Avionics News August 2012 - 36

CAPABILITY,
GIS 25 years’ experience provides quality service of instruments, specializing in altimeters, panel mounted and remote gyros, including:
KCS55A SYSTEM KCS305 SYSTEM KI-256 KEA-346 KVG-350 PN101 SYSTEM 332D-11 SERIES DGS-65 C-14 SERIES 510 SERIES NSD 360 SYSTEM 1100 SERIES 1200 SERIES 205 SERIES 4300 SERIES 5000 B SERIES 4000 B SERIES VG-14 SERIES

RELIABILITY,
Experienced and trained technicians embody a dedicated focus to the customer expectations that is key to GIS reliability and customer service. An investment in updated technology and equipment enables efficient operations. A family atmosphere is fostered at GIS that insures the shop runs as a team effort. It is reminiscent of what customers embraced in the aviation industry years ago.

Sixteen-year-old KCTC students Brennan Rauch and Heather Reid inspect and repair a Canadian C-150's wiring harness prior to reinstalling the avionics suite.

KENT CAREER TECHNICAL CENTER
Continued from page 35

Competitive prices, high-quality workmanship, quick turnaround time and service. GIS personnel have the ability to meet that challenge to exceed customers’ expectations every day. That’s why customers depend upon GIS full services, from testing, overhaul, and repairs to exchanges and outright sales. Try us, you’ll be glad you did!

QUALITY.

GEORGETOWN INSTRUMENT SERVICES
FAA CRS# GTNR482X 210 Airport Road • Taylor, Texas 76574

www.georgetowninstruments.com
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avionics news

512-352-9000
•
august

like all the Tech Center programs, is free to students, supported through property taxes and grant funding. “The cost is zero for juniors and seniors in high school,” said Ebiri Nkugba, avionics instructor for the program. “A student who joined the program in their senior year of high school can rejoin to complete the second year of training for a cost of $400 ($200 per semester). They would then be a 13thyear student.” The free training is an enormous help for lower-income and middle-class families who may struggle to afford the out-of-pocket expenses. By comparison, a two-year avionics program offered at a university, community college or college-level technical school can cost $5,000 to $30,000, not counting room and board. For those students who wish to go on to college, the early training is a head start toward a bachelor’s degree, helping to reduce the overall cost of the higher education. A three-year study performed by a Kent Center faculty member showed in the last three years, 89 percent of the school’s students continued on to college, and 75 percent found jobs in aviation.

How much do these newly minted avionics technicians earn? Earnings records from several colleges around the country show that their students gross between $20,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience. Kent Center’s students can expect similar salaries along with good demand for their skills. Talk with an owner of any avionics shop in the U.S., and you’ll likely hear the same challenge – an ongoing need for qualified technicians. “Of the 208 respondents to last year’s (Aircraft Electronics Association’s Rate & Labor Survey), the shops stated they needed 268 technicians,” said Ed Ensink, avionics technician with Mayday Avionics, who spoke at the KCTC February event celebrating the NCATT accreditation. “It basically means everybody is looking for somebody… there’s a consistent need for qualified people.” While also addressing students at the ceremony, Kevin Konarska, superintendent for the Kent Intermediate School District, agreed. “When you earn your certification as an aircraft electronics technician, which is the end result of this accreditation, you will have proof that your study and your skills matter. I understand some of these employers will be waiting for you.” q

2012

http://www.georgetowninstruments.com

Avionics News August 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News August 2012