Aviation training plan expands for HGTC

The Sun News
February 4, 2010

Horry-Georgetown Technical College and the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics have expanded their plan to partner on an aviation-related training program, said Marilyn Fore, senior vice president for academic affairs at HGTC.

Talks held Tuesday and Wednesday have led to more options for an associate of applied science degree, with emphasis in aircraft maintenance power plant, aircraft maintenance air frame, aircraft electronics (avionics) and flight training, Fore said.

"We're very excited," said Fore, who added that details still are being worked out concerning how the program would be structured. "This would provide the training for a student to sit for the [Federal Aviation Administration] certification in any of those four areas."

PIA applied to the FAA in September for approval to offer the courses here and is awaiting a decision, Fore said.

She said approvals from HGTC's area commissioners still are required, and notifications must be made to the S.C. Commission on Higher Education and to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, HGTC's regional accreditation body.
It takes about a year to get the necessary approvals and have the program in place, Fore said.

"That's where the technical colleges are so responsive to building programs that support economic development," she said.

"We can do it fairly quickly ... and we have experts in the area to provide information and make sure we have what we need."

Jimmy Yahnis, chairman of the board of directors for the Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corp., said that HGTC's program lays a good foundation for the area.

"It's a great example of everyone working together for the betterment of the community," Yahnis said.

"It sends a signal to companies that we're in favor of doing whatever it takes to bring them into town and shows a willingness to support the industry."
Horry County Schools and Horry County Council both have offered support in HGTC's development of an aviation program.

"We are in discussions with the Horry County school district regarding how we can connect with the training of junior and senior students," Fore said. "We would be delighted to go forward with them."

Horry County School Board member Joe DeFeo, District 3, said there has been discussion about sharing resources, possibly for final testing, which in aircraft maintenance is hands on and can take up to three days. He said he hopes HCS Superintendent Cindy Elsberry will hold meetings in the next couple of weeks to see how much of a partnership is possible.

Interest has been high in aviation industry careers since Boeing announced plans to locate a $750 million facility with thousands of jobs in North Charleston. HGTC's program would give residents the skills to work for a company such as Boeing and increase the employees available to work at such a facility.

"PIA is one of the best aviation schools in the United States," Fore said. "It's going to be a rigorous program of study, but PIA is experienced at this, and they will be valuable with their reputation in teaching these specialty areas."