Beginning this summer, students seeking specialized careers in aviation will have a new option. Working with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation and other industry leaders, Savannah Technical College announced the development of two new avionics certificates as part of their technical training curriculum, to begin May 2019. The new certificates were approved by the Technical College System of Georgia this week.

This curriculum is new for the state of Georgia. “We are proud to be on the cutting-edge of developing new instructional programs like this,” said STC President Dr. Kathy S. Love. “We would not have been able to do so without working so closely with Gulfstream. They collaborated with us to create curriculum and helped us identify critical training equipment. Gulfstream is an exemplary business partner committed to investing in workforce development and career readiness.”

With a sizable pledge from Gulfstream, the college will equip its new avionics lab with advanced equipment, including 13 electronic trainers, four fully outfitted avionics technician boxes and a data bus trainer.

“Through our partnership with Savannah Technical College, we continue to train and prepare students for aerospace careers,” said Jay Neely, vice president for law and public affairs, Gulfstream. “The college’s new avionics program is the most recent example of our collaborative commitment to ensure we are providing local students with the tools and training they need to be successful in our field.”

The avionics certificates may be completed in two semesters starting in May 2019. The first semester, students will take three courses to earn the Avionics Installer Certificate (10 hours): Introduction to Aircraft and Aviation Fundamentals, Basic Aircraft Electricity and Basic Aircraft Electrical Wiring and Troubleshooting. Upon completion of the Avionics Installer Certificate or equivalent work experience, students will advance to the Avionics Technician Certificate (nine hours), which includes three courses: Aircraft Navigation, Communication and Avionics Systems, Advance Aircraft Electricity and Advance Aircraft Wiring and Troubleshooting.

As avionics technicians, graduates will understand the different systems found on modern aircraft, how to do basic trouble shooting on aircraft systems and methods to integrate systems on aircraft. They could also find employment in the retrofit side of aviation with companies that are busy updating older aircraft to modern avionic suites.

“With the continued evolution of aircraft, the need for understanding how to correctly install, integrate, and troubleshoot wiring and systems on aircraft has grown,” said STC Dean of Aviation Tal Loos. “The talent pool for these skill sets is very limited or non-existent, even among the current workforce because the technology is so new. As technology keeps moving into new and old aircraft, the need for this skill set will continue to grow as owners of aircraft want to retrofit their current aircraft with the latest and greatest technology.”

This program will relate to the College’s current aviation programs: Aviation Maintenance, Aircraft Structural, Luxury Craft Cabinetmaking, Upholstery and Trim, and Advance Airframe and/or Powerplant. Avionics training will give graduates a better understanding of wiring in aircraft and allow them to be better prepared to deal with current and future aircraft industry needs.