Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics
Since its doors were first opened in 1929, PIA has taken pride in the quality of its education programs and the successes of its graduates. Regardless of the program, a PIA education emphasizes hands-on learning. Qualified faculty members strive to present thorough and thoughtful instruction as they blend their practical experiences with new information and techniques. Of equal importance is the list of student services that are provided from the first day of instruction through, and beyond, graduation.
PIA's main campus is the home of the School of Specialized Technology, offering degree programs in the areas of Aviation and Technology. The Youngstown Warren branch campus also offers a diploma program in Aviation Maintenance Technology. PIA will also start accepting applications for our newest location in Hagerstown, MD opening spring 2011.
PIA's Jump Start division offers short-term training programs at the main campus, as well as at a number of locations in West Virginia.
We welcome the opportunity to serve the academic needs of both traditional and non-traditional students, and we invite you to contact our staff with any questions you may encounter as you explore our educational offerings.
Aviation Electronics Technology (AET) Degree Program:
Aviation Electronics (Avionics) Technicians inspect, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair sophisticated electronic equipment and systems found onboard modern aircraft. The 21-month AET program at PIA includes licensing by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and leads to an Associate in Specialized Technology degree. Most graduates of the AET program enter the aviation industry with Avionics repair stations, equipment manufacturers, or aircraft production facilities.
Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) Degree Program:
Aviation Maintenance Technicians are the professionals who inspect, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair the engines, structure, and onboard systems of all types of aircraft. The AMT degree program at PIA's main campus consists of 21 months of training and leads to an Associate in Specialized Technology degree, including preparation for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe & Powerplant certification exams. Most graduates of this program begin their careers with regional airlines, aircraft manufacturers, maintenance facilities, aircraft charter services, and corporate aviation departments.
PIA's focus on hands-on learning experiences is evident in the school's shops and labs, which include specialized areas for propulsion systems, electronics (basic and advanced), radio communication & navigation, sheet metal, hydraulics, instruments & controls, composites, non-destructive testing, welding, and painting. Aviation students benefit from a variety of onsite aircraft which are used specifically for training purposes.
Commercial Driver's License
PIA is one of the leading schools in the country supplying drivers to the road transportation industry. PIA has trained and graduated over 8,800 students through our multiple-campus training system. PIA prides itself in providing state-of-the-art training with state-of-the-art equipment.
PIA's Freightliners are equipped with 10-speed transmissions, tilt and telescopic steering wheels, air ride seats, air conditioning, and cruise control. The cabs have been custom designed to provide individual seats for each student. 48-foot trailers complete the training units, accurately representing the over-the-road trucks you see every day.
PIA's modern, state-approved classrooms provide a comfortable environment for students, and classroom training aides provide an easy-to-understand, hands-on learning experience. Customized lesson plans are designed to provide the most accurate information in a short amount of time, with an emphasis on safety.
As you are making your career decision, understand that your training school's reputation is an important factor in getting a job after graduation. PIA's Truck Driving Program was developed to meet the needs of both the students and the trucking industry.
How many jobs exist for commercial truck drivers? 80,000 per year for the next ten years, according to the American Trucking Association. The average starting wage for a first-year truck driver is between $30,000 and $36,000 per year and pays full benefits.
Heavy Equipment Operation
PIA's Heavy Equipment Operation training offers complete training for entry-level heavy equipment operators.
Students train for careers operating late-model bulldozers, backhoes, skid steer loaders, and excavators.
You'll also learn how to use the construction-related equipment for, but not limited to:
- Land clearing
- Culverts and ponds
- Ditches for utilities
- Pipe laying
- Road building
- Foundation excavation
- Compaction and grading
Construction is one of the largest service industries in the country. The opportunities in this field are excellent for the properly-trained and hard-working individual. Heavy equipment operators hold a very important position in the construction industry. These workers provide services in the construction and maintenance of dams, flood control systems, bridges, landscaping, housing, reclamation, pipelines, and logging. Heavy equipment operators and small earth-moving contractors also work with companies that provide utilities such as telephone, electric, gas, and water service. The need for heavy equipment operators and small earth-moving contractors is almost endless.
Computer-based Training
Skills in computer and office technology are essential to success in today's workforce, so PIA offers programs which help individuals bridge the gap between their work experience and these missing technology components. These skills provide students with a basis upon which they can work and steadily advance their careers.
Computer Technology Careers:
- Computer Hardware Service Technician
- A+ Certification
- Word Processor
- Secretary
- Data Entry Operator
- Administrative Assistant
- Computer Operator
- General Office Clerical Work
Placement
If there is one thing that stands out about PIA's Aviation and Technology programs, it is the wide array of career opportunities available to the programs' graduates. PIA graduates are often described as having "transferable skills." That is, they possess the technical background to pursue careers in a variety of industries.
So what can you do with a PIA education? Below are some examples of positions held by PIA graduates:
Aviation Maintenance Technology graduates are working as:
- Aircraft Mechanics/Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Technicians/Aviation Maintenance Technicians
- Flight Line Mechanics/Line Maintenance Technicians
- Ground Service Equipment Technicians
- Aviation Inspectors/Investigators
- Crew Chiefs
Graduates of the Aviation Maintenance Technology program and the Mechanical Systems Technology program are qualified for jobs as:
- Sheet Metal Workers/Fabricators/Structural Assemblers
- Machine Repairers/Industrial Mechanics
- Electro-mechanical Technicians
- Hydraulics Mechanics
- Field Service Technicians
Aviation Electronics Technology program graduates are qualified for positions as:
- Avionics Technicians/Aviation Electronics Repairers
- Bench Electricians/Component Electricians
Aviation Electronics Technology and Electronic Systems Technology graduates are qualified for the following positions:
- Electrical Assemblers
- Electronics Technicians
- Signalmen
- Electro-mechanical Technicians
- Radar Technicians
PIA maintains an Industry Advisory Committee, which makes recommendations about how PIA's programs can best educate students to enter today's workforce. Made up of representatives from companies across the country, the Advisory Committee is just one way that PIA strives to maintain superior instruction in precisely the areas that employers demand.
PIA's Placement Department works diligently to maintain an extensive, nationwide network of employers in the areas of manufacturing, electronics, maintenance, and transportation. The school regularly hosts company representatives on campus for recruiting presentations and job interviews that are open to PIA students and graduates only.
For more information, please contact:
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Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics Phone: 1-800-444-1440 |
