PIA Technician - Spring 2015

Humanity has always looked outside of the box

News About the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics and the Aviation Industry

Spring 2015

ATEC takes the FAA to School

Looking to the Stars pg3

New PIA Corporate Training Division pg10

pg6

Contact Pat Sylves at 412-346-2123 for more

information

Support Aviation’s Future

October 9, 2015@ 1:00 PM

Proceeds benefit the PIA Memorial Scholarship Fund

2 | Spring Technician 2015

A Shot at Education

Dear Reader,

Welcome to the Spring 2015 edition of the Technician!

In this year’s edition, we take a look at how the aviation industry and technology is evolving. With every passing day, great strides are made to bring technology that as children, we could only imagine as fantasy, into reality. Within these pages you will discover that PIA’s alumni and staff play no small role in these endeavors. They serve as a proud part of the innovative force launching this industry into the future.

Be sure to keep up to date with the latest information, news and events on our website (pia.edu) and our Facebook page!

Thanks for reading,

Benjamin O’ Keefe Editor-in-Chief

Spring 2015

Editorial Staff:Editor-in-Chief............Benjamin O’KeefeCopy Editor ................................ Pat SylvesLayout Design ....................Edward Molek

PIA Contributors:David KoehlerHeather AllenJason MonganJason PfarrKylee BennettPat SylvesRoxanne OberStephanie OstrowskiTodd Kruszka

Outside Contributors:Brett Levanto

ATEC Communications ManagerNeal Lorenzi

Compressed Air Best Practices

Table of Contents:3 ..........Career Services Looks to the

Stars

4 ..........Solar Exploration Around the Globe

5 ..........Grad’s Career Takes Off

6 ..........ATEC takes the FAA to School

6 ..........ATEC Student of the Year

7 ..........Movember

7 ..........Instructor Receives State Recognition

8 ..........A Road to the Future

9 ..........Alumnus Isn’t Loafing Around

10 ........Training Outside the Hangar

12 .......Hagerstown Campus Hosts First Career Fair

13........How Kyle Wertman Got his START

14 ........Employee Anniversaries

14 ........Annual PIA Crossword

Back ..2014 Scholarship Winners

PIA Career ServicesLooks to the Stars

Humanity has always looked outside of the box. When we were told we

couldn’t swim for long distances, we created boats. When we were told we couldn’t fly, we created wings. When we were told that there is but one planet we could step foot on, we created rock-ets. After stepping foot on the Moon, we have looked upward and beyond with nothing to limit our imaginations.

This mindset assisted in the creation of the best science fiction of our time, such as: • Star Trek• Star Wars• Firefly

and much more. The interesting part is that much of this “science fiction” is quickly becoming reality. Aviation and space technologies continue to develop on a daily basis. Humanity is on the brink of launching commercial space flights, traversing new worlds, and even transforming the fantastical warp drive into reality. NASA recently developed the Next Space Technologies for Ex-ploration Partnerships (NextSTEP) program to assist with this very re-

search. Ten companies were chosen to help assist with technology that could allow humans to travel to deep space for the first time. This technology includes advanced electric propulsion, human habitation and small satellites. The TIE Fighter could possibly be closer than we thought.

PIA has been assisting the space pro-gram since its inception. Our students, alumni, and valued employer relation-ships helped transform these dreams into reality. PIA graduates continue this tradition through their work at various aerospace innovators, including Aerojet Rocketdyne, SpaceX and Sier-ra Lobo/NASA. Our alumni assist in everything from the creation of RL10 rocket engines to the fabrication and maintenance of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster. Current PIA students can look forward to more opportunities in the future with the continued part-nership of Sierra Lobo and NASA in Cleveland, OH.

As space industry technology continues to develop and enter mainstream use,

Spring Technician 2015 | 3

industry employment opportunities will grow for maintenance and avionics technicians alike. PIA has hosted Sier-ra Lobo/NASA and Rocketdyne in the past year for interviews and networking engagements, and students have greatly enjoyed seeing the future as a present reality on campus.

PIA Career Services remains dedicat-ed to supporting the space program and providing our graduates with the most current, unique and lucrative ca-reers they could imagine. Through our alumni network, we have been able to maintain a constant line of commu-nication with the space industry. We encourage all our alumni to keep in contact with PIA Career Services and help support the next generation of maintenance technicians in the space industry.

As the late Leonard Nimoy said in his most notable role as Spock, “Live Long and Prosper.”

By Jason Mongan, [email protected]

NextSTEP Technologies• Advanced Electric Propulsion• Human Habitation • Small Satellites


Swiss adventurer Bertrand Piccard, pilot Andre Borschberg and a team

of 80 technicians and engineers aim to be the first team to fly a non-fossil fuel powered plane around the world.

According to the Solar Impulse 2 web-site, this single-seat, glider like aircraft has a 236 foot wingspan (larger than that of the Boeing 747-8I) and a weight of just over 5000 pounds. The airframe of Solar Impulse 2 is constructed pri-marily of composite materials, with carbon fiber ribs providing the wing with a rigid yet aerodynamic profile. A high strength flexible skin covers the aircraft, with 17,248 thin solar cells, each 135 microns thick. The solar cells are mounted on the wing, fuselage and horizontal stabilizer.

These solar cells power four brushless electric motors mounted below the wing of Solar Impulse 2. Each motor generates a maximum of ten horsepow-er and average about eight horsepower to conserve battery power during flight. During the day, the solar cells recharge a 2077 pound lithium battery system which enables nighttime flight.

The high aspect ratio wings’ low-speed profile enables Solar Impulse 2 to fly at

high altitudes. At maximum altitude, Solar Impulse 2 can cruise at 60-150 miles per hour.

Solar Impulse 2 is the brainchild of two individuals: Piccard and Borsch-berg. Piccard continues in the footsteps of a long lineage of explorers, and has already piloted the world’s first non-stop balloon flight around the globe. Borschberg is an MIT-educated en-gineer, businessman and pilot with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Both have recruited numerous engineers, technicians and investors to make their “impossible” dream possible.

“With each of their great “firsts”, the explorers of the last century constantly pushed back the limits of the impossi-ble,” Piccard said. “Today, the drive to make new discoveries must go on, with the aim of improving the quality of life on our planet.”

According to the So-lar Impulse website, the endeavor’s goal is the promotion of renewable energies as a viable al-ternative to fossil fuels.

Piccard and Borschberg aim to demon-strate the importance of a pioneering and innovative spirit by achieving im-possible things with renewable energy and highlighting new solutions for en-vironmental problems.

Look for Solar Impulse 2 to begin its journey in 2015. After crossing the Pacific Ocean via Hawaii, the aircraft will fly across the Continental United States, stopping in three locations – Phoenix, AZ, a yet-to-be determined location in the Midwest dependent on weather conditions and New York City. If you would like more information, visit the Solar Impulse website at www.solarimpulse.com.

Solar Exploration Around the GlobeBy Jason Pfarr, [email protected]

Courtesy of Solar Impulse

As a propulsion technician for Space Exploration Technologies

(SpaceX), 2011 graduate Chris Hofmann is on the build team for the second stage engine that can be found on the Falcon 9 rocket.

Designed and manufactured by SpaceX, Falcon 9 is the first rocket completely developed in the 21st centu-ry, according to www.spacex.com. This two-stage rocket is designed for safe and reliable transport of satellites and SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft into orbit. Hofmann explained that his team’s en-gine, the Merlin Vacuum Engine, or MVAC-D, isn’t your typical engine.

“It is designed to operate in the vacuum of space,” Hofmann said.

Hofmann works as part of a six-man team which is exclusively responsible for this particular engine.

When Hofmann began his training at PIA, he had previous experience work-ing with National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and NASCAR vehicles.

“Having that kind of a background made me very mechanically inclined,” Hofmann said.

In addition to his technical background, he credits PIA for cultivating his skills and laying a foundation for success in the aerospace industry.

“I work with some very talented engi-neers, but they don’t always know the mechanical ins and outs of what we do,” Hofmann said.

“I worked with people of all differ-ent backgrounds and experiences at PIA,” Hofmann said. “It makes you rethink how to attack challenges and communicate with your coworkers and teammates.”

Hofmann offered some advice to those who may be considering training to-ward their A&P.

“Go for it,” Hofmann said. “The A&P is highly respected in aviation and aero-space, and will help you for reasons beyond a better starting pay.”

“Always remember that it is a license to keep learning as you work on new and exciting things.”


Grad’s Career Takes Off

“I work hand in hand with my teammates and the build engineers to do final assembly on the

engine from inception to its departure,” Hofmann said.” We address and remedy any problems that

may come up during assemblies or checkouts.”

By Kylee Bennett, [email protected]

The FAA has developed a new acad-emy course for inspectors of part

147 schools, and ATEC is helping get it right.

Gary Hoyle, council board member and treasurer with 40 years of aviation main-tenance education experience, accepted an invitation to attend the October ses-sion of the FAA Academy’s course for inspectors who perform certifica-tion and surveillance of aviation maintenance technician programs. Topics included curriculum review, instructor qualifications, fa-cilities and equipment requirements, quality of instruction, and certification and surveillance procedures.

Hoyle’s attendance is part of a long partnership. The story - and ATEC’s impact on the program - began years ago during the part 147 Aviation Rulemak-ing Advisory Committee (ARAC) deliberations in 2007. The ARAC’s fi-nal report, delivered on Dec. 5, 2008, included a recommendation to create a “specific school surveillance training course for principal inspectors.”

The FAA had a problem, and it knew it. The agency needed to develop an instructional program for its academy curriculum to address deficiencies in part 147 school certification and sur-veillance. For help, officials came to ATEC to develop a course outline and content. Hoyle and fellow board mem-ber Tim Guerrero of Redstone College began working with the FAA to lay out training material. It was the beginning of a years-long project that was officially introduced to students this October.

“Part 147 schools are a different kind of animal that presently few of the FAA inspectors know much about,” Guer-rero said. He explained that ATEC representatives worked closely with the

agency’s Aircraft Maintenance Division (AFS-300) to develop the basic course content that would be written into a complete curriculum and presented at the academy.

“It finally happened,” said Hoyle, pro-viding his assessment of the class while thinking back on its development. “My

thoughts [on the class] are: there were a lot of good things, and some things that needed clarification

or more time spent on them.”

The best part? This is exactly what the agency wanted to hear - a clear assess-ment of this first class and guidance for improving it. While Hoyle was asked for input or clarification at sever-al points during the two-and-a-half day seminar, the real work began after the students left. During a debrief session, Hoyle highlighted areas that needed im-provement. As a result, the class will be extended to a full three days to allow for more detailed coverage of certain topics.

“[My suggestions] were well accepted,” Hoyle said, before offering a specific example of his - and ATEC’s - value to the FAA: 8900.1. The order is out of date because it does not reflect oth-er flight standards documents. During the post-class debrief, Hoyle noted that 8900.1 did not include updated policy regarding graduate certificates or cer-tificates of completion. It was news to everyone.

“No one knew,” Hoyle said. “We looked up the document [Order 8080.6G, which changed testing requirements], so they are now aware of it. They need to change the inspectors’ guidance to reflect this new document. We were able to solve that problem.”

Summing up his experience, Hoyle was optimistic: “I was pleased to be includ-

ed in this process. It is a very positive sign for the future to have the FAA looking for feedback from experienced part 147 school administrators in an effort to bring consistency and clarifica-tion to the certification and surveillance of schools like ours.”

That consistency, as Guerrero ex-plained, is exactly what the council has been working for years with the agency to create: “It is hoped that as an inspec-tor is assigned to a part 147 school, they have the opportunity to attend this course and gain insight into basic school operations, with the ultimate goal of continuity in interpretation of the rule and of the guidance.”


ATEC takes the FAA to School

ATEC Student of the YearRussell Wheatley

The Aviation Tech-nician Education

Council (ATEC) recently selected PIA Hagerstown student Russell Wheatley as the “James Rardon Aviation Maintenance Technician Student of the Year”. ATEC recognized Wheatley, a graduate of Geneva Col-lege’s electrical engineering program and current third semester student at the Hagerstown Campus, for ac-complishments in academics as well as leadership and extracurricular involvement.

When not focusing on his academics, Wheatley spends his time mentoring and helping others via a local church youth group focused on cleaning and improving the neighborhood. He also volunteers at Fox Haven Organic Farm & Learning Center in Central Maryland. Wheatley developed his leadership skills through experiences with local summer camps, the Eagle Scouts and on-campus as a class repre-sentative. He hopes to utilize both his bachelor’s degree and PIA education to eventually enter the field of aviation re-search and development.

By Brett Levanto, ATEC Communications Manager

By Roxanne Ober, [email protected]


Pittsburgh Instructor Receives State RecognitionThe Aviation Council of Pennsylvania (ACP) recognized Pittsburgh

Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) Instructor Dave Koehler as the recip-ient of their 2014 Education Award. The award was bestowed on Koehler for his work with PIA’s courses on Aircraft Instruments and Controls.

Koehler, a PIA graduate and 14 year veteran of the instructional staff, was grateful for the acknowledgment.

“I’m honored and flattered to even be nominated,” Koehler said. “It’s quite humbling to be recognized for my efforts.”

Koehler brings a wide range of experience to the classroom, including work as a maintenance controller and quality control management. He constantly updates his teaching materials to reflect the latest advancements in the field of aviation.

Many of Koehler’s pupils affirm the ACP’s selection, describing him as enthusiastic, knowledgeable and passionate. Koehler appreciates watching his students grow during their time at PIA.

“I enjoy attending graduation and seeing the changes my students have undergone since going through my class,” Koehler said.

The ACP also selected Corey Staley, a student at the Hagerstown Branch Campus, for their Aviation Technology Scholarship.

‘The ACP focuses on improving and promoting aviation in both the gov-ernment and private sector while increasing public awareness of aviation and aerospace. PIA President John Graham III serves as a member of the ACP Board of Directors.

By Pat Sylves, [email protected]

Students, faculty and staff from PIA’s Pittsburgh and Youngstown campus-

es celebrated the brisk November weather with a Movember competition to determine the best beard and finest facial hair at both campuses. Participants from both campuses helped raise $267.05 for the American Can-cer Society by voting for their favorite facial hair.

Movember is a national event focused on raising awareness of men’s health issues (particularly cancer) via the growth of fa-cial hair. PIA staff organized interested beard-growers and sold tickets for students, faculty and staff to vote for their favorite fa-cial hair.

The event drew more than 20 beard and moustache enthusiasts toting handlebar moustaches, mutton chops and numerous other facial hair styles. In the end, Pitts-burgh Campus AMT student Howard Walmsley and Youngstown Campus stu-dent Allan Perunko came out on top.

The final vote for PIA’s “Best Beard” took place via PIA’s Facebook page, with voters commenting on whether they pre-ferred the facial hair of Walmsley or Perun-ko. Participants voted Walmsley the “Best Beard” of PIA by an overwhelming margin.

“Thank you to everyone who voted,” Walmsley wrote via Facebook. “I’m sure Allan Perun-ko feels the same way when I say I’m proud to have helped in raising any amount of money for the American Can-cer Society.”

Movember

Howard Walmsley

Allan Perunko

By Pat Sylves, [email protected]

PIA’s Jump Start Division was started in 1995 offering short term training in CDL Class A Truck Driving, and in 2003, Heavy Equipment Operator training was added to their catalog. Since then, PIA has trained over 9,000 students through their multiple‐location training system and con-tinuously seeks opportunities to fulfill the needs of the skilled labor industry by part-nering with employers and state workforce agencies.

A Career Fair for CDL Drivers and Heavy Equipment Operators was held at the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronau-tics in November 2014. 20+ industry employers including• Halliburton • CalFrac • Select Energy Services• Waste Management• UPS• Mon Valley Transport, and• Maverick Trucking

attended the fair and accept-ed applications from qualified individuals for immediate hire. PIA students, recent graduates and job seeking in-dividuals working with state agencies attended the fair.

“It was exciting to connect employers, staff and job seekers in the same room,” Anthony Sharro, Jump Start Admis-sions Representative, said. “Many of

the attending companies also active-ly recruit our students while they are attending their program(s), meaning motivated graduates can find them-selves interviewing for a job as soon as a week after they graduate.”

Multiple industries were represented at the hiring event including oil and gas, local delivery, transportation and over the road trucking companies.

“There are a tremendous number of job opportunities for our graduates,” Clay Alter, Jump Start Education Supervi-sor, said. “Individuals who have been professionally trained to operate vehi-cles requiring a CDL and [or] heavy equipment, can find a good job in our region to begin their new career.”

The Commercial Vehicle Training Asso-ciation (of which PIA is a long-standing member) projected a qualified driver shortage of up to 239,000 drivers in the

next 10 years across multiple industries.

“Training programs like the ones offered by PIA directly help to meet the rapidly

growing workforce needs of the truck-ing and heavy equipment industries,” Nadia Speney, Jump Start Admissions Supervisor, explained. “The Jump Start division provides skilled training cours-es that afford students with various backgrounds the practical knowledge and hands‐on experience necessary to become safe, qualified drivers and op-erators to obtain employment within a short period of time.”

PIA’s curriculum is designed with em-ployer input to better address hiring needs. The result? An industry relevant curriculum which produces a skilled driver with solid prospects for a job in the industry.

Employers have reached out to PIA to commend the school for the profession-alism of their graduates. Companies such as Equipment Transport and Oil Service, Inc. are among those who reached out to PIA after hiring a grad-uate who impressed them, providing ample opportunity for future Jump Start graduates.

PIA’s Jump Start division looks forward to developing new opportunities for its graduates and will hold their next

large scale career fair in November 2015.

A Road to the Future


By PIA JumpStart Department

Veteran and PIA-Hagerstown grad-uate, David Smith, is one of those

individuals who used their veterans benefits for continuing education. Al-ready equipped with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Mes-siah College, Smith decided he didn’t want to spend a career sitting behind a desk. With a better career in mind, he left a comfortable full-time salary to begin the 16-month AMT program at PIA-Hagerstown to become an aircraft mechanic.

“Sure, I could’ve found another engi-neering job making great money, but going insane is not worth it,” Smith said. “I just love working with my hands and money is not my guiding factor.”

Smith, who is also a pilot, joined the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in 2006 and is currently serving with five years left and big plans for the future.

Smith accepted a position after grad-uation with Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe in Hagerstown, MD as an Airframe and Powerplant Technician. Smith works alongside three other technicians and is responsible for:• Three Cessna 441’s• One Cessna 425• One Piper Seneca

“We do all maintenance on the air-planes, including cleaning the planes inside and out before the flights,” Smith said. “Right now we are doing a major phase inspection that requires us to dis-assemble parts of the plane to inspect and service each area. It is an inspection that happens every 2 years.”

Martin’s administration primarily uses the aircraft for business trips between


their plants in Georgia and Chambers-burg, PA. The corporation also travels via air to many of the cities where Mar-tin’s products are sold.

“It’s a great company and I really like the guys I work with,” Smith said. “We get great experience and no two days are the same.”

Ultimately Smith’s goal is to become a missionary overseas where he can utilize both his flying and aviation technical skills.

“I had a mentor who always said ‘if you do anything in life, do something that’s bigger than yourself,’ and that stuck with me,” Smith said. “So I did some soul searching and becoming a mis-sionary has been in my heart ever since I was in college. I quit my comfortable job to do something risky and come to PIA and it’s been awesome.”

According to Smith, it can take days to drive through the mountains in ar-eas like Papua, New Guinea. Instead, missionaries utilize small helicopters to quickly distribute translated Bibles, food, water and humanitarian supplies to tribes.

Smith speaks highly of his PIA edu-cation and the way it has helped him along on his career path.

“For me, it works well since I’m a pi-lot because I already know the aviation side, then I needed to come here and learn how to turn a wrench,” Smith said. “PIA is definitely the best school if you have a positive attitude and will-ingness to learn.”

Alumnus Isn’t Loafing Around at

“I had a mentor who always said ‘ if you do anything in life, do

something that’s bigger than yourself,’ and that

stuck with me.” - David Smith

PIA and veteran facts:

• About 18% of PIA’s students are veterans.

• PIA was named as one of G.I. Job Magazine’s “2015 Military-Friendly Schools.”

• A significant number of PIA’s faculty and staff have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

• PIA may grant credit based on results of evaluation tests administered to those who have relevant military experience.

• PIA operates in accordance with the “VA Principles of Excellence” and reviews a “Shopping Sheet” with each veteran.

By Stephanie Ostrowski, [email protected]

Training Outside the Hangar


PIA Brings Coursework to the Workforce with Corporate Training DepartmentBy Pat Sylves, [email protected]

PIA has trained generations of avia-tion maintenance technicians since

the school’s conception in 1929. The school has also engaged in training partnerships with numerous corporate clients throughout its existence, includ-ing Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics and the Army National Guard. PIA administration decided to expand these training opportunities with the creation of a Corporate Training Department in late 2013.

The department aims to provide a three-fold educational experience focusing on safety, productivity and compliance. PIA Corporate Training provides nu-merous course offerings, ranging from sheet metal fabrication to forklift oper-ation and first aid training. The diverse classes and PIA’s nationally renowned education credentials have attracted cli-

entele from both the public and private sector, including:• Select Energy Services• Baker Hughes• GeoStabilization International• US Army National Guard

1991 PIA Graduate Shawn Martinelli heads the department. Martinelli’s goal for the future of corporate training at PIA is a larger client base as well as a larger department to properly handle them.

“We’d like to expand both the depart-ment and our client base,” Martinelli said.

The department has enlisted in nu-merous professional organizations in order to expand the base of prospective clientele, including the Pennsylvania

Independent Oil and Gas Association (PIOGA) and the Washington County Chamber of Commerce.

Martinelli believes this step could be essential to accomplishing an addition-al department goal: establishing PIA Corporate Training as a premier train-ing resource for the oil and gas industry.

“I’d like for more members of the oil and gas industry to recognize PIA as a multi-faceted opportunity to both educate and improve their employees,” Martinelli said.

Interested in learning more about PIA Corporate Training’s course offerings? Contact Department Supervisor Shawn Martinelli at 412-346-2178 or visit PIACorporateTraining.com.


PIA Brings Coursework to the Workforce with Corporate Training Department

Solutions for a Safer Workplace

www.piacorporatetraining.com412.346.2178

Providing Customized Aviation Training in:• CompositeLayup&Repair• SheetMetalFabrication&Repair• Hydraulics• Non-DestructiveTesting(NDT)• Welding&Brazing• PitotStaticEquipment• AndavarietyofSpecializedSafetyTraining

The Hagerstown Campus hosted its first Career

Fair on Wednesday, Novem-ber 12th. The fair provided students with a chance to ex-plore local opportunities in both aviation and non-aviation fields with companies like GE Aviation/Dowty Propellers (Sterling, VA) and Mellott Company (Warfordsburg, PA). Additionally, they were able to look into relocation and continuing education with Elliott Avi-ation (Moline, IL) and Pennsylvania College of Technology (Williamsport, PA). Visits from M.A.G. and Sun Air International also afforded students the opportunity to discuss future em-ployment at the Hagerstown Regional Airport.

The President/CEO of Stephenson Equipment (Harrisburg, PA) personal-ly took the day to visit PIA and recruit students for employment. He openly discussed long-term career goals with students which created a noticeable

Hagerstown Campus Hosts First Career Fair

draw among the upcoming graduates, as many returned to his table to speak with him more than once. Two of the students who talked with him that day are now employed at Stephenson Equipment.

C.H. Reed (Hanover, PA) and Pied-mont Airlines (Salisbury, MD) also hired students based on exchanges ini-tially made at the November Career Fair. Other companies did make offers to students following the fair; however, the students had a large number of ca-reer options to choose from and not all of the employers in attendance were able

to recruit from the Fall 2014 graduates. PIA maintains active communication with these employers so that they can continue to recruit from future PIA graduating classes.

Many employers who visited the campus reached out after the fair to commend students for actively networking and asking the right questions.

By Heather Allen, [email protected]



The project team standing in front of the 1500 horsepower FS-Elliott Polaris P-700 centrifugal air compressor at the Steady Thermal Aero

Research Turbine (START) facility in State College, PA. Pictured are Kyle Wertman and Kris Wertman (C.H. Reed) and Mike Barringer (Penn

State University).

This article focuses on a project involv-ing 2004 PIA Alumnus Kyle Wertman, (pictured above, far left) a Compressed Air Specialist with C.H. Reed. We’re al-ways excited to see our alumni tackle new challenges and continue the tradition of ex-cellence fostered at PIA.

In June 2011, C.H. Reed was asked to participate in a project with Penn State University; FS-Elliot Co., Export, PA.; and the U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laborato-ry to design a compressor-driven turbine testing facility: the Steady Thermal Aero Research Turbine (START) fa-cility in State College, PA.

The facility was designed to test new, fuel-efficient, high-pressure turbine (HPT) system designs used on jet air-craft and land-based power generation turbines. Researchers evaluate leakage and gas-path flows along with new cooling technologies for the next gen-eration of gas turbine engine designs to improve fuel efficiency and reduce gas emissions.

“One of the biggest challenges in the gas turbine engine industry today is the increase in fuel costs,” says Mi-chael Barringer, associate at Penn State University, Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Department. “It is impera-tive that gas turbine propulsion systems and land-based power generation sys-tems become more fuel efficient.” To that end, research conducted at the

START Facility is aimed at reducing secondary air system flow leakages (via improved seal designs) using advanced turbine stage cooling designs.

Installing a high-performing air com-pressor was a key to the application. C.H. Reed, the local FS-Elliott distrib-utor for Pennsylvania, was contacted by Penn State to size and quiet a centrif-ugal compressor to drive the aircraft turbines being tested.

FS-Elliott performed numerous flow and pressure studies and provided performance curves for the two-stage machine at various off-design condi-tions. After a year of design and testing, the Polaris P700 air compressor unit met performance requirement. The unit was ordered and installed in late 2012. The air compressor was commis-sioned by Kris Wertman, C.H. Reed’s senior project manager. Penn State has since ordered an identical compressor to double the design air flow required for Phase Two testing. This second compressor was installed in November 2014.

C.H. Reed supported Penn State throughout the project and continues to do so during Phase Two. Wert-man worked with Barringer and Karen Thole, Penn State head of mechanical and nuclear engineering, from design through the installation and commis-sioning to bring the compressed air solution into operation.

The START project is a multi-year endeavor, which encompasses design and construction from 2011 to 2013, and testing and research from 2014 to 2017. “We’re happy with the work completed thus far and the initial data being acquired is encouraging. We’ve been working closely with Wertman at C.H.Reed during the project, and he has helped us tremendously,” Barringer says.

As an industrial distributor for 65 years, C.H. Reed, Inc. has been providing ideas, concepts and sustainable solu-tions to help manage issues associated with three key areas of industrial plants: compressed air systems and equipment; assembly tools and ergonomic material handling; and paint finishing and fluid handling equipment. Compressed air has always been a strong focus for C.H. Reed, and it’s a common thread run-ning through all of its product families.

Based in Hanover, PA, C.H. Reed strives to provide a “total solution” with-in its product families – engineering, equipment, installation, commission-ing, training, service, parts, accessories and consultation.

“Our capabilities start with designing and installing the complete compressed air system. This includes the genera-tion, treatment and distribution system to efficiently provide clean, dry air to

Continued on next page 14

How Kyle Wertman Got his STARTBy Neal Lorenzi

To be a successful technician in avia-tion you not only have to walk the walk. You also have to talk the talk, which includes a lot of acronyms. There are no spaces between the words.

PIA Crossword

Across1 ......FCC4 ......CHT5 ......FDR7 ......GPWS9 ......AFCS11 ....CFM12 ....ILS14 ....AOA17 ....FMS18 ....GPH20 ....FPM22 ....CRT26 ....ATC27 ....HUD28 ....FAA29 ....IFR30 ....LRU31 ....ESD32 ....LCD

Down2 ......EICAS3 ......ADC6 ......LCD8 ......INS10 ....AFM13 ....ADF15 ....ELT16 ....ARINC19 ....DME21 ....FM23 ....AGL24 ....EPR25 ....AM


support our wet or dry finish-ing, fluid handling, assembly capabilities and related system components,” says Dennis Reed, vice president.

Since 1948, the company has grown to include more than 100 employees in five locations ser-vicing thousands of customers in the mid-Atlantic region. Fill air compressor sales and service branch facilities are located in Milton, Erie and Pittsburgh, PA. C.H. Reed is still fami-ly-owned with many third and fourth generation people active in the business.

Employee Anniversaries

Reprinted with permission from Compressed Air Best Practices

By Todd Kruszka, [email protected]

20 years of Service, Charles BolesCurrently a part time instructor at PIA, Boles began as a full time instructor in 1988. He graduated from PIA in April of 1972, and prior to his tenure here was a Quality Assurance Inspector at Sikorsky Helicopters. He retired officially in 2008, but came back part time after one year leave. “It’s like a family here, that’s why I came back,” he said. He has four children, six grandchildren, and enjoys boating, fishing, coin collecting and is a Civil War enthusiast. He also tinkers with cars: he formerly specialized in restoring 50’s era Chevys, but more recently restored a BMW Z-3.

15 years of Service, Suzanne MarkleExecutive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of PIA, Markle is celebrating 15 years with PIA. She began as a mem-ber of the instructional staff in 1999, and since then has worked in a number of capacities throughout the organization, includ-ing program development and regulatory compliance. She served as Director of Placement from 2005 until 2008, then as Director of Admissions until 2010. Markle received her undergraduate degree in Secondary Education from Califor-nia University of Pennsylvania, and her Master of Business Administration from Seton Hill University. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and enjoying the outdoors.

10 years of Service, Susan VeverkaVeverka has been a math and aviation history instructor at PIA for ten years. Prior to this, she held teaching positions at Baldwin High School, Bethel Park High School, Robert Morris Univer-sity, and the Community College of Allegheny County. She has also worked as a cost accountant, an income tax preparer, and a free-lance ac-counting consultant. Veverka has a Master’s degree in Business Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Robert Morris University. She enjoys outdoor activities “but only in the warm weather,” playing tennis, and spending time with her five grandchildren.

5 years of Service, Peg NeelyPIA’s merchandise and account specialist, Neely has been here since April of 2009. Prior to arriving, she was an administrative assistant at Cardello Electric, where she handled payroll and hu-man resources. She enjoys conversing with coworkers, spends a lot of time with her husband, son, and daughter, and enjoys reading and watching Academy-Award nominated films.

5 years of Service, Jon VukmanicVukmanic, PIA’s Director of Financial Aid and Student Ser-vices, began at PIA in July of 2009. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with a minor in Marketing from Juniata College, and a Masters degree in Education from American Intercontinental University. Prior to arriving at PIA, he worked at the Pennsyl-vania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). He enjoys barbecuing and smoking meats and playing guitar. He is a self-described “avid Flyers fan.”

Continued from page 13

Aviation Acronyms Aviation Acronyms


By Dave Koehler, [email protected]

Pittsburgh Institute of AeronauticsP.O. Box 10897Pittsburgh PA 15236

NON-PROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

PITTSBURGH PAPERMIT NO. 2920

2014 Scholarship Winners2014 PIA Memorial Scholarship

Anderson, Jay Vitolo, Vincent

Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Assoc. Asche, Aaron

Alumni Assoc. of Franklin County Career & Technical Center

Grissinger, Tyler

Assembly 065 of Chicago Perpetual AwardBelmonte, Roman

Aviation Technology Scholarship AC of PAStaley, Corey

Association for Women in AviationJackson, Natasha

Barberton Community FoundationHafler, Brenden

Brian Corle Memorial ScholarshipPfaunmiller, Shane

Brighter Future Scholarship by Valley Rural Electric

Mottern, Timothy

Brookside Scholarship FundHewitt, Devan

Cafaro Memorial Scholarship FundBerarducci, Peter

Celebrity Bowl Youth ScholarshipKlamer, Michael

Community Foundation of Frederick County

Maher, Michael

Croatian Fraternal Union of AmericaKisan, Alex

Daryl Lambert Memorial ScholarshipMorgan, Samuel

David G Marshall Memorial ScholarshipMaher, Michael Moore, Brenton

Delegate Afzali ScholarshipMaher, Michael

Delegate Schultz ScholarshipMaher, Michael

Doug Althouse Memorial FoundationCameron, Tyler

Ed & Safety Fund ScholarshipDiaz, James

Elks National FoundationGrimm, Seth

First Data Corp ScholarshipRock, Hunter

George Wesley Gilbert Memorial ScholarshipMaher, Michael Moore, Brenton

Hagerstown Professional FirefightersYeargan, John

John & Helen Fussell Memorial ScholarshipSmith, Cody

Lifeshare Community Blood ServicesThompson Caleb

MD State Senatorial ScholarshipTolley, Steven

Mellott Company 2014 ScholarshipMottern, Timothy

Milford Mill Academy ScholarshipGreen, Sidney

Ministry, Methodist ChurchMottern, Timothy

NATA Business ScholarshipNissel, Brian

National Air Transportation FoundationNissel, Brian

Northrop Rice ScholarshipBeck, Mason Smith, David

Ohio Grand Prix Youth Bowling ScholarshipGeorge, William

Paul R. Shively ScholarshipNickol, Shane

Pearle Evans Scholarship Award 2014Mottern, Timothy

Projet Aviation ScholarshipBeck, Mason Smith, David

South Carolina Aviation AssociationBrown, Britain

Scott Gaurlick Memorial ScholarshipEberwein, Noah

Southern Fulton School District ScholarshipMottern, Timothy

United Fly TyersGrimm, Seth

United States Bowling CongressGeorge, William

Walmart Dependent ScholarshipHafler, Brenden

West End Lions Club Industrial Tech ScholarshipCameron, Tyler

William Christy Memorial ScholarshipMega, Tyler

412.346.2100 • Fax 412.466.0513 • 1.800.444.1440 • www.pia.edu

PIA Technician - Spring 2015

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