Students in Wayne Community College’s Aviation Systems Technology program have earned their final certificate needed to complete the program.
Ten students received Powerplant Certificates of Completion, allowing them to take the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s powerplant mechanic written exam.
“It’s a day they have worked hard toward for almost two years,” WCC Aviation Instructor Mike Crumpler said at the certificate presentation ceremony.
Once the students pass the written exam, they are eligible to take the oral and practical exams. Upon passing all exams, students earn their FAA aircraft mechanic certificate with the powerplant rating.
The 10 students have already received their General and Airframe Certificates of Completion, and eight of them have already taken the exams needed to earn their FAA aircraft mechanic certificate with the airframe rating.
“In my recollection, this class has the highest number of students who have achieved that before they’ve reached the end of the program,” Crumpler said.
Julia Lownds said she was excited to earn her final certificate but will miss being a student in WCC’s aviation program. “It feels bittersweet,” she said. “It’s been a really good experience.”
Lownds previously worked at an airport, and the aviation maintenance technicians shared with her how much they enjoyed their careers. She decided to pursue the same opportunity. “I’m now working in aviation maintenance, and I hope to continue with that,” she said.
Erick Porter enjoyed his time in the program as well. “I think this was a great place to learn,” he said. “I’m glad to have met all my classmates; we’ve become a big team.”
Porter initially planned to work as an animator but decided to take a different career route in the aviation field. Now that he has completed WCC’s program, he will begin working at SkyWest Airlines.
“This program was, in a lot of ways, life-changing,” Porter said. “Something I really like about it is that the instructors focus on core principles, like personal integrity and making sure that your work is good and accurate. They push you to challenge yourself, correct yourself, and learn from your own mistakes.”
The students who earned certificates, listed by city of residence, are:
Beulaville
Drew Magill
Clayton
Julia Lownds
Four Oaks
Erick Porter
Goldsboro
Alexander Fredrickson
Blake Tolman
Raleigh
Marco Aceves-Garcia
Daniel Demaree
Jorge Diaz-Marrero
William Moore
Wendell
Ian Wallig
WCC’s Aviation Systems Technology program offers an Aviation Systems Technology degree, Aviation Systems Technology airframe diploma, and Aviation Systems Technology powerplant diploma.
For students interested in getting a four-year degree, WCC’s Associate of Applied Science degree in Aviation Systems Technology qualifies for East Carolina University’s Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology Transfer Program.
Learn more about Aviation Systems Technology on WCC’s website.
About Wayne Community College
Wayne Community College is a public, learning-centered institution with an open-door admission policy located in Goldsboro, N.C. As it works to develop a highly skilled and competitive workforce, the college serves around 10,000 individuals annually as well as businesses, industry, and community organizations with high quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities, including more than 150 college credit programs. WCC’s mission is to meet the educational, training, and cultural needs of the communities it serves.