Saint Francis University
08/30/2024 | News release | Archived content
Saint Francis University Dedicates New Aviation Education Center
The Saint Francis University Aviation Education Center at the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport in Johnstown is officially open.
Saint Francis University proudly marked the occasion on Thursday, August 29, 2024, with the Blessing and Dedication of the Saint Francis University Aviation Education Center alongside the grand opening of its FAA-certified Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) program. Both events mark key milestones in the University's ongoing commitment to regional workforce development in the aviation sector.
"The FAA certification and this state-of-the-art facility represent significant achievements for both Saint Francis University and the regional community. We are eager to support critical workforce development through our partnerships and the Aviation Education Center," shared Fr. Malachi Van Tassell, TOR, University President."
The Aviation Education Center will serve as a hub for aviation education and training, further establishing Saint Francis University as a leader in this growing industry. SFU's AMT program is the only FAA Part 147 aviation maintenance technician school in Cambria County and addresses a critical need for aviation maintenance professionals both regionally and nationally.
The AMT program at Saint Francis University offers a 21-month, FAA-aligned curriculum that prepares students to become skilled aviation maintenance technicians. With hands-on training, students gain the skills to prepare for the FAA General, Airframe, and Powerplant exams by program completion, Brianna Pavkovich, a seasoned AMT professional, leads the program.
"We are thrilled to see our vision for an innovative, high-quality aviation maintenance program come to fruition. We aim to produce mechanics who embody continuous learning, commitment to safety, and a passion for serving others," she shared about the program's opening."
The program began with a $1 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and is made possible through partnerships with Johnstown-Cambria County Airport Authority, Nulton Aviation Services, SkyWest Airlines, and Lockheed Martin Aeroparts, Inc.
With aviation maintenance projected to grow by 11% through 2030, SFU's AMT program aims to fill a vital gap in the aviation workforce. For example, Boeing projects a global need for 626,000 new technicians by 2040, with 132,000 needed in the U.S. alone.
The first students in the program, offered through the University's Division of Professional Studies, began classes on Monday, August 26, 2024. The inaugural class includes Liam Kerlin of Ligonier, Micheal Folton of Jerome, Hayden Sutton of Ebensburg, Mason Krouse of Jenners, and Joshua Mathis of Johnstown. All five are pursuing the AMT Certificate as well as an Associate of Applied Science in Specialized Studies. The next opportunities for new students to start the program will be in January, May, and August 2025. Interested students can visit francis.edu/amt for more information.
SFU entered the aviation education space in 2017 after receiving startup funds from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to develop a pilot training program in partnership with Nulton Aviation Services. The Aviation Specialization (Commercial Pilot License Training) provided in coordination with Nulton Aviation Services, catapults a student with no past flight experience to the edge of commercial aviation.
In the pilot program, students can obtain Private Pilot, Instrument, and Commercial ratings while working toward their college degree. They may also leverage Saint Francis University's Elite Partnership with SkyWest Airlines for future career opportunities. Admissions paths are open for both traditional undergraduate students and working professionals.
Speakers at the dedication event included: Dr. Larry Nulton, Nulton Aviation Services and member of the University Board of Trustees; Br. Marius Strom, T.O.R. and Aviation Program Chair/Engineering Instructor; Fr. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D., Saint Francis University President; Wendy Grimm, Manager, Federal Aviation Administration, Allegheny Flight Standards District Office; State Senator Wayne Langerholc, District 35, Pennsylvania State Senate; State Representative Jim Rigby, District 71, Pennsylvania House of Representatives; Neil Fowler, Executive Director, Center for Strategic Partnerships, Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development; Commissioner Keith Rager, Vice President, Cambria County Board of Commissioners; Commissioner Tom Chernisky, Secretary, Cambria County Board of Commissioners; Rick McQuaid, Chairman, John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport Authority Board.