EKU Aviation Program targets new aerospace technology concentration at community and technical colleges

RICHMOND, Ky. (Feb. 7, 2014) —  The Eastern Kentucky University Aviation Program will roll out a new Aerospace Technology concentration this fall.

The new option is designed to be a degree-completion pathway, incorporating 26 semester hour credits of aviation technical electives. It will allow community college graduates with heavily loaded aviation technical courses to transfer to EKU and receive maximum transfer credits.

Eastern will initially market the concentration to Kentucky Community and Technical College (KCTCS) students at campuses near regional airports. Articulation agreements are in progress with Somerset Community College, Hazard Community and Technical College and Owensboro Community and Technical College.

The first section includes associate degree courses and the corresponding EKU equivalents. The second section contains bridge courses, which can be taken at either institution. The final section includes courses that must be taken at EKU, through online or on-campus options.

“KCTCS students will be able to complete two and a half of their four years at a local college,” said Ralph Gibbs, director of the EKU Aviation Program. “If they select the online degree completion option, they may complete all four years in their hometown. This degree-completion model is a perfect option for two-year Airframes and Power Plants (A&P) and Pro Flight community colleges nationwide.”

The EKU Aviation Program, the only university-based program in Kentucky, also offers degree options in Professional Flight and Aerospace Management. Last year, the EKU program became one of the first three universities nationally authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration to designate their aviation candidates for the 1,000-hour restricted Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, creating a considerable savings in cost and/or time.

“EKU Aviation has established a statewide presence,” Gibbs said, “and is working toward becoming a national leader in the great and growing field of aviation technology.”

For more information, visit aviation.eku.edu.