Two obtain worthwhile aviation credentials after on-campus testing
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Two Pennsylvania College of Technology students were the first to take the National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies/ASTM International examinations at the college's Lumley Aviation Center, obtaining certifications that reflect recent adjustments to the college's four-year aviation maintenance technology major to more closely align with industry standards.
Teagan M. Low, a junior from Richmond, Vermont, and Kevin Pradel, of Bloomfield, New Jersey, who graduated May 14, were the first two students to take the NCATT/ASTM examinations under the college's recent authorization to administer the testing on-site. (Prior to receipt of that permission, students needed to search for an external facility authorized to conduct the testing.)
Both were successful, earning the basic certification (Aircraft Electronics Technician), the Radio Communication systems endorsement and the Dependent Navigation Systems endorsement. Pradel went on to pass an additional test, by which he earned the Autonomous Navigation Systems endorsement.
NCATT recently developed educational standards and testing methods for avionics technicians – Penn College was one of the institutions that helped develop both the organization and the standards – and ASTM International has established a wide range of standards for everything from aviation to textiles.
"Kevin wanted to complete all three endorsements before starting his job in a large corporate flight department," said Thomas D. Inman, associate professor of aviation. "Teagan will return in the fall, after completing an internship in Vermont, to take the ANS. They have inspired their fellow students – many of whom are studying now – to take the certification tests."
A person holding an AET certificate with RCS and DNS endorsements is considered a fully qualified entry-level technician, Inman explained, adding that the ANS endorsement is important for those planning to maintain jets.
Teagan M. Low, a junior from Richmond, Vermont, and Kevin Pradel, of Bloomfield, New Jersey, who graduated May 14, were the first two students to take the NCATT/ASTM examinations under the college's recent authorization to administer the testing on-site. (Prior to receipt of that permission, students needed to search for an external facility authorized to conduct the testing.)
Both were successful, earning the basic certification (Aircraft Electronics Technician), the Radio Communication systems endorsement and the Dependent Navigation Systems endorsement. Pradel went on to pass an additional test, by which he earned the Autonomous Navigation Systems endorsement.
NCATT recently developed educational standards and testing methods for avionics technicians – Penn College was one of the institutions that helped develop both the organization and the standards – and ASTM International has established a wide range of standards for everything from aviation to textiles."Kevin wanted to complete all three endorsements before starting his job in a large corporate flight department," said Thomas D. Inman, associate professor of aviation. "Teagan will return in the fall, after completing an internship in Vermont, to take the ANS. They have inspired their fellow students – many of whom are studying now – to take the certification tests."
A person holding an AET certificate with RCS and DNS endorsements is considered a fully qualified entry-level technician, Inman explained, adding that the ANS endorsement is important for those planning to maintain jets.