Page 8 - MGATODAY-Spring2018_lr

AMT student Amanda Norton uses a flashlight to inspect the
fan of a Pratt & Whitney JT8D engine. The JT8D is a workhorse
engine in both commercial and military aviation, powering both
the ubiquitous MD-80 series of airliners and the Air Force’s E-8
JSTARS aircraft. With the experience and knowledge gained in
the AMT program, students can go on to careers in both the
commercial and defense aviation industries. MARYANN BATES
program, and is planning to partner with the
Georgia Forestry Commission to utilize one of
the commission’s new Albany-built Thrush 510G
aircraft. This new program will allow MGA
instructors to teach pilots how to safely apply
fertilizers and pesticides from the air, as well as
other aspects of agricultural flying.
“We will prepare students for work in the
ag aviation field and hope to expose them to
the obvious safety concerns, ground operations,
chemical and certification education, and flight
operations,” says Adam Holloway, chair of the
Department of Flight. The turbine-powered
craft will also allow MGA to offer turbine engine
transition training for existing agricultural pilots
looking to upgrade their licenses.
NOW BOARDING ALL AROUND GEORGIA
Until recently, students wishing to pursue a
certificate or degree in aviation from MGA had to
study at the University’s aviation campus in East-
man. While the Eastman Campus at the Heart of
Georgia Regional Airport is still the primary hub
for aviation studies, certain programs are spread-
ing statewide. Flight training became available at
Macon Downtown Airport in spring 2017 and will
8 MIDDLE GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY
soon be made available at Cook County Airport in
Adel, opening up new access to pilot certificates to
Georgians in central and south Georgia.
Courses in both the AST and aircraft main-
tenance technology (AMT) program will soon be
offered in the evenings on the Cochran and Dub-
lin campuses, as well, opening up a new avenue of
advancement for aerospace workers in those parts
of the state.
There’s no plan for the growth to stop there.
The University’s aviation strategic plan features
plans to expand flight training to coastal, western,
and north Georgia, and metro Atlanta. Partner-
ships and agreements with the state’s largest
aviation employers are also – pardon the pun –
waiting in the wings.
Despite its rapid growth, the students in the
School of Aviation don’t find themselves reduced
to faceless numbers in a massive program. “The
instructors are easygoing, the classes are small,”
says Giddens. “The AST program is wonderful;
I’m going back for another bachelor’s degree once
I’m done.”
Cook agrees. “I’d definitely recommend it. It’s
a chance to do your dream.” ■
Traditionally a field dominated by men, aviation now attracts
more women than ever. These are some of the members of
MGA’s Women in Aviation chapter. Men are also welcome in
the chapter, and many of the male students at the School of
Aviation participate. The current chapter president is Danielle
Schreiber, who is finishing up her bachelor’s degree in Aviation
Science and Management and working toward becoming a
certified flight instructor. SHERON SMITH
SHERON SMITH CONTRIBUTED TO THIS ARTICLE.