May 2018 - Vaughn College

Thousands of aircraft take off and land every day, but did you ever wonder what it takes to keep them properly maintained and flying safely?

Aviation Maintenance Technician Day is May 24―a day when we recognize both the men and women who work behind the scenes. Additionally, we honor an early pioneer named Charles Edward Taylor, who made all of this happen.

History of Aviation Maintenance Technician Day

As history serves us, the Wright Brothers were the first aviation pioneers to make the first controlled, sustained flight of a powered aircraft. But did you know it was a man named Charles Edward Taylor who built the engine used to power the plane? To honor his achievement, Taylor’s birthday was selected to mark Aviation Maintenance Technician Day as a national day of recognition for aviation maintenance professionals. Aviation Maintenance Technician Day is currently observed by 45 states in the United States.

Job Outlook

According to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians have been projected to grow five percent from 2016 to 2026, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. And according to Boeing, the industry will need as many as 648,000 new technicians by 2036. In May 2017, the median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians was $61,020. The time couldn’t be better to pursue a career in this field.

What it Takes to Become an Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT)

Working as an AMT―also known as airframe and powerplant technician―is a demanding career. It is a highly skilled job that requires licensing by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure candidates have mastered a broad range of industry-related knowledge and skills. AMTs perform routine maintenance on aircrafts and look for parts that need to be repaired or replaced, including: brakes, wheels, electrical systems and wings. Candidates who pursue a career as an AMT must fulfill a few of the following requirements:

Completion of 1,900 hours of class time and hands-on training before taking the licensing exam
Being able to work on different engine systems from varying manufacturers, along with the ability to apply knowledge learned from manuals for troubleshooting
Must be skilled in mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, composite and sheet metal applications

Skills and Responsibilities

For every flight that lands in the United States, there is a crew of AMTs who must inspect the plane and sign off on each protocol to ensure every facet of its mechanics is working properly and efficiently. Here are some of the skills and responsibilities required to do the job:

Skills and Requirements:

Be licensed by the FAA
Must be conscientious and thorough
Adhere to demanding schedules
Work well under pressure

Responsibilities:

Address immediate problems and resolve them before takeoff, or defer problem and ground flight for later repair
Use full knowledge of industry standards and apply troubleshooting skills
Sign off on all protocols to ensure a plane is safe to fly

Opportunity for Growth

AMTs working in their field have the opportunity to move up the ladder within their company. Here is a snapshot of the different types of jobs in the field:

AMT―performs routine maintenance and repairs
Lead technician―distributes, assigns and monitors work
Instructor―teaches general familiarization classes for the type of aircraft that airlines use along with classes on aircraft systems, procedures, safety and compliance
Aircraft Maintenance Planner―handles environmental studies, oversees land use planning, and participates in business development activities
Maintenance controller―works in a central location to help troubleshoot problems on the ground
Maintenance engineer―modifies aircraft

Vaughn Expert Weighs In

Fred Parham, associate director at Vaughn College’s Aviation Training Institute (ATI), has over 30 years of experience in the aviation maintenance field. Parham said the opportunities for AMTs have never been better than they are today. “Now is a great time to pursue a career in the field of aviation mechanics,” Parham said. “No two days are ever the same. It’s a serious job with great responsibility, but the rewards are endless.”

Vaughn College Can Get You There

Vaughn College’s ATI can prepare you for a high paying career as a certified airframe and powerplant technician in as little as 16 months. To learn more this exciting opportunity, register for our Aviation Maintenance Information Sessions on June 13.

Happy Aviation Maintenance Technician Day, and Happy Birthday to Charles Edward Taylor!

If working at an exciting, in-demand job that commands a six-figure salary with mandatory retirement age 56 and full federal pension benefits sounds too good to be true, it isn’t. In fact, a career as an air traffic controller may be closer than you think.

Here at Vaughn, we are one of only 33 colleges in the country to offer the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) and the only program of its kind in the Northeast. We are always looking for driven, passionate students to fill this degree program.

What it takes

To become an air traffic controller, you can take one of two paths:

Pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) biometric screening exam (which many do not pass) without any prior knowledge or training
Attend an institution like Vaughn, which partners with the FAA to provide air traffic control (ATC) instruction

The benefit of attending a college like Vaughn is that not only do you get to bypass the biometric screening exam, but you will have the following advantages in your favor:

The FAA hires approximately half of its candidates from the AT-CTI and the military, so Vaughn students are in a better position to land a job
Access to new state-of-the-art facilities and training equipment
Ability to enroll in a fast-track program that prepares you for entrance exams in as little as one year

Eligible students

Vaughn welcomes incoming freshmen, transfer students and graduates from other colleges or universities to apply to the program.

Here’s how it works:

If you’re a freshmen or transfer student, you can enroll in of one of 10 bachelor’s or associate degree programs in the fields of aviation, management or engineering. Upon degree completion, you will be qualified to take the FAA entrance exam.

If you already have an associate degree or bachelor’s degree, Vaughn offers a fast-track degree program where you can complete your prerequisite courses for the FAA exams in a year and a half. Otherwise, it takes two-to-four years.

Start young, retire early

Being young pays off. Unlike other jobs where you must wait until you’re 62 or older to retire, the FAA requires air traffic controllers retire at 56. This FAA rule puts younger people like you in demand for this growing, lifelong career.

Achieve a consistent work/life balance

Most people think air traffic controllers have an extremely stressful job. Yes, the stakes are high. But the reality is that if you are highly organized and a quick-thinker, the stress factor is relatively minimal. What’s more, the FAA has certain mandates to help facilitate a calm working environment where air traffic controllers can focus and get their jobs done well.

Here’s what you can expect:

Consistent work schedule
Scheduled breaks throughout your shift
Close-knit environment among other air traffic controllers
Potential to earn six figures after the first few years of service
Retire with full pension

Can you picture yourself as an air traffic controller?

Whether you’re fresh out of high school, a college student or college graduate looking to embark on an exciting career, Vaughn can help your future take off.

Being a mom is a full-time job, and for most mothers, it’s not their only job. In fact, according to the US Department of Labor, 70 percent of women in the labor force have children that are under 18 years of age. Additionally, 75 percent of these women work full-time.

Although many women need to balance work with motherhood, some working moms are also getting an education to help advance their careers. These women defy the constraints of time. This Mother’s Day, we are celebrating one of our students, who is juggling many responsibilities so that she can build a brighter future for her 4-month-old daughter, Samantha.

Daniela Tabares ’19 is a Vaughn College aeronautical science major who will be celebrating her first Mother’s Day this month. Her daughter Samantha was born last year on Christmas Day and Tabares said she is forever grateful for her special gift.

Finding her path

Tabares is an inspirational example of how―with a positive mindset and unwavering determination―women can accomplish their goals and realize their dreams. “Being a mom has taught me so much,” Tabares said. “It’s not only rewarding and challenging, but it has opened my eyes and made me appreciate life in a whole new way.”

Growing up in New York, Tabares always had a passion for aviation. When she was a junior in high school, she joined the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) as a cadet. She says the ROTC was her “launch pad” and the experience that influenced her to apply to Vaughn after graduation to pursue her career in aviation.

Her time at Vaughn is opening doors to help advance her career. In addition to her academic studies, Tabares is working toward earning her private pilot’s license. She is also working at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport Terminal 1 in flight operations and is completing an internship at JFK Terminal 4, where she is working ramp control in the control tower.

“I believe it’s important to be well-rounded in the field,” Tabares stated. “My aviation education from Vaughn and my operations experience at JFK will prepare me to take on my first professional position after graduation.”

Balancing it all

Balancing her education, her job and being a mom is far from easy, but Tabares says she is focused and dedicated to all three.

“My family provides an amazing support system helping to care for Samantha when I’m working or at Vaughn,” said Tabares. “I’ve learned the importance of time management and how to separate my time between my education, work and motherhood. My ultimate motivation is looking into my daughter’s eyes every day. She is the light that guides my way.”

Paving the way

Looking to the future, Tabares’ dream is to open a flight academy for women and minorities. “Women empower other women,” Tabares said. “As a woman and a minority, I know firsthand what it takes to overcome challenges to pursue my dreams,” she continued. “Women have an important place in the aviation industry and I want to help future women aviators achieve their dreams by removing some of the obstacles that can get in their way.”

Reflecting on her own mother, Tabares said she wouldn’t be the woman she is today without her mom’s love and support. “My mother has taught me everything I know,” said Tabares. “She’s a superwoman. She’s my hero and I hope to be just like her someday.”

For her first Mother’s Day, Tabares is looking forward to a day off, and plans on spending the day at home with her daughter and family.

Are you looking to build a brighter future for yourself and your family? Schedule a visit and find out how a futureproof Vaughn education can get you on the path toward success.

You don’t have to be a frequent flyer to know how busy airports can be. With approximately 1.5 million people flying each day in the United States and over three million worldwide, airport managers have the challenging job of ensuring their airports operate safely and efficiently.

A world of its own

There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to managing an airport. Far more is involved than making sure planes take off and land. In fact, airport management has been compared to running a small to medium-sized city: The general airport manager serves as the “mayor” who oversees several managers who in turn specialize in separate fields of airport operations.

All in a day’s work

For airport managers, no two days are ever the same. To keep an airport running smoothly, all departments must operate like a well-oiled machine. Airport managers are responsible for running their own specific departments and they work closely with state and federal committees to ensure the rules and regulations of the airport are being met.

Here is a snapshot of a day in the life of some airport managers, along with the roles they play.

Operations Manager

The role of an operations manager is to supervise and coordinate the day-to-day landside and airside operations in the airport. They must possess outstanding management and communication skills and have full knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules, among other requirements.

Landside responsibilities:

Manage various airline terminals and concourses
Ensure the safety and flow of roadways for buses, passenger cars, etc.
Oversee retail operations, such as shops and restaurants
Assist in preparing annual budgets for airport operations

Airside responsibilities:

Ensure runways and taxiways are open and clear
Coordinate ground operations, including baggage and catering
Manage fueling
Communicate with air traffic control
Plan and coordinate VIP arrivals and departures

Safety Manager

There’s no doubt the safety of airline passengers is a priority. Internationally, safety managers follow the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARP) to help manage aviation safety risks in coordination with their service providers. In the US, safety managers are responsible for promoting safety awareness by adhering to the FAA regulations and other agencies which include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Homeland Security. Here are some of the essential responsibilities of a safety airport manager:

Maintain the safety and security of the airport
Review and revise airport safety and security plans
Develop and implement employee safety policies and practices
Inspect runway lighting
Keep runways clear
Ensure airfield is protected

Environmental Manager

Protecting the environment plays a major role when it comes to managing an airport. In the New York City area alone, thousands of planes take off and land every day, leaving a stream of environmental issues to address. Environmental airport managers work closely with the FAA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure standards and regulations are being met to keep the environment and wildlife safe. These are some issues environmental airport managers are responsible for:

Properly handling and dispensing hazardous materials
Managing air, water and noise pollution
Managing traffic congestion
Managing responsible habitat practices to minimize bird strikes
Snow removal^*

(*Did you know snow cleared at New York’s LaGuardia Airport is brought to a snow dump area where it can safely melt without harming the eco-system of local rivers?)

General Manager

As you can imagine, the role of an airport general manager is a monumental responsibility. It can take years of experience to land this position, as he or she must have a working knowledge of federal, state and aviation regulations, in addition to all aspects of airport operations. Airport general managers must possess exemplary management and communication skills, along with outstanding problem-solving skills. The general manager must possess the ability to:

Have an effective working relationship with various agencies, including the FAA, EPA, as well as federal agencies, like the Secret Service, and local fire and transportation departments
Monitor and manage all airport contracts and expenses within approved budget
Manage personnel and operational activities
Follow government rules and regulations that relate to airport operations

Ultimately, the general manager is accountable for how the airport functions on all levels.

What you’ve just read are only a few examples of the many positions and daily responsibilities of an airport manager. Could this be the career you’ve been looking for? Find out below.

What it takes to become an airport manager

Those seeking a career in airport management should have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a focus on business, airport or aviation management, or a related field. Vaughn College offers an airport management degree program which prepares students for the various functional areas of aviation and business management. Do you have what it takes to become an airport manager? Vaughn College opens doors to the future by providing students the opportunity to reach their goals and fulfill their dreams.

Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology hosted its third annual International Drone Day on Saturday, May 5, 2018. It was a genuinely high-flying experience as the College’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) club will welcome the public to explore the exciting field of drone technology.

About International Drone Day

International Drone Day is a collaborative effort that began four years ago to educate the public, media and local governments about the amazing ways drones are used for good in our society. Each year, more than 150 cities around the world simultaneously celebrate drones and their uses. Vaughn was proud to be a part of the excitement again this year.

“International Drone Day is one of our favorite days of the year,” said Utsav Shah ’18, president of the College’s UAV club and a senior in the mechatronic engineering program at Vaughn. “It not only brings awareness to all the good things drones can do, but sheds light on the possibilities of what drones will do in our future.”

Something for everyone

The UAV Club has planned a fun-filled day from start to finish. This year, attendees participated in several interactive workshops, including “Computer-Aided Design,” “Learn to Build a Drone,” “Programming with Python” and “How to Apply for a Remote Pilot Certification.” Additionally, there was a panel discussion on “Changing the Skies,” featuring a distinguished guest within the aviation and drone industries. Drone owners were invited to show off their skills and fly in Vaughn’s Hangar. The UAV club kicked things up a notch by inviting professional drone racing groups from the New York area to compete in a racing competition in Vaughn’s Hangar.

Drone technology heats up

Today’s latest technology has UAVs in the line of fire—literally. Last year, the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) used its first drone to respond to a six-story fire in the Bronx. The eight-pound tethered drone, equipped with high-definition and infrared cameras, transmitted live images to the commanding chiefs, the FDNY Operations Center and incident commanders on the ground, giving them a bird’s-eye view of the roof where firefighters were operating. The cameras provided vital images to help commanders make decisions on the best way to put the fire out while keeping FDNY members safe.

Future generation of drone aviators

Today, UAVs are setting the pace as our “eyes in the sky,” aiding in search and rescue, conservation, agriculture, sports, film and so much more. With his knowledge of mechatronic engineering, Shah says he has his sights set on pursuing a career in autonomous robotics systems. “Mechatronic engineering has given me a well-rounded foundation in mechanical, electrical and computer engineering to build drones for the future,” said Shah. “I believe we will see drones used for transportation and other practical purposes for the good of our society. The sky’s the limit on where we will see drones going next.”

Check out our events calendar to see what will be coming up next on campus!

Monthly Archives: May 2018