UCM Aviation and GoJet Airlines Create New Partnership

Sept. 3, 2014
The agreement is for two years and is extended to students in aviation safety and aviation management programs.

Sept. 03--WARRENSBURG -- The University of Central Missouri and GoJet Airlines created a partnership to allow greater opportunities for aviation students.

UCM Provost Deborah Curtis and GoJet Operations Director Steven Briner signed a memorandum of understanding to create the partnership.

Under the agreement, aviation students are eligible to begin the professional pilot program when they meet criteria. Students must be sophomores with 57 hours of college credit, have a first-class medical certificate and complete an interview.

Aviation graduates who have completed flight training school, met all requirements and obtained recommendations from UCM aviation personnel will be guaranteed an interview and extension of an offer for conditional employment with GoJet, a press release stated.

The agreement is for two years and is extended to students in aviation safety and aviation management programs.

"This school excels amongst aviation. We want to hire you," Briner said. "We've been cultivating this relationship with UCM for some time and we're excited to be a part the success of UCM's aviation students."

He said the partnership should assist students.

"We're here to add to your student experience through internships and the mentorship program we will make available on campus," Briner said.

Tony Monetti, assistant dean of aviation and executive director of the Max B. Swisher Skyhaven Airport, said this is a great opportunity for students and Central to work with a great company.

"We are so fortunate it to have GoJet Airlines with us," he said.

Roger Best, dean of the Harmon College of Business and Professional studies, said this is beneficial mutually.

"It allows an opportunity for our students to get employed and gives an opportunity for GoJet to get quality employees," he said.

The university also offers a helicopter pilot program within the aviation department and has teamed with KC Copters from Kansas City.

"It's a full-service helicopter company in KC. We do flight training and tours. Our latest endeavor is joining with UCM and this storied aviation program," Johnny Rowlands, pilot and reporter for KMBC 9 News and owner of KC Copters, said. "With the quality of people and seasoned veterans here in the aviation field, it's an honor to be involved with UCM."

For aviation program details, visit www.ucmo.edu/aviation.

Copyright 2014 - The Daily Star-Journal, Warrensburg, Mo.