Students, Faculty in K-State's Avionics Program Earn NCATT Industry Certification

Nov. 1, 2010
NCATT certifications recognize qualified and competent individuals throughout the industry and demonstrate integrity, safety and professionalism in the work force.

SALINA, Kan. -- Four Kansas State University at Salina avionics students and two instructors have earned industry certifications from the National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technology, Ft. Worth, Texas.

NCATT certifications are an industry-defined mechanism to identify professionals who demonstrate their knowledge through testing and commit themselves to the aerospace industry. These aviation certifications recognize qualified and competent individuals throughout the industry and demonstrate an integrity, safety and professionalism in the work force.

Students earning certifications are:

John Charbonneau, sophomore in aviation maintenance, Manhattan, Kan., Foreign Object Elimination and Aircraft Electronics Technician certifications; Rodger Jameson, senior in aviation maintenance, Salina, Kan., Aircraft Electronics Technician certification; Allan Richardson, senior in aviation maintenance, Adams, Neb., Foreign Object Elimination and Aircraft Electronics Technician certifications; and Robin Suprenant, senior in aviation maintenance, Cochise, Ariz., Foreign Object Elimination certification.

Evan Beckman, instructor of aviation maintenance, earned the Aircraft Electronics Technician certification. He already has Foreign Object Elimination certification.

Raylene Alexander, assistant professor of aviation maintenance, earned the Foreign Object Elimination certification, and added a third endorsement in Onboard Communication and Safety Systems to her Aircraft Electronics Technician certification. She also has endorsements in Dependent Navigation Systems and Radio Communication Systems.

"It is important that the K-State avionics faculty stay current with technology and with industry-endorsed certificates," Alexander said.

The Aircraft Electronics Technician certification recognizes the core knowledge of an aircraft electronics/avionics technician that is common across the industry in fields that include air carriers, cargo transportation, corporate flight departments, fixed-based operators, manufacturers, the military and repair stations.

The Foreign Object Elimination certification demonstrates an understanding of standardized safety practices in the aerospace industry. The certification can apply to all areas of the aerospace industry, including personnel outside of the technical field. Damage from foreign objects costs the industry $4 billion to $6 billion each year.

According to the National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technology's website, the certifications demonstrate an advanced aerospace technician's ability to promote integrity, safety and professionalism in the work force.

K-State is an elite Top 5 aviation university. Located on the Salina campus adjacent to a 12,000-foot runway, the program has a modern fleet of more than 40 learning aircraft and more Master Certified Flight Instructors than any other college or university in the country. K-State Salina offers affordable degrees in aircraft maintenance, professional pilot, technology management and engineering technology. Certificate programs are available in air traffic control, airframe and powerplant, airport management, avionics maintenance technology and unmanned aerial systems. More information on K-State aviation programs is available at www.salina.k-state.edu/aviation. For more information on the National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technology, visit www.ncatt.org.