emphasizes. “At the Aviation Education Center, I get to teach and design this program from the ground up, so we are sending successful mechanics into the workforce.” Former industry professionals often bring valuable perspectives to aviation education. According to FAA data, instructors with direct industry experience can significantly enhance student preparedness for certification exams and workplace integration. “When I helped create this program, I wanted it aligned directly with the industry so students know exactly what they’re going into and have every skill they could possibly need,” Pavkovich adds. For Strom, motivation stems from community impact.“What I love about the AMTS is that it gives kids in this area a new way forward. It gives them skills to get good, well-paying, family-sustaining jobs that have significant meaning,” he explains. Aviation maintenance careers fulfill this promise of stability and meaning. Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicates aviation technicians earn median salaries approximately 25% higher than the national average across all occupations, with particularly favorable prospects in rural regions where such specialized skills are scarce. FUTURE PROGRAM DEVELOPMENTS Saint Francis University continually evolves its aviation programs to anticipate industry changes and emerging technologies. The institution’s forwardlooking approach addresses the rapidly transforming aviation landscape, where electrification, automation, and novel aircraft designs reshape traditional roles. “We designed our program uniquely, so students have a university schedule with fall break, spring break, and winter break,” Pavkovich explains. “What that allows us to do is insert programming and courses that typical aviation maintenance students might not access. This year over winter break, we offered a drone certification course, and we’re currently developing an NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) course.” The university’s supplemental certifications reflect 89 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 05, ISSUE 02 SAINT FRANCIS UNIVERSITY AVIATION PROGRAMS
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