UAAs Aviation Technology program partners with PenAir

Partnership offers job opportunities for aviation students

ANCHORAGE, Alaska The University of Alaska Anchorages (UAA) Aviation Technology division recently announced its partnership with PenAir, a collaborative partnership made with industry leaders designed to benefit students and provide direct linkages between UAA and employers in high demand career areas. As a part of its partnership with the University, PenAir will offer employment interviews to pilots who earn a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology degree with an emphasis in professional piloting, and those who successfully complete the Turbine Airplane Transition course and receive faculty endorsement.

"Our agreement with PenAir represents a desirable 'win-win' that benefits both our graduates and the aviation industry," said Rocky Capozzi, director of UAA's Aviation Technology program. "We constantly strive to satisfy industry by providing state-of-the-art training to include turbine operational theory, Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) avionics training, and scenario-based simulator training. Our association with PenAir is an example of UAA's continuing effort to provide highly qualified professionals for the aviation industry."

PenAir is Alaska's largest commuter airline, operating a fleet of 40 aircraft and providing scheduled service to 36 communities throughout central and southwest Alaska. The airline is the second in the state to receive the Medallion Shield Award.

UAA's Aviation Technology division strives to enhance, promote and provide quality aviation education, research and service worldwide. Associate of Applied Science and Bachelor of Science degrees are offered in air traffic control, aviation administration and professional piloting. Certificates and Associate of Applied Science degrees are offered in airframe and power plant. The division also conducts research in a variety of fields, such as navigation systems, aviation safety and aviation infrastructure.

The partnership between UAA and PenAir fits in with the University's goals of creating new community partnerships to further UAA's teaching, research and service missions; promoting collaboration between schools, colleges, campuses and the community; promoting service learning and community engagement for students and faculty; enhancing workforce development, training and continuing education efforts; and building UAA's sustainability initiatives across the campuses and across the curriculum.

For more information on UAA's Aviation Technology division, visit www.uaa.alaska.edu/ctc/programs/aviation or call 264-7400.