Source: Raylene Alexander, 785-532-826-2940, raylene@k-state.edu
Website: http://www.salina.k-state.edu/aviation/
News release prepared by: Heather Wagoner, 785-826-2917, hwagoner@k-state.edu

Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010

NATIONAL AVIATION ORGANIZATION ACCREDITS K-STATE SALINA'S AVIONICS PROGRAM

SALINA -- Kansas State University's avionics program has been accredited by the National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technologies.

The accreditation means the program, offered at K-State Salina, meets or exceeds the center's high educational standards. In order to be awarded Accredited Training Provider status, K-State Salina had to demonstrate a commitment to quality following an intensive curriculum, facilities and faculty evaluation.

"Our students benefit from the program being accredited by the National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technologies because it validates our teaching using the latest in technology," said Raylene Alexander, assistant professor of aviation and K-State avionics program lead. Avionics courses on the Salina campus are built around advanced technologies such as the Garmin G-1000 and Garmin GNS 430s and 530s.

"NCATT is proud to have K-State as an accredited school," said Rick Hestilow, the center's director of standards and certifications.

The nonprofit organization is dedicated to establishing nationally recognized standards and certifications identified by industry professionals. The center's standards can be adapted in any education or training program to qualify aerospace professionals in their designated career field.

K-State Salina is a top five elite aviation program. Adjacent to a 12,000-foot runway, the college has a modern fleet of more than 40 learning aircraft and more Master Certified Flight Instructors than any other college or university in the country. The campus offers affordable degrees in aircraft maintenance, professional pilot, technology management and engineering technology. Certificate programs are available in air traffic control, airframe and powerplant, airport management, avionics maintenance technology and unmanned aerial systems. More information on K-State aviation programs is available at http:/www.salina.k-state.edu/aviation/.