ensure that safety regulations are followed and that the proper reports are filled. They also interface with the passengers during the flight and try to make them more comfortable. In the event of an emergency, it is the flight attendant's job to help the passengers. They calm the passengers when there is strong turbulence, or direct passengers to evacuate during emergency landings. They make sure the passengers are instructed in the use of the safety equipment onboard the air-craft, as well as inform them of what to do in-case of emergencies.
Our faculty in the Airline Travel Careers department have been, or are currently employed in the airline travel industry/aviation careers and have a wide variety of travel/aviation and business experience to share with the students. A college advisory board consisting of travel and airline professionals meets regularly to assure that the program is current with industry standards.
Our Airline Travel Careers program prepares students for a career as a Flight Attendant as well as other careers in the airline and travel industry. There are three Airline Travel Careers certificates: Flight, Travel, and Ground. See our program's page for details.
Spotlight: Travel Agent
(People getting on a plane)
Travel Agents make it their job to make sense out of the mass of information and choices available for traveling and vacations. They use a variety of published and computerized sources to make their recommendations to their clients. Many are even employed by major cruise lines, resorts, and special travel groups to promote travel packages to millions of people every year.
Travel Agents also make it their job to tell you what they have to offer. They use direct mail, telemarketing, and the internet to tell people about their great offers. They may also visit hotels, resorts, and restaurants to evaluate their services so they can make more informed recommendations. With advanced computer systems and telecommunication networks, some travel agents are able to work at home.
Our faculty in the Airline Travel Careers department have been, or are currently employed in the airline travel industry/aviation careers and have a wide variety of travel/aviation and business experience to share with the students. A college advisory board consisting of travel and airline professionals meets regularly to assure that the program is current with industry standards.
Our Airline Travel Careers program prepares students for a career as a Travel Agent as well as other careers in the airline and travel industry. There are three Airline Travel Careers certificates: Flight, Travel, and Ground. See our program's page for details.
Spotlight: Ticket Agent
(Passport on a pile of coins)
Millions of Americans travel by plane, car, bus, train, and ship every year. They rely on Reservation Agents, Ticket Agents, and Travel Clerks to sell tickets, confirm reservations, provide travel information, check baggage, and other varied functions.
Reservation Agents work for large hotel chains or airlines. They help people make reservations, plan trips, find out fares and and rates. They usually work large reservation centers, answering questions and providing information over the phone or e-mail. Ticket Agents work in train stations, air ports, and bus stations selling tickets, checking in baggage, directing passengers to their boarding area, and provide assistance to the young and elderly. Travel Clerks usually work for membership organizations, like automobile clubs. They plan trips, offer travel suggestions, calculate mileage, and make reservations for club members.
Our faculty in the Airline Travel Careers department have been, or are currently employed in the airline travel industry/aviation careers and have a wide variety of travel/aviation and business experience to share with the students. A college advisory board consisting of travel and airline professionals meets regularly to assure that the program is current with industry standards.
Our Airline Travel Careers program prepares students for a career as a Ticket Agent as well as other careers in the airline and travel industry. There are three Airline Travel Careers certificates: Flight, Travel, and Ground. See our program's page for details.
Spotlight: Promotional Video now available
(Kevin Kammer, from the
promotional video)
promotional video)
Our faculty have put together a promotional video that highlights our programs and shows some testimonials from our students and graduates. It is about 5 minutes long. You can view it by going to our Videos & Pictures page.