Wednesday, November 12, 2014, 6:00pm

Aviation Maintenance Technology Advisory Council

Reedley College/VROP

Minutes

6:00 – 6:30 Dinner, in the AERO building.

6:30 General Meeting

  1. Dr. Caldwell, president of Reedley College, addressed the group. She introduced

herself and conversed about the program. Dr. Caldwell reemphasized the support of the program by Reedley College’s administration, but had another event to attend so she couldn’t stay.

1a.Call to Order, Keith Zielke, we reviewed the minutes of the last meeting. There were no changes needed.

2.Introductions

Members attending;

David ClarkJohn Card

Andrew CriderLoren Lemen

Bruce RaynerByron Vander Weide

Jason AsmanDavid Richey

Keith ZielkeFabrizio

3.How are our graduates doing?

Several comments were made by the industry members. John Card mentioned that the content was relevant, but the big thing is that the student has the skills to process new information and procedures. The graduate also needs to know his limitations, not diving into something too complicated or shying away from a simple procedure that the acquired skills can be applied. John suggested an introductory class or skill evaluation. Keith mentioned that other aviation programs have an interview process, but there is usually an ethics issue. Andrew stated the projects were "right on" and he was able to apply school experiences directly to what he does in the field

4.Current Projects

a. Beechcraft Bonanza, Keith outlined the condition and location of the aircraft. It is located in Exeter and has to be disassembled to be brought to the Reedley. campus.

b. Piper Cherokee Six, Keith outlined the condition and location of the aircraft. It is located in the Sacramento area and has to be disassembled to be brought to the Reedley.

c. APU engine stands; Perkins money has been applied for. John suggested adapting automotive engine stands to fit the APU engines.

5. VROP Program, Keith Zielke

a. Enrollment; Keith reported that at the present time we have 6 students in the program. Originally there were 17 students enrolled from Selma High School, but somehow they got dropped. He also mentioned that we were thankful that VROP still supported the program with such low enrollment.

b. VROP update, Fabrizio Lofaro talked about VROP’s abilities to provide needed vocational training to High School students. He stated that VROP has 3,500 students participating in the district with 161 sessions being taught.

c. Ground school; Jason Asman provided an overview of the Ground School portion of the program and mentioned that Keith does the maintenance half and Jason teaches the Ground School.

6. Fall 2014 Revised Aero Course Implementation

a. How is it working, staff; Dave talked about the learning curve the staff is going through, along with a textbook change. The staff has absorbed the curriculum previously taught by the Adjunct instructor and many of the subjects are new to each staff member. All in all, all the staff agreed that things were working well, but it has been a busy and stressful semester. The next 3 semesters will be similar. Jason added that the new FAA test guides are very poor and that we are considering going back to the Jeppesen Guides.

7.Status ATEC WR and National Convention; Keith gave an overview of ATECs mission to support the aviation educational field and the importance of our participation. He gave a short talk about how ATEC drive regulation changes made by the FAA and provides sources of employment and equipment, state and nationwide. Presently, Keith is president of the western region and hopes to attend the national convention in April.

8.Donations

a. Beechcraft Bonanza and Piper Cherokee Six; Keith gave an overview of the aircraft and Dave added that a Cessna 337 may also be available.

c. Various NDT samples; crankshafts and aluminum castings; Dave mentioned that LyCon has provided many flawed parts for the Non Destructive Testing portion of the program

9.Status of FAA written and Oral/Practical exams given on campus; Keith gave an overview of the new testing class, adding that many details have not been worked out. Dr. Caldwell has given the program permission to students that have graduated previously (pre- fall 2014 co-hort) to be tested in the old manner. Keith emphasized that we need to keep testing on campus. Jason stated that without certification testing, we really do not have an Aero program. The industry members were in agreement. Keith mentioned that we will have to revisit this in 2016, when new students start graduating.

10.Aero funding, Dave Richey gave an overview on the new computerized budget forms and added budget moneys. He stated that we are still below the allocated budget before the recession. Jason explained about the recent one time VTEA (Perkins, federal vocational dollars) funded and the purchase of TIG, Plasma cutter and presentation sound system

c. 2013-2014 projects funded; Keith explained the purchases from last years VTEA funds, which were; Precision Tool replacement and Turbine hardware replacement.

11. Offer ACCET Certification? Keith asked if anyone had heard of ACCET electronic/avionics certification. No one had, so he stated that we should revisit this if more people in industry recognize the certificate.

12. Equipment needs, Dave mentioned that we still need KX-155 Nav/Coms and good cannon-plugs for soldiering exercises.

13. Enrollment; Dave provided the student numbers for this semester and the need to continued recruiting for new program.

14. IA Renewal, Keith Zielke stated that our IA renewal expires on 1/31/2015, so we will do the course in January (1/24/2015) instead of February. Keith asked for Vender suggestions and Presenter suggestions. Loren said that he would help with some of his industry connections.

15.Adjournment