July 2015 - Aviation Institute of Maintenance

Plane Talk
Class chat
on pages 2, 3
RECOGNITION
on pages 3, 5, 6
COMMUNITY
on pages 6, 8
GRADUATES
Aviation Institute of Maintenance Newsletter
on page 7
EVENTS
July 2015 VOLUME 25, ISSUE 3
Orlando
on page 9
Las Vegas Students Visit Nellis Air Force Base
By Steve Agard, AML
To celebrate AMT day, AIM
Orlando prepared a time for
the students to enjoy free
lunch, a career talk, and a
time of education in learning
about the pioneer of Aviation
Maintenance, Charles E. Taylor. At the opening of the
school day, the instructors showed an educational video
about AMT day and Charles Taylor, the aircraft
mechanic who built the engine that helped the Wright
brothers conquer the skies with their flying machine.
Each student received a commemorative AMT Day
postcard with the Aircraft Mechanic’s Creed.
Mr. Jerry Moore, Campus Executive Director, took time out
of his normally busy schedule, to pull out the grill and cook
for his students. With the help of Program Coordinators,
Mr. Bailey and Ms. Kuhn, and Career and Student Services
Coordinators, Joe Vaught and Ivan Rodriguez, lunch was
prepared and served to the entire student body in the
hangar. When the students arrived for lunch, they were
pleasantly surprised to see their Campus Director at the
grill with the rest of the team ready to serve. Students
enjoyed their lunch, as well as the camaraderie and
conversation that took place.
After lunch was served, the students attended a general
meeting where Mr. Moore presented some positive
changes happening at AMO for the student body and gave
words of encouragement that were accepted with a
round of applause by the student body.
H
osted by Instructor John Siordia, students
were given the opportunity to tour the
Thunderbirds, Hangars and Information Threat
Museum at Nellis Air Force Base. Students
began the tour meeting with Master Sergeant
Thornton, who gave them a detailed explanation
behind the purpose, mission, and history of the
Thunderbirds. Students were able to view a F16
fighter in a 400 hour planned inspection in the
hangar and sit in the trainer module. After a small
lunch break, students went to the Information
Threat Museum. They were able to explore the
MIG23, MIG21, as well as the Hind 24 helicopter
by climbing inside various planes, tanks and
aircraft. They handled guns, infantry arms, and
many other electronics used from 1950 to present
day. It was a fun-filled day for AIM students, with
all equipment being available for inspection. We
greatly appreciate this learning experience and
thank the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds for being
great hosts. n
Capstone Class Launches in Chesapeake
M
onday, May 18th, 2015, Career Services AIM Chesapeake recruited
31 graduates to enroll into its Capstone class. The class is designed
to tutor and motivate graduates who wish to obtain their Airframe and
Powerplant certifications. The class is taught by Ric Ryburn, a former
graduate and current instructor. The capstone is a five week class that
meets twice daily Monday thru Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
and again 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to accommodate graduates who
work during the day. In addition, the class is open to all graduates on
Fridays all day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. n
AMT Day at
AIM Schools
Page 4, 5
Orlando
Graduate
Success
Stories
Page 6
Class Chat
2
Dallas Campus
Offers First AMTH Course
Houston Hawks Compete in Ft. Worth and Miami
By Mike Riccardelli AMH
By Cindy Grise, AMD
T
his year, the AIM Houston Hawks had the
opportunity to compete at two different
levels. In March, they had the Southwest Regional
FAR 147 PAMA Olympics, which was hosted by
Tarrant County College in Fort Worth, TX. There
were nine schools in attendance, including the
AIM Irving Owls. Each Olympian had a total of 12
events to complete, including timing a magneto
to a engine, sheetmetal, safety wire, hydraulics,
etc. The sponsors included Bell Helicopter, Elbit
Systems and Ellis Precision Engineering just to
AIM Dallas is excited to announce that this spring they
began offering their first helicopter maintenance
course. This course took two years of hard work by
David Meierotto, Dr. Steinman and Brian Comier, the
course’s instructor, to receive approval from the FAA
and accreditation from the Department of Education.
It also took this amount of time to obtain the Bell
helicopters needed for the students to study and
work on.
Four AIM Dallas graduates returned to participate in
the first AMTH class: John Nichols, Victor Robinson,
Abraham Mwonga, and Nico Gray. They are excited
and having fun learning how to work on the Bell
helicopters and the R22 Robinson. The five month
course will earn them a certificate of completion and
the ability to start working in the industry already
having hands on experience. It will give the students
that extra edge to know where components and parts
are located and how to adjust and inspect them.
The helicopter industry has been asking for this
kind of course for years and now AIM Dallas has it
up and running. n
name a few. Le Tourneau University took the 1st
place spot. We did not place this year, but the
team looked very professional. Next up for the
Hawks was the 2015 Aerospace Maintenance
Competition, held in Miami Beach, FL. There were
over twenty teams from around the world competing.
The Hawks skills set really shined in Miami, again
very professional with great team work. As a coach,
I couldn’t be more proud of this year’s team. Their
hard work and dedication was the best I have seen.
Great job Houston Hawks! n
Avionics Class Takes Flight
I
nstructor from AIM Indy, Jason Jackson took
the avionics class on a little field trip to spend
some time with his Cessna 150 at the Hendriks
County Airport. Students Jason Horton, Dustin
Johnston, Kevin McCradic, April Wheeler,
Jason Wright, and Kristy Yocum headed to the
airport for a little practice with their ground
handling and taxi skills and to take a short
flight. Flying individually with Jason, each
student was able get the “feel” for flying in a
typical general aviation aircraft. This experience
added credibility to the material they had
been learning in class and provided a relevant
diversion from the normal “day to day” school
activities. When all the flight time was over
it was lunch time and what better way to
celebrate flying than a little cookout at the
airport. Each student came back to school
excited and with a new sense of respect and
understanding relative to flight. n
Special Guests Visits Indy Campus
Students and faculty from the AIM Indy campus
enjoyed a visit from Gerry Shutrump, Director
of Quality Assurance at Chautauqua Airlines
and Tim Simpson, Indianapolis Line Station
Supervisor at Republic Airlines.
The students gained insight into how Maintenance
and Quality Assurance are handled at Indiana’s
largest regional airline. The presentation covered
the airline’s history, fleet, geographical locales,
operating statistics, employment information,
By Mark Holloway, AMI
By Matt Isenbarger, AMI
future opportunities, training and mechanic
qualifications, among many other items.
Republic Airlines is the world’s largest operator
of Embraer aircraft and has orders for an additional
69 jets to be delivered this year. The presentation
was followed by a Q&A session which gave the
students a great understanding of the life of an
A&P. Pizza provided by Republic Airways was also
very welcomed by the students! n
Class Chat - Recognition
Jet Logistics Visits Chesapeake Campus
By Jeff Dean, AMN
3
Oakland Instructor
Keeping Up With Latest
in Aviation Industry
By Susanne Shahrodizadh, AMS
O
n Tuesday and Wednesday, May 28th and 29th
Ashley Smith, owner and president of Jet Logistics,
flew in from Charlotte, North Carolina to the Aviation
Institute of Maintenance in Chesapeake to inspire the
students seeking careers in aviation.
Mr. Smith founded Jet Logistics in Nov 2002 and
acquired Corporate Air in 2004 and P&W Aviation
in 2005. Jet Logistics offers comprehensive general
aviation services through its Commercial, AirEMS™ and
GovOPS™ programs, including: air medical transport
specialist services, on-demand Part 135 passenger
charter, aircraft management, maintenance and
aircraft sales/acquisitions/consulting. The company
is based in Charlotte, NC with satellite operations
in Raleigh-Durham, NC and operates a strategic,
nationwide network of regional client/base operations
through its AirEMS™, GovOPS™ and executive divisions
in locations such as Nevada, Illinois, Boston, Indianapolis
and Arizona.
Mr. Smith addressed the entire student body regarding
his career in aviation, how he grew his own business,
and offered advice for various levels of mechanics
whether it was entry-level or advanced. In addition,
he discussed his experience as a pilot and he stayed
around to shake hands with students and answered
additional career questions. n
Manassas Holds Annual Graduation
By Matthew Coats, AMM
Just like our students,
our instructors are
always inspired to
learn more and stay
up to date on the
latest advances in the
aviation industry. One
of our instructors,
Angie Capriotti, is a
wonderful example of
this. Angie has recently
been awarded several
scholarships that will
help increase her knowledge as an experienced
AMT. One of the scholarships is for training through
Pratt & Whitney. They have given her a selection
of power plants to choose from. This training is
taking place in September of this year, for 8 days,
in Connecticut and she has chosen the PW1500G C
series. This engine will not be released until 2016 and
she will get firsthand knowledge of it.
Angie has also received a scholarship through Women
in Aviation, which will pay for the trip’s expenses.
She has extended herself in many ways to the school
and her students but, in addition, would like to
motivate students to come to her for help or advice on
scholarships. Capriotti’s advice on writing request
letters for scholarships? “Include enthusiasm, your
love for aviation and always remember is to at least try,
because what the worst thing they can say?” Thank you
Angie, for extending your scholarship knowledge to our
students, and we are excited to hear about your training. n
Haeco Visits Chesapeake
O
n Friday, April 24, 2015 AIM Manassas held
its graduation ceremony for those students
who had completed all coursework for their
respective programs. The staff, instructors, family,
and friends honored our graduating students on this
distinguished day and ushered them into the aviation
profession that they worked so hard to access.
One of the highlights was the graduation keynote
speaker, Mr. Ronald Gatewood, CEO of SkyWorld
Aviation located in Midland, VA. Mr. Gatewood
gave inspiring words of wisdom to the graduates
as they set off to embark on their new and exciting
career field. Each graduate was also presented with
a gift as a token of the schools appreciation for
all of the hard work they put forth during their time
at AIM. Each graduate received a compass with
a heartfelt explanation as to how they can
successfully navigate and find their way to their
goals and dreams. One graduate, Said Bendaoud
received a special gift from the school for all the
hard work he put forth in obtaining 100% perfect
attendance during his time as a student. Graduates
also selected one day shift instructor, Ivan Stewart,
and one evening shift instructor, Dick Lewis, for
“Instructor of the Year.” Each winner was presented
with an award as well as why they were selected
for this distinguished honor. It was a pleasure
recognizing our hard working graduates on their big
day and we look forward to all of the wonderful
accomplishments they will achieve. n
On Thursday, May 14th, 2015, Haeco Americas of
Greensboro, North Carolina visited AIM Chesapeake.
Established in Hong Kong in 1950, HAECO is one of the
world’s leading independent aircraft engineering and
maintenance groups. Reid Blackwell, company senior
recruiter, shared his personal aviation experiences and
educated the students and graduates of AIM about
careers. Blackwell sold the audience on the importance
of obtaining an Airframe & Powerplant certification
so that their opportunities for employment are much
greater and the industry for aircraft mechanics is in
high demand. At the end of the program, Mr. Blackwell
opened the floor to questions regarding employment
opportunities. Today, Haeco recently hired two AIM
graduates and plans to hire more in the very near future n
AIM Celebrates AMT Day
4
Houston
2015 ay
AMT
DAY
21, 2015 was more than
Manassas
M
just a celebration for Aviation
Maintenance Technician Day. AIM
Houston hosted its first high school
campus tour, welcoming fifteen
students and five staff members
from SOAR/LINC/Night High School,
from the Alief Independent School
District. The campus tour was hosted
by Ms. Bernice Langdon and Mr.
Kevin Tatum, both of whom are
responsible for community outreach for the Houston campus.
The students from SOAR/LINC/Night High School are making strides on a second chance at
education by overcoming obstacles that have prevented them from reaching their educational
goals of high school completion. AIM-Houston decided to partner with them through their
Counselor, Deidre Jackson, to show their students an outstanding opportunity that can be
awaiting them upon High School/GED Completion.
The tour started out with welcome speeches from Kevin Tatum and Aaron Armendariz,
Campus Executive Director. Both gentlemen gave the students very encouraging words
through personal testimonies and ensuring them that their past mistakes will not define their
future aspirations with continued hard work and dedication. The guests were then guided on
a detailed tour of the campus’ hangar and labs, by Ms. Langdon and Mr. Tatum. They even
got the chance to board one of the aircraft. For the majority of them, that was their first time
entering an airplane, which made a lasting memory for them. Our guests also had the privilege
of listening to our afternoon Keynote Speaker for our AMT Day Celebration, Ms. Nikki Duncan
from NASA.
The SOAR/LINC/Night High School students and staff members had an awesome experience
touring our campus, according to Deidre Jackson, Counselor. The students
learned of an opportunity that can benefit their futures, as well as received
confirmation that regardless of their past obstacles, with a mind made-up to
accomplish positive results, our doors will always be open for them. n
O
n Saturday, May 30, 2015, as the temperature soared, so
did the enthusiasm for our Annual Aviation Maintenance
Technician Day at the Manassas, Virginia campus. With a
full complement of Aviation exhibits, to include a Queen
Air, unmanned aircraft and the whiff of cotton candy, over
100 guests, students and their families enjoyed a day filled
with fun and admiration for aviation. The event also piggybacked on an FAA tradition in honoring an A&P Mechanic as
“Mechanic of the Year.” Here at AIM Manassas we followed
suit by sending over 80 requests to our local aviation
community in selecting one of their Aviation Maintenance
Technicians for that honor. Finally, with his grandmother,
mother, wife and children anticipating a win, the nominee
was named. Jacob Coleman is our AIM “Aviation Technician
of the Year!” It goes without saying; the honoree was an
AIM Graduate. Not only was Mr. Coleman nominated by his
current employer, Chantilly Air, he was nominated by all his
previous employers, also!
So, as the moon bounce was deflated, and the last of the
snow cones melted the Annual Aviation Maintenance
Technician Day was over. There are only 11 more months
till the next AMT Day. We can’t wait! n
Atlanta
By David Garner AMA
Chesapeake
By Jeff Dean, AMN
On Friday, May 15th, 2015,
AIM Chesapeake celebrated
National AMT Day and Career
Fair. To celebrate the occasion,
the campus held an outdoor
cookout and participated in
contests and activities, such
as safety wiring and fluid line
competitions. Across the parking lot, the Veterans Resource Office
sponsored a car wash (raised nearly $300) and offered hotdogs. In
addition, AIM partnered with FM99 to drive in street traffic and to
hand out free prizes. Finally AIM Chesapeake brought in fourteen
employers, such as Textron Aviation, DRS Technologies, Landmark
Aviation, Piedmont Airlines, PSA Airlines, and Haeco to name a
few. The employers met with graduates and students to discuss
employment opportunities and to build their network up for
potential candidates. The turn out was amazing and the event was a
win-win for all who participated. n
As we near the 112th anniversary of
the Wright Brothers’ flight in 1903,
aviation professionals honored
the achievement of the aviation
maintenance technician who built
and maintained the engine that
was used to power the Wright
brothers’ first controlled flying
machine, Charles Edward Taylor,
on the date of May 24, 2015. AMA
rose to the occasion in a celebratory
manner by competing in games
and events between students and
faculty. All participants also enjoyed
a full service hotdog cookout served up by the AMA administrative staff. The
weather was perfect for all activities, though the sustained winds of 20 mph
did make it a challenge for students competing in the “Aircraft Carrier Landing”
contest (shown).
Admissions joined in to celebrate with exciting activities for the community.
Our guests included many local vendors for our open flea market, Atlanta local
radio station Hot 107.9, Red Bull, Best Bank, & the Gwinnett County Animal
Shelter. There were games, refreshments and engine run demonstrations by
the instructors. Topping the day off, 3 dogs were adopted by the employees and
visitors during the celebratory event! n
Recognition
5
Chesapeake Recognizes Graduates
Oakland
By Maurice R. Person II, AMN
By Susanne Shahrodizadh, AMS
O
n May 30th, 2015 AIM Oakland celebrated National AMT
Day. Instructors, students, graduates, local AMTs, staff,
family and friends all came to join in the festivities. There
were snow cones, popcorn, BBQ, a jump house, face painting
and aircraft on display. It was a great way to celebrate what
joins us all together here at AIM Oakland and that is our love
for aviation and the men and the women that call themselves
and will soon call themselves AMT’s. We would also like to
congratulate one of our wonderful instructors, Bob Hope,
who was nominated AMT of the year! n
Indianapolis
By Matt Isenbarger, AMI
O
n May 30, 2015, the Chesapeake campus of
the Aviation Institute of Maintenance held its
annual commencement graduation ceremony at
The Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, VA.
Many of us have attended various graduation
ceremonies for our friends, family members and
ourselves, but very seldom is the graduation
ceremony held at a venue that exhibits tangible
examples of the career in which you are now
embarking.
Here’s my experience: traveling the soothing
and winding back roads of Virginia Beach en route
to the graduation, I had time to reflect on the
accomplishments that the soon to be graduates
achieved by making it to this day. Having only
been to the Military Aviation Museum once
before for the “Biplanes and Triplanes Air Show”,
I became charged with excitement envisioning
how the graduation would be set up and how
appropriate it was having it at the Military Aviation
Museum, as it relates to the field of study.
When I arrived at the graduation and I walked into
the Navy Hanger where the graduation was being
held, I was absolutely blown away! There was a
stage and chairs set up as you would find at any
graduation but surrounding this typical set up were
some of the rarest World War I and World War II
planes in the world. It was almost as if the planes
were there to see the graduation, too. Parents,
friends and family toured the museum while
waiting to see their loved ones cross the stage.
Excitement and anticipation along with 90 degree
heat made the air noticeably thick. Warbirds
zoomed off the runway and floated effortlessly
in the air above as if you literally stepped back in
time. The sound of the engines and the smell of
the exhaust in the air ignited the purpose of why
we were there and the overall ambiance validated
to the graduates that this is why I chose to be an
aviation maintenance mechanic.
We had several outstanding guest speakers
including Mrs. Anna Brown who is an AIM
graduate, A&P certificate holder, pilot and aviation
entrepreneur. Anna showed the graduates that she
received the same training from the same institution
and really exposed the endless opportunities they,
too, could have. Our valedictorian was Mrs. Shirleen
Bergren, who has a 4.0 GPA. She spoke briefly to
her fellow graduates and showed them that it’s
very possible to be an A&P holder even before
you officially graduate. The Executive Campus
Director, Jim Luck, and the Director of Education,
Brad Groom, drove home the importance of all
graduates obtaining their A&P certificates and
spoke to family and friends about the capstone
program designed to help make this happen in a
timely and cost effective manner.
I give this graduation 2 planes up and I hope that
we can hold it at the museum again. To Mr. Gerald
Yagen, the museum staff and everyone who was
involved, I would like to say thank you for a very
memorable graduation experience. n
Philadelphia Holds Summer Graduation
The week before Memorial Day was deemed AMT Week at
AIM Indianapolis. AMT Day, May 24th, is set aside as the day
to celebrate Charles Taylor’s accomplishments. As you may
already know, Charles Taylor was the first airplane mechanic
to work on the engine for the Wright Flyer.
At AIM Indianapolis, our celebration included competitions
in sheet metal and safety wire. Students were also able to
take an aviation quiz, and were given a t-shirt to remember
the day. Invited Airframe and Powerplant mechanics from
the community also received a shirt and were able to sign
up for a chance to win Indy 500 tickets. A couple pairs of tickets
were also given to students who participated in the events
and ended our week with pizza for all the students. It was
a good week and a great way to celebrate and remember
AMT Day and Charles Taylor. n
A
IM Philly held their summer graduation ceremony on
June 5, 2015. The ceremony was held in the airframe
hangar on campus. The ceremony was attended by 60
graduates and their families. The graduates dressed in royal
blue cap and gowns and marched into the ceremony to “Pomp
and Circumstance.” Kyle Berry, Campus Director, welcomed
everyone in attendance and congratulated the graduates.
Ron Stephens, day time instructor, shared his personal stories
and memories about the graduates and his own personal
experiences. Gabrielle Farrell, Career Service
Coordinator, created a wonderful graduation
slideshow to recognize all the graduates. All
were presented with their diplomas and
gifts by Kyle Berry, Campus Director, and
Gabrielle Farrell, Career Service Coordinator.
Congratulations to all the 2015 AIM Philly
grads. We are very proud of each and every
one of you! n
By Gabrielle Farrell, AMP
Recognition - Community
6
Success Stories from Orlando Graduates
By Joe Vaught, AMO
Brian Montes, AMT
Orlando Student of the Block
Involved in his Community
By A. Ivan Rodriguez, AMO
super excited about the opportunity to travel the
world and apply his newly gained skills in aviation
mechanics that he learned from AIM. He was very
compliant and consistent in his application process
toward a position with Van Wagner, who hired him
without reservation.
AIM Orlando graduate Brian Montes has been a
shining example of succeeding in his AMT program,
gaining his A&P certification, and attaining his
ideal career. He even gives back to the community.
During Brian’s entire 18 month AMT training,
he rode his bike to AIM Orlando every day.
He attended class with very close to perfect
attendance. He showed up to school at least 2
hours early before his evening classes began and
would study his notes. Brian also attended every
workshop offered to him throughout his AMT
training from the campus’ staff.
After Brian completed his training at AIM
Orlando, he expressed to me that he wanted no
employment assistance until he earned his A&P
certification and he did that in only 2 months after
graduation. After graduation, he attended a Career
Talk offered by Career Services and interviewed
at the campus with the largest blimp company in
the world, Van Wagner Airship Group. Brian was
Mr. Montes is now a traveling certified A&P
mechanic with the largest blimp company in the
world, helping repair, build and launch the greatest
aerial blimps in the skies. The company he works
for has a great connection to the communities
which they serve. One day, Brian and fellow blimp
mechanics visited an elementary school to show
children and share with them what a blimp is
made of, how it works and how it flies. This was
an awesome opportunity for our grad to shine not
only in his job, but within our AIM community as he
explained to the children that it took hard training
to become a mechanic. The students had drawn a
picture for Brian and his crew and sent it to them as
a token of thanks.
Brian has left his bicycle behind here in Orlando,
but he gladly trades it in for all the exciting
experiences he’s gaining. AIM Orlando is proud and
excited for Brian on his new journey as a certified
A&P mechanic; the world is yours Brian, keep
AIMing high! n
Aaron Rogers, AMT
AIM Orlando graduate Aaron Rogers is a great
example of a very successful student. So much
success was achieved while in his AMT training, his
instructors nominated him for and he was awarded
the AIM Orlando Student of the Year for 2014.
Aaron shared with us his experiences and practices
that helped him earn his A&P certification and
what made him so successful as a student, a
graduate with a 4.0 GPA, and now employed with
a company he has always highly regarded: Cessna.
Aaron’s success came with much dedication and
determination. His goal was not just to graduate,
but more importantly, to pass the FAA exams.
Aaron passed all of his exams, including his
Oral & Practical exam, within 4 weeks after his
graduation. He would take an extra hour or two
each day to review the notes from the class the day
before and would read ahead prior to class, giving
him the ability to better understand the material
when being presented.
He was motivated to get continued knowledge
from instructors, whom were open to give the
answer at all times. If instructors didn’t have an
answer, they would get it for him. He would take
notes meticulously in each class and even had color
coded notebooks that matched the color of each
training section. Red for airframe and green for
powerplant. He assisted students while in school
by every day bringing extra pairs of safety glasses
and hearing protection so his classmates wouldn’t
have to miss any time on projects in the hangar. He
also assisted fellow graduates with tutoring after
he graduated and even represented AIM Orlando
as a student at the 2015 HAI Helicopter Expo that
was held here in Orlando. He took notes from
panel speakers and helped guide fellow students
that attended with him.
His advice to current and prospective students is
simple: get rid of distractions such as video games
and television shows; be prepared to focus, as it’s a
waste of time and money to not focus; come to an
agreement with your significant other or family and
friends that studying is primary to social outings;
ensure that your friends and family are supportive
of all sacrifices and school decisions you make.
Aaron did everything Career Services advised. He
stressed how important the CSC was as a resource
to tap into for industry trends and norms and that
time management with yourself and others is
one of the most important aspects of completing
everything properly.
It’s with pride that we learn from his success and
we’re certainly proud of his many accomplishments
after he left AIM. Aaron Rogers is AIM Orlando’s
2014 Student of the Year. Way to go Aaron;
keep AIMing high! n
T
he AMO Student of
the Block is one that
represents the values of
the school and the future
AMT professional. Mr. Eli
Perez Estrada, Student
of the Block for March
2015, lives up to these
expectations in his responsibilities with the
school and his involvement in the community. When
Mr. Perez learned that the young students at a local
inner school in his community had goals of doing low
pay employment when they grew up, he decided to
offer them a dream for a brighter future by sharing his
own training as an AMT.
On Friday May 1st, Catalina Elementary School located
in Orange County, invited our Student of the Block, Eli
S. Perez Estrada to encourage and educate a group of
3rd graders about the field of aviation. The school’s
mission is to equip the students with the necessary
skills and knowledge to become successful future
leaders. Our student began his lesson by showing
a FAA video on aviation. He then began asking the
students “Who here likes airplanes?” to his surprise
all of the students raised their hand and shouted “I
do”. He then continued to ask the students “Does
anyone know what materials airplanes are made of?”
Not knowing the answer to this, the students were
surprised to learn that most airplanes are made from
aluminum and that a new generation of airplanes was
made of composite. He then began to show the kids
some of the projects that were completed in some of
his classes, which included a sheet metal repair and
a composite repair. At the end of his lesson, he told
the children that he had some gifts for each one of
them. The kids shouted with excited voices “Yaayyy!!”
Eli then continued to give the students pencils from
the Aviation Institute of Maintenance with a light up
airplane pin. The teacher then noticed how involved
and interested the students were during the lesson
and opened the floor for questions. Our student
then began to encourage the students to do well in
school, always follow directions from their teachers,
the importance of always doing their homework and
projects and to never give up on school in order to one
day start a career in the field of aviation.
Eli S. Perez Estrada told us that “It was a great
experience and privilege for to be able to impact
and encourage children to be great students
inside and outside of the classroom and to one day
become future successful leaders in the wonderful
field of aviation.” n
Graduates
Abdelrahman, Elmuiz
Adams, Adarian
Adams, Dewayne
Adan, R
Agosto, Jessy J
Aguirre, Sergio
Akakpo-Ayewanou, Tomalona
Alamo, Julian K
Ali, S
Ali, Syed
Alshaikhli, Ali
Alvarez Claudio, Alejandro
Alvarez, Enmanuel J
Amofa, J
Anderson, Cedric R
Anderson, Jonathen
Anderson, T’challa D
Andrade, Christian
Antwi, Sampson
Aragon, Kellie M
Arciniega, Angel
Asfaw, Samson
Ashley, John
Asphall, I
Aston, J
Ativie, F
Aviles, Armando
Baez, Gamaliel
Baez, J
Baity, Quin’terrious
Baker, D
Balkissoon, Jorrel X
Banks, K
Barajas, Albert
Barnes, Paul
Barsoum, Christopher
Bedane, Tewodros
Bell, Deron W
Bello, Mojeed
Bendaoud, Said
Bennett, N
Bergren, Shirleen E
Berube, John
Birt, J
Bizarron, F
Bland, Travis
Blundell, Jimmy
Bogert, Jonathan P
Borzie, M
Boubel, Taylor
Braunecker, Joshua
Braunschweig, Ryan A
Bravo, Andres A
Bridges, T
Brito, Felix
Brooks, J
Brown, C
Brown, Christopher
Brown, Johnny
Brown, Robert L
Brown, Sedrick S
Brown, Terrell J
Bryant, B
Bucher Iii, Robert
Buey, Ronald D
Bunch, Ricky
Bunch, Trevor
Burgess, Warren
Burkes, J
Burrow, Christopher
Burrow, J
Bush, D
Cage, K
Cain, L
Calhoun, M
Calmes, Joseph
Campbell, N
Cardenas, Michael
Carmona, Bryant
Carr, J
Carson, J
Carter, Cody
Carter, D
Caton, Daniel
Cavalcante, R
Cavazos, Stephen
Cepeda, Elliot
Chadd, Brian
Chaffe, J
Chagnon, Kevin
Charlot, Widmagner
Charlton, Kimberly J
Chatman, Kenton
Chellakh, Ahmed
Chen, Winston M
Christie, Michael
Clark, J
Clark, R
Clarke, Kwame W
Cobb, Charlie
Codopony, Dayna M
Coker, L
Colberg, B
Collins, Brad
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Conroy, Sean
Contreras, Anthony
Cooke, Brandon
Cortes, Matthew A
Couch, A
Couch, C
Cowart, Adam J
Crawford, Jowell
Creekmore, Troy
Cruz, Edgar
Culbertson, Jordan V
Dallas, J
Dambrosia, Nicholas R
Daniels, A
Das, V
Davalt, Derrick
De La Cruz, J
Dejoy, Daniel R
Delange, Joseph
Delgado, Jesse
Dennis, Jarrod
Devenport, Zeke
Dimas, Albert
Dixon, Iman S
Dodson Johnston, Leon M
Dones-Lopez, Harold
Donkor, Isaac
Downes, Z
Drumgole, R
Dudek, J
Duffey, William
Dumais, Doug
Duncum, Cody
Durden, M
Duron, Juan
East, David L
Edwards, Herman
Eggleston, J
Ervin, Dexter D
Escalera Rodriguez, Christopher
Fair, A
Faulk, Oliver
Felix, K
Finch, Gerald D
Fink, James
Flores-Guevara, Jorge
Flores-Hernandez, Bladimir
Folagboye, Abiodun Oyeniyi
Forrest, B
Foster, Tony
Franklin, Jeffrey A
Franklin, N
Frias, Hansel
Fuerstenau, David
Fuller, Jay
Fulton, Michael R
Gabourel, Jimie S
Gaches, Michah
Gaines, J
Galante, Richard
Galusha, Adam F
Gant, Labrielle
Garcia Claudio, Ernesto A
Garcia-Lopez, L
Garcia, Andrew
Garcia, Jesus
George, Brandon T
Geronimo, Robert L
Ghiassy, Yosef
Gibbons, L
Golden, John W
Gonzales, Erika
Gonzalez-Martinez, Orlando*
Gonzalez, Jacobo
Good, Ryan
Gordon, Michael
Graham, C
Graham, Seth A
Grant, C
Green, G
Grier, T
Griffin, Keegan
Grisham, Jacob E
Guillory, Milton
Guiou, Justin
Guscott, Peteroy
Gutierrez, Michael
Gutierrez, Nicolas
Hall, M
Harper, Keith M
Hart, Frankie
Haynie, T
Heard, J
Heath, Johnathan
Hedrick, Zachary
Height, Allen
Heredia, Anthonio
Hesultura, Dan E
Hewlett, E
Hill, T
Hirsch, Jordan
Holder, Olon
Holloway, J
Honeycutt, Christopher
7
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Hong, S
Horton, B
Houston, Thor E
Howell, Joshua
Hueg, Andrew
Huffman, James S
Humphrey, Nathaniel
Hurst, D
Huynh, J
Hwang, S
Ibrahim, Ammar
Ighani, Pouya
Inczedy, Ricky D
Jabagat, Fernando
Jackson, A
Jacobs, Isaac
Jarrell, Shanda
Jefferson, W
Jervis, T
John, N
Johnson, Calvin
Johnson, J
Johnson, Jeffrey
Johnson, Rickey
Jones, Bryan L
Jones, G
Joseph, T
Joyce, David
Julio, M
Kaitoku, Mitsuaki
Kamara, Brima
Kantharaj, Joshua
Kazimer, Alayna J
Kellogg, T
Kennerson, Wallace
Keough, Aaron S
Khan, Intiaz
Khatib, O
Kilgore, Christopher
Kim, T
Kitchen, B
Koffler, Markus A
Kouassi, K
Kpou, Richard
Kusanza, Serge
Lamacchia, Donald P
Lamoureaux, Wayne
Lancaster, G
Lancaster, Kennedy
Land, Alexander L
Lang, D
Langi, John
Larios, Dimas
Lastra, Dennis
Laureano, Eric
Lee, Roger
Lester, James M
Lewis, B
Lieway, Joe
Limehouse, Al C
Llaca Hernandez, Emmanuel
Lopez, Janet
Loscuito, Brian
Lott, L
Loyd, Christopher
Lumpkin, D
Lynn, G
Lyon, Garrett
Macean, Elimelec
Mack, Johnny
Makarutsa, Lawrence
Malm, Hlomabu
Mamou, Dvan
Manswell, Anthony
Marcus, Darius C
Marks, Matthew
Marrs, Gregory
Martin, Antonio
Martin, Torrey
Martinez Berrios, Carlos J
Martinez Neuta, Jorge A
Martinez, Israel
Mburu, Peter
Mcconnell, Justin
Mcelroy, K
Mcewen, Erick
Mcgregor, L
Mcneil, Samad
Measho, Michael
Medina, Josue
Meisky, John D
Melaku, Michael
Mercer, T
Meshedi, Faisal R
Meyer, Ryan R
Mikell, T
Miller, K
Milosky, Christopher
Miranda, Irving
Miranda, Ricardo
Mitchell, A
Mitchell, Jonathan
Molina, Gilberto
Montes, Brian
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Moore, E
Moore, Stephanie
Moore, T
Moreno, Mark
Morgan, Lernell
Motte, Antonio
Moyston, J
Murray, D
Mwonga, Abraham
Myers, Richard E
Nash, J
Navarrete, Alma
Navarro, Emanuel
Neiman, Brian A
Nguyen, D
Nguyen, Tony
Nham, Kham
Nickens, William J
Nielsen, Bryant
Nigond, Dylan
Norkeo, Khammay
Ntumba, Sosthene V
Nunez, Luis
Nwagidi, A
Oanda, Obed
Ogado, Luke
Oldfield, Tyler
Oliveras, Richard
Onyekachi, D
Orellana, Werner
Orozco, Dylan
Ortega, Angel L
Ortiz, Carlos
Ortiz, Roberto L
Owens, C
Owens, Daniel
Owens, Robert
Pacheco, R
Pagan, J
Palmer, Larry D
Papastamou, Dimitrios
Parker, Marvin
Parks, James
Patino, David
Payne, Marcus J
Pedraza, Saul
Peralta Torres, Esterlin J
Perez, Alvino
Perez, Armando
Perez, M
Perez, Sebastian
Perkins, Grant
Perkins, J
Pettway, C
Pfeiffer, Jeff
Phan, David
Philippe, Philome E
Pinkett, Keith
Pinkins, Akeyra
Pipkin, Johniecia
Pitchure, Michael J
Pleva, Ross J
Pogman, V
Polston, Eric A
Praetorius, George
Previlon, Ketele
Price, J
Price, R
Quiambao, Darwish
Quiroz, Angelo
Radyvonyuk, Daniella
Ramirez, Carlos
Ramirez, Geovanni
Ramos, H
Ramos, Orlando
Ramsey, Christopher
Randall, Darnell
Rashad, Nasir
Rawls, Heath H
Reed, Harold
Reed, Sequoyah D
Reeves, Bryan
Reeves, D
Reine, M
Repiedad, Kevin
Reyes, Dantley
Reyes, Noe
Reyes, Sergio
Rifai, A
Robinson, A
Rodriguez
Rodriguez Rivera, Jose Gustavo
Rodriguez, Agustin M
Rodriguez, Andrew
Rodriguez, Jorge N
Rodriguez, Matthews
Rodriguez, Noe
Rogers, Aaron
Rogers, W
Rosario, Brian
Rosario, Mariel
Rubang, Teodoro
Rucker, T
Rupan, Jason
*** Summa Cum Laude (CGPA 3.85-4.0)
** Magna Cum Laude (CGPA 3.7-3.849)
7
* Cum Laude (CGPA 3.5-3.699)
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Russell, Gary
Sada, Hugo
Salazar, Gerardo
Sales, Nahum
Sanchez, Jason
Santay, Candido
Santiago Aviles, Wilfredo
Schaefer, Jhon
Schellinger, Ashley M
Schultz, D
Scott, A
Scott, D
Scott, Timothy
Serrato Garcia, Ezeqiuel
Sevallos, Anthony
Seyoum, Natnael
Shafer, C
Shepherd, Benjamin
Shepherd, Ryan
Short, Jonathan R
Sihler, Daniel
Silvera Jr., Robert D
Smith Jr., Samuel
Smith, A
Smith, Kyle
Smith, Paul
Smith, Roger
Smith, Tyler R
Sombatphibane, Todd
Song, Douglas
Spears, Quentin S
Spires, Milton
Stachowicz, Anthony M
Stalling, Danielle C
Steiger, Seth
Steward, F
Steward, Patrick
Stiltner, James B
Stringfellow, Jacob
Stryszowski, Karol
Swiston, David A
Sze, Tak Ming
Tan, J
Tanis, Bryan
Tankersly, Adam S
Tapia, Raul
Taveras, Jose L
Taylor, Carl B
Taylor, D
Taylor, Shaun
Tegegne, Ashenafi
Terry, Joseph
Thao, B
Thibodeau, Evan
Thomas, D
Thomas, Jasson
Tillotson, Iain G
Tong, K
Torivio, Clayden B
Torres Cardona, Peter J
Torres, Emanuel
Torres, Mark
Trevino, L
Underwood, S
Valdespino, Joshua T
Van Horn, Richard
Vargas Bou, Carlos M
Varney, Lee
Vea, Tino
Velazquez, Mario A
Velez, Eduardo
Vincent, Nathaniel
Walker, Kendrick
Wall, T
Wamugi, Lawrence
Warren, M
Washington, Gregory
Washington, J
Wasney, Benjamin
Wetzel, Monique
White, J
Whittaker, D
Wiggins, G
Williams, A
Williams, Devery
Williams, Dominick
Williams, F
Williams, Ronald
Williams, Terence
Wilson, Michael E
Wilson, Miles
Wilson, Miranda
Wilson, R
Woodcock, Jonathan
Wright, Michael
Xhindoli, Gerdi
Yi, Raymond
Ypina, Spencer
Zapata, Consuelo
Zaremba, Jason A
Zayes, R
Zellefrow, T
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Community - Events
8
Houston Campus Hosts Aeros and Autos Event
Manassas Hosts
Speakers from ASIG
By Susanne Shahrodizadh, AMS
H
ouston Ellington Airport hosted the 7th Annual
Aeros & Autos event on Saturday, May 16, 2015.
This is an annual family- friendly community event that
features the best worlds of airplanes and automobiles.
The crowd was able to enjoy a car show that exhibits
over 200 classic models such as a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air
and 1977 Nova. The weather was beautifu and everyone
enjoyed music by a local DJ. Kids were entertained
with moonwalk jumpers, helicopter rides, and aircraft
displays. AIM Houston’s admissions team was able to
make contact with potential students and high school
inquires for our upcoming summer camp. They were
also able to network with numerous vendors and gain
information from local businesses. n
Local Boy Scout Troop Visits Chesapeake
By Brad Groom, AMN
they were given some classroom time going over aviation
history, fundamentals of flight, aircraft construction,
engines and types of aircraft. Next, out in the shop for
some hands-on lessons on the fire detection trainer,
anti-thrust reverser, turbine and rotary engine, installing
rivets, HU-55 helicopter, and the Cessna 172.
I
t was Boy Scout Saturday at the Aviation Institute of
Maintenance in Chesapeake, Virginia. The goal of the
day was to help 30 Boy Scouts get closer to earning their
Aviation Merit Badge and have some fun doing it. First
Lunch break was taken for hotdogs and hamburgers from
the grill before the last task of the day which was to sit in
and start a running aircraft. The Aztec was used for this
and three scouts at a time were in the cockpit to observe
the gauges and start up procedures of the the right engine.
With both engines running the scouts were impressed! All
the scouts went home with a certificate and a smile from
the school for their participation in this event. n
Building an Institution Through Our Community
By Bernard Springfield, AMK
AIM Kansas City opened its doors Friday, June
19th, 2015 to aspiring aviation maintenance
technicians from the Kansas City Summer
Transportation Institute (KCSTI). The future of
aviation maintenance technicians has often
been lost to the younger generation, but Kansas
City’s “AIM” to target our youth has shown to be
what they’ve been wanting and needing.
The energy, passion and education from the
2015 Jet Tech Aviation Maintenance Summer
Camp proved to be an overwhelming success.
Camp participants were exposed to lessons
in the basics of aviation maintenance, such as
ground operations, physics of flight, safety
wiring and much more. Everyone in attendance
got a special treat, as one the engines our
students use in their training was fired up.
While attendees, professors and staff alike
enjoyed the festivities, it was the pleasure of
AIM, and our goal here at AMK, to reach out
to our younger generation by educating and
promoting our future in aviation! n
T
he AIM Manassas campus hosted guest
speakers from Aircraft Service International
Group (ASIG) for our monthly lunch and learn
guest speaker series. Dave Barrett, General
Manager for ASIG at Dulles Airport spoke
to the day shift students on April 23rd. Jack
Miller, Health, Safety, Environmental & Training
Manager and Bruce Nelson, Training Supervisor
both from ASIG at Dulles Airport spoke to the
evening shift students on May 6th. They provided
useful information regarding open positions
with ASIG, specifically at Dulles Airport, and how
interested students can apply. Furthermore,
they gave insight into the expectations set forth
by ASIG for their employees. Two of the main
positions they spoke about which students are
eligible to apply for are the Fueler and Pipeline
Technician positions. Each position plays a
crucial part in ensuring that aircraft are ready
for takeoff and that airport operations run
smoothly. Both are great positions for our
current students to take advantage of while
they are attending school.
Our guest speakers also provided helpful
knowledge regarding qualifications that
applicants need in order to obtain employment
with ASIG, including positive background checks
and clean driving records. They shared that
ASIG is very willing to work with our students
and their school schedules to help them obtain
hands on experience in the aviation field. The
students also learned about the training that
they would receive and basic knowledge about
each job and what it entails. Our guest speakers
gave wonderful insight into the inner workings
of aircraft fueling and an impressive fact they
gave is that Dulles Airport goes through 1.2
million gallons of aircraft fuel a day! We are very
appreciative for our ASIG guest speakers and the
partnership that we have with them. n