Students in Wayne Community College’s Aviation Systems Technology program were awarded certificates at a special presentation on Dec. 13.Some students received Airframe and/or Powerplant Certificates of Completion, allowing them to take the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) general and airframe and/or powerplant mechanic written exams.“Once they pass both of those tests, they can call a designated mechanic examiner and take the oral and practical tests,” said WCC Aviation Systems Technology Instructor Mike Crumpler. “If they successfully pass that experience, they will be issued a temporary Airframe or Powerplant Mechanic certificate so that they may exercise their new privileges until their permanent certificates arrive.”Most of the students received General Certificates of Completion, which will allow them to take the FAA’s general written exam before they complete further rating certifications.The 16 students and their certifications, listed by hometown, are:ClaytonJeffrey Baginski – General, Airframe, and PowerplantHunter Rogowski – General, Airframe, and PowerplantFuquay-VarinaWade Parker – GeneralGoldsboroSean Logan – GeneralMatthew Raper – GeneralKinstonTyler Belcastro – PowerplantKnightdaleGabriel Modlin – GeneralLa GrangeChristopher Moore – GeneralPrincetonPaul Napolitano – GeneralRaleighGabriel Norris – GeneralReidsvilleNicholas Hayes – PowerplantWadeRoman Reconnu – GeneralJacob Sheets – GeneralWilmingtonKeonte Sidbury – GeneralWilsonColin Best – GeneralYoungsvilleJason McCardle – GeneralColin Best says he has always had “a mechanical mind” and wanted to apply that in the field of aircraft mechanics. “I decided to try this program out and see how I liked it, and I instantly fell in love with the community and the entire industry,” he said. “This is the most fun I’ve ever had at school.”Best is excited to have completed this step and received his general certification. “Everything they teach you here is directly applicable to what you’re doing in the field, which is so awesome,” he shared. “I’m one step closer to being an A & P [airframe and powerplant mechanic].”Gabriel Modlin is also fascinated by what he’s learning in the program. “I started this program because I thought airplanes were cool and wanted to see the ins and outs of how they work,” he said.“It feels great to have received the general certificate,” Modlin said. “It’s a big weight off my shoulders. Now I can move on to the other certifications.” He also plans on getting his pilot’s license after completing the course.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 in applied science degree in Aviation Systems Technology qualifies for East Carolina University’s Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology Transfer Program.To learn more about the program, contact Crumpler at (919) 739-6824 or [email protected], or Kenneth Creech at 919-739-6823 or [email protected].
WCC Aviation Students Receive Certificates
