Important Announcements
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Training for aviation mechanics lands at W. Memphis community college
• By Wayne Risher
Mid-South Community College wants to plug East Arkansans into good-paying jobs tending the aircraft that support a $28.6-billion-per-year chunk of the area economy.
Officials announced Tuesday that the West Memphis school will create an aviation mechanics training program from the ground up, with assistance from FedEx Express and $3.4 million in federal stimulus money.
School president Dr. Glen Fenter said FedEx will supply a plane, tools, equipment and expertise and participate in an internship program.
"If we had to start this from scratch with our own resources, we simply couldn't do it," Fenter said. "It speaks to FedEx's commitment to the region that they were willing to make this investment in the Memphis metro area."
The Department of Labor awarded Mid-South nearly $3.4 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money to establish the program. Fenter said officials weren't sure when it would be up and running because details must be coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration.
"We have begun the conversation with the FAA, and we are identifying staff people and potential instructors," Fenter added.
Fenter credited members of the Arkansas congressional delegation and Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, with helping Mid-South land the training program.
"We also appreciate the tremendous commitment FedEx Express has made to this project," Fenter said. "The company has agreed to participate in the internship program so our students can obtain on-the-job training while working toward an FAA Airframe and Powerplant Certificate."
Greg Hall, vice president of FedEx Express Aircraft Maintenance, said, "We are proud of our skilled and talented aviation maintenance technicians. Observing their professionalism and expertise will help prepare MSCC students for future success in the aviation maintenance industry."
Mid-South, which has enrollment of 2,200, was already involved in a stimulus money-funded renewable energy training program, part of a national "green jobs" initiative.
Tennessee Technology Center Memphis also operates an aviation program at a campus near Memphis International Airport.
A 2009 study placed direct and indirect economic impact of the airport on the five-county metro area at $28.6 billion in 2007.
Officials said the West Memphis program, designed to be replicated in other cities, would respond to a growing market in aviation maintenance. Younger workers will be needed to replace older ones who retire as the field grows from 122,000 to 135,000 jobs by 2016, said Dr. Gibson "Sunny" Morris, executive director of the Arkansas Delta Workforce Innovations in Regional Economic Development initiative at Mid-South.
GAMA PLEASED WITH PRESIDENT'S BUDGET
WASHINGTON, DC, February 1, 2010 - The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) is pleased that President Obama's fiscal year 2011 budget proposal does not include user fees for general aviation.
"We support the Administration’s common-sense decision not to propose user fees," said GAMA's President and CEO, Pete Bunce. "A burdensome user fee system faced widespread opposition in Congress and universal opposition from general aviation. GAMA stands ready to work with both the Administration and Congress to pass an FAA reauthorization bill that will help the agency move forward on air traffic control modernization and other important national priorities."
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Business Aviation and the Haiti Crisis
The business aviation community has a long history of providing flights and other support to help people and communities in the aftermath of natural disasters, and following this week's earthquake in Haiti, NBAA has heard from many Members wanting to volunteer aircraft, supplies and personnel to support earthquake relief efforts.
In response, NBAA has set up a specific and continually updated resource on the Association's web site - www.nbaa.org/haiti - to provide the latest operational information and help match available assets with people and organizations involved in coordinating missions into Haiti.
......Click on the article title for entire article......
OPPORTUNITY TO DESIGN SPACE ROVERS, VISIT HOUSTON'S JOHNSON SPACE CENTER
WASHINGTON -- NASA is offering community and junior college students from across the country an opportunity to participate in a semester-long scholars program, culminating in a three-day visit to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Applications are due Dec. 15. To be eligible, students must be U.S.
citizens enrolled at a community or junior college with an interest in science, technology, engineering, or math.
For more information about NASA's National Community College Aerospace Scholars click on the article title above.
Ability 585 ERP Software Offered to Manufacturers
Ability’s 585 ERP was developed over the past 10 years to provide accountability and lean capability for different industries. Needs of the best in class manufacturing companies have been met by 585 because of the manufacturing centric design philosophy.
Ability has met these needs for the past decade by maintaining a strong development relationship with Ability’s customers to enhance the capabilities of 585 to include Product Life Cycle Management, Operational Planning, Cost Accounting, Customer Relations Management, Quality Systems, Financial Planning, Time and Attendance, Inventory, Accounting, Cash Flow Forecasting, Real-time Shop Floor Control , …and even a Material Wizard. A combination not typically found in most of today’s ERP systems.
To get more details click on the Article Title above.
Italian Aerospace Forum
U.S. aerospace manufacturers, especially small and medium size companies, are invited to participate in a business networking opportunity with Italian aerospace manufacturers. Aerospace research centers, including those associated with academic institutions, also may be invited. This event will be centered in the Regione Puglia, a major center of aerospace activity in Southeastern Italy. A limit of 15 U.S. participants will be accepted on a “first come, first served” basis.
The heart of this event will be one-on-one meetings between U.S. and Italian companies aimed at establishing new and strengthened business ties through activities such as joint ventures, representation agreements, and direct sales of components. Other activities include visits to Italian aerospace manufacturing sites and social activities, such as receptions. Major financial support is generously being provided by the Puglia regional government, which will make final decisions on U.S. participants.
For more details and for registration information click on the article title above.
Students stand ready to fill industry need
Students stand ready to fill industry need
By DONNA COLLINS For the Sunday News
CAMDEN - As the aviation and aerospace industry ascends in Arkansas’ economic development future so does Southern Arkansas University Te ch’s aviation program and its students.
During a recent visit in Little Rock, U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln said the state’s "general aviation industry provides high quality, high paying jobs" and "their workers are critical to the long-term success of Arkansas’s economy."
Bill Archer, aviation program coordinator at SAU Tech, said that kind of support helped secure a $2.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.
The recently awarded grant is to be split among community colleges in the state on aviation training programs.
SAU Tech recently hosted members of a consortium of aviation training program representatives from other community colleges. It was an opportunity for Archer to show off a program he clearly believes is a success. He also believes the local program will continue to grow and benefit from the increase in federal and state interest.
"It’s exciting. It’s an exciting time for aviation in the state and most of all for our students," Archer said while watching SAU Tech aviation instructor Norm Faith take the lead on a tour by visiting educators.
Faith, who joined the Tech faculty shortly after moving his aviation maintenance business from El Dorado to Camden in 2003, not only provides students with current aviation industry instruction and training, but offers his personal experiences and observations of a lifetime of aviation experience.
According to Faith, his earliest aviation experience came at the age of two months when he flew with his parents.
"That’s when people dressed up for flying," he said, explaining that in the early years of commercial air travel, people dressed up, because it was an "event."
While interviewing students for this article, several gave similar answers when asked about the responsibility of aviation mechanics.
"You can’t stop on a cloud to work on a problem," or similar words were used to repeat what many agreed they had heard first and often from Faith.
Instructor Brannon West has heard those words, too. He’s a graduate of the certification program and has returned to teach. West is a flight engineer and mechanic for the Commemorative Air Force B-29/B-24 Squadron located in Midland, Texas. The B-24 Bomber was used in World War II and was mass produced more than any other aircraft at that time. West’s grandfather, J.T. Frizzell worked as a structural sheet metal repairman for consolidated aircraft in San Diego on the B24 assembly line and flew in the B-17 during WWII as a waist gunner and in B-25 maintenance based in Italy. "Aviation is a small world," Faith said, adding that many students have family connections to the industry.
Photos by Aaron Morris Faith also likes to remind his students of the history of aviation mechanics, including the role women played.
"We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the women who stepped up during World War II," Faith said about the many women who built, maintained and flew planes because men were on the front lines.
Student Sarah Childs of Mount Holly is not the first female to go through the program, but she is currently the only female in the class.
Her family tree includes mechanics and aviators.
"I like the challenge," she said when asked about the program.
Do the guys give her a hard time?
"Not really, not any more than they give each other," she said.
She said she likes concentrating on the certified training and will decide on pursuing an associate degree when she has her airframe and power plant certification in hand.
Asked if she’s thought about being a pilot, she replied, "One step at a time," she said before returning to her studies.
Archer said his students are in demand and those who choose to enter the field upon completing their training, do so.
"We have a 100 percent placement," Archer said.
SAU Tech offers a twoyear certification in airframe and power plant mechanics. Students can also choose to earn an associate degree, which can lay the foundation toward a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university.
When asked why he decided on pursuing an A&P certificate, student Aaron Reynolds said he did some research and learned that the aviation industry is not only growing, but it’s growing in Arkansas. He also said, "It’s fun."
"It keeps me on my toes," he said about the detailed safety instruction that lies at the heart of every lesson.
"Yes, I think about the people who will be on the planes that I might work on," he said.
Second-year student Billy Jackson of Glen Rose agreed, saying, "You don’t have a cloud you can pull over to."
Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Events
The Little Rock Regional Chamber’s 27th Annual Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week begins today, September 14th and runs through Friday, September 18th. Among many offerings, this year’s MED Week features three marquee events featuring Ronald F. Mathieu (Executive Director, Little Rock National Airport), a Power of Diversity Panel, and Rodney E. Slater (Former United States Secretary of Transportation), respectively. Please plan to join us for one or all of these events and share the invitation with your colleagues as we celebrate the economic and cultural diversity of our region. To get details and to register click on the article title above.
NASA ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR AERONAUTICS SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate will begin accepting scholarship applications on Sept. 1, 2009, for the 2010 academic year. The application deadline is Jan. 11, 2010.
"These scholarships are a fantastic way to support our brightest students and encourage them to finish their education, expose them to NASA's research programs and inspire them to pursue a career in aeronautics," said Jaiwon Shin, associate administrator for the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
NASA expects to award 20 undergraduate and five graduate scholarships to students in aeronautics or related fields. Undergraduate students entering their second year of study will receive up to $15,000 per year for two years and the opportunity to receive a $10,000 stipend by interning at a NASA research center during the summer. Graduate students will receive up to $35,000 per annually for up to three years, with an opportunity to receive a $10,000 stipend interning at a NASA research center up to two consecutive summers.
Students who have not committed to a specific academic institution or program still may apply. However, if accepted, they must be admitted by fall 2010 into a suitable aeronautical engineering program or related field of study at an accredited U.S. university. All applicants must be U.S. citizens. Scholarship money may be used for tuition and other school-related expenses.
NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate conducts cutting-edge, fundamental research in traditional and emerging disciplines. The intent is to help transform the nation's air transportation system and to support development of future air and space vehicles. Goals include improving airspace capacity and flexibility; aviation safety and aircraft performance; reducing overall noise, engine emissions and fuel usage.
For details about this scholarship program, including how to apply,
visit:
http://asee.org/nasaasp
For more information about NASA's aeronautics programs, visit:
http://www.aeronautics.nasa.gov
For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov
SENATOR PRYOR, SENATOR LINCOLN AND GOVERNOR BEEBE SUPPORT GENERAL AVIATION JOBS IN ARKANSAS
LITTLE ROCK, AR, August 12, 2009 – Today Senator Mark Pryor, Senator Blanche Lincoln, and Governor Mike Beebe spoke at The General Aviation Jobs for Arkansas Forum. The forum was organized by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), in partnership with Dassault Falcon and Hawker Beechcraft Corporation.
Pete Bunce, president and CEO of GAMA, stated, “General aviation has a tremendous impact on the state of Arkansas. We are appreciative that Senators Pryor and Lincoln, Governor Beebe, and numerous state and local leaders also recognize its importance. Working together, aviation will continue as Arkansas’s number one export.”
The forum was held in a hangar at the Dassault Falcon facility at Little Rock National Airport. The crowd included about 100 community leaders and more than 500 Dassault Falcon and Hawker Beechcraft employees.
Below are highlights from the remarks of each of the speakers at the forum:
Senator Mark Pryor
“General aviation is a critical component of Arkansas’ economy, and I want to help this industry continue to flourish in our state. It’s an honor to view the first-rate work product built by thousands of Arkansans and to meet these innovators in person.”
Senator Blanche Lincoln
“Dassault Falcon and Hawker Beechcraft are terrific corporate citizens and significant parts of our Arkansas family. Dassault and Hawker provide high quality, high paying jobs in our state, and the work their employees perform is so important to the long-term success of the Arkansas economy. I am pleased to meet with Dassault and Hawker employees and officials at The General Aviation Jobs for Arkansas Forum to discuss how we can get our state and nation back on track.”
Governor Mike Beebe
“Aerospace is Arkansas’s number-one export and a key component of our economy. We are proud of the more than 10,000 Arkansans who work in aviation and give this sector a strong presence here, and we look forward to recruiting even more companies to further expand that presence.”
Jeff Habib, senior vice president of sales for the U.S. and Canada, Dassault Falcon
"Dassault Falcon is a proud partner in the growth and development of the Little Rock community. Our two thousand plus employees here have earned a world class reputation for their superb craftsmanship. But just as important, they have worked within this great community to make it a better place to live. Dassault Falcon is extremely grateful to the leadership in Little Rock and the Great State of Arkansas for providing what might just be the optimum environment for cultural, economic and business vitality. Sure, business aviation is facing a tough market right now, but in the long term, the quality of work by Arkansans will help us persevere."
Shawn Vick, executive vice president, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation
“Our facility in Little Rock dates back more than 45 years and is central to the reputation and success of our business. The area’s highly skilled work force and our high quality, diverse positions have proved a successful combination for the local and state economy. We have invested in our local facilities and in the community and look forward to a successful future.”
Media Contacts:
GAMA: Katie Pribyl, 202-393-1500, kpribyl@gama.aero
Dassault Falcon: Ralph Aceti, 201-248-4562, ralph.aceti@falconjet.com
Hawker Beechcraft: Nicole Alexander, 316-676-3212, nicole_alexander@hawkerbeechcraft.com
ARKANSAS SPACE GRANT CONSORTIUM PRESENTS
Three teachers from Little Rock received a grant from the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium to attend NASA space camp at the Aerospace Education Center.
Charlotte Cook, Karen Banks and Gene Williams will then instruct other educators, who together will work with students in a FREE math and science tutoring program through Title I Supplemental Education Service. Students in 4th-8th grades in Little Rock, North Little Rock and Pulaski County School Districts, which are designated for school improvement, can attend Aerospace Education Results (AER) for three hours per day for 10 Saturdays beginning in the Fall of 2009 and continuing through the Winter and Spring of 2010.
“AER is for 4th-8th grade students who need additional learning assistance,” said Ann Jones, executive director of Aerospace Education Center in Little Rock. “Students not in these three districts in Pulaski County, which are designated for school improvement, may participate in AER for a fee.”
AER expects approximately 100 students to enroll, and students will be grouped into five to 10 students per teacher, who are nationally board-certified. The teachers design and teach the curriculum, which reflects Arkansas math and science standards, and guest instructors will include aviators, engineers, programmers and technicians in the aerospace/aviation industry. Potential activities also include design and launch of rockets, high-altitude balloons and robots.
Currently, teachers and students are being sought for the first session. For more information, contact Ann Jones at 501-376-4232, ext. 0 or e-mail ajones270@aol.com.
About AEC
The Little Rock area took a remarkable step forward in 1995 to meet an interest in aerospace science and technology when forward-thinking community members founded Aerospace Education Center, including the first GiantScreen Theater in the state of Arkansas. In 2005, Aerospace Education Center opened the state’s first digitally-projected planetarium, the EpiSphere. The nonprofit and privately-owned facility, which is not affiliated with any institution, city, county or other entity, is a 501 © (3) organization funded through private donations, corporate gifts and donations from private citizens who understand the importance of keeping aerospace live and viable.
Invitation-Business Aviation Forum
You are cordially invited to join fellow leaders of Arkansas at the Business Aviation Forum, an event with Senator Mark Pryor that will discuss the importance of the aviation industry in providing quality jobs and economic development. Here in Arkansas, the general aviation industry contributes more than $1 billion to the statewide economy and provides more than 3,500 manufacturing jobs.
Event: Business Aviation Forum: Arkansas Jobs and Economic Development, sponsored by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association
Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Location: Dassault Falcon Jet
3801 East 10th Street
Little Rock, AR 72202
RSVP: Due to airport security, you must register to attend this free event. Registrations must be received by Friday, August 7th.
Registrations can be made by calling 1-800-300-9246 or email AviationForum@GrassrootsSupport.net and provide your Name, Title, Organization, Address, Phone Number and Email Address.
The General Aviation industry contributes more than $150 billion to the U.S. economy annually, provides nearly 1.3 million jobs nationwide, and is one of the few remaining domestic manufacturing industries that provide a significant trade surplus for the United States.
General and business aviation is critical to supporting and maintaining the nation’s transportation infrastructure by utilizing ten times more airports in the U.S. than scheduled airlines serve. It helps thousands of businesses of all sizes to be more productive and efficient and infuses urban and rural areas with much-needed tax revenue and jobs. Business aviation is also a crucial part of the humanitarian and emergency support network in the U.S.
We hope that you will be able to join us to learn more about this vital industry. If you have any questions, please call us at 1-800-300-9246.
AS 9100 Revision C Overview
This Overview is designed to help you understand the changes to the standard and begin the upgrade of your AS 9100 Rev. B Quality System.
Audits to Revision C are scheduled to begin in the 3rd quarter of 2009.
The objectives of this revision include
• Incorporation of ISO 9001:2008 changes
• Expanded scope to include land and sea based systems for defense applications
• Adoption of new requirements based on stakeholder needs
AMS has another session scheduled on Dec 8, 2009 in Little Rock.
To get details and to register click on the article title above.
GAMA APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF MICA TSA AMENDMENT
WASHINGTON, DC, June 4, 2009 – The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) applauds passage of the Mica-Petri-Ehlers-Graves Amendment to H.R. 2200, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Authorization Act.
The amendment limits the TSA's ability to use security directives to circumvent the normal rulemaking process without consideration of operational impacts or economic burdens. While the amendment still leaves the TSA plenty of latitude to respond to imminent threats, it brings a common sense approach to the agency’s use of security directives.
“We very much appreciate Congressman Mica’s leadership on this important amendment and the hard work of Congressmen Tom Petri (D-WI), Sam Graves (R-MO) and Vern Ehlers (R-MI) to help get it passed,” said GAMA President and CEO, Pete Bunce. “This amendment is critical to ensuring that our aviation system remains both secure and fair to those who use it. ”
Release of NASA Research Announcement: Research Opportunities inCombustion Science
Participation is open to all categories of organizations, including educational institutions, industry, nonprofit organizations, NASA centers, and other Government agencies.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters released NASA Research Announcement (NRA) NNH09ZTT001N, entitled, "Research Opportunities in Combustion Science" on May 18, 2009. Proposals are solicited by the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD) Advanced Capabilities Division for the following four categories: 1) fundamental
studies of material flammability as a function of gravity, flow and orientation, 2) investigations of the relevance of existing flammability test methods for low and partial gravity environments, 3) development and validation of test approaches for assessment of material flammability under microgravity and partial gravity conditions, and 4) quantification of low-gravity gaseous and particulate products of combustion for materials used in the habitable volume of spacecraft developed in the Constellation program. This call is for ground-based research that may eventually lead to research on the International Space Station (ISS).
The full text of the solicitation is available on the NASA Research Opportunities homepage at http://nspires.nasaprs.com under menu listing "Open Solicitations." Potential applicants are urged to access this site well in advance of the proposal due date to familiarize themselves with its structure and to register in the system. Notices of Intent are due on June 18, 2009, and proposals are due on August 18, 2009. Proposals must be submitted by an authorized official of the proposing organization.
Participation is open to all categories of organizations, including educational institutions, industry, nonprofit organizations, NASA centers, and other Government agencies. Proposals must be submitted electronically via NASA's proposal data system, NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) (http://nspires.nasaprs.com). Until further notice, proposers will be unable to submit proposals intended for NASA through Grants.gov. Instructions on how to register in NSPIRES is described in the NRA. Questions in regards to responding to this NRA may be addressed to the contacts referenced in the full solicitation document.
GAMA Pleased With Passage Of House FAA Reauthorization
Concerned with Repair Station Provision That Threatens U.S. Jobs and Safety Cooperation
WASHINGTON, DC, May 22, 2009 - GAMA praised passage of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization bill but expressed concern over a provision that would invalidate a bilateral aviation safety agreement with the European Union (EU), threatening safety cooperation with Europe and potentially jeopardizing thousands of U.S. jobs across the country...
To view the entire article click on the article headline.
FAA Inspector Signs Applications
Federal Aviation Administration Inspector Gerald Acord traveled to Camden, Arkansas Thursday to inspect and sign aviation maintenance technician certificate application forms for the SAU Tech aviation students who have completed their training. This is one of many courtesies that Mr. Acord has extended for the students of SAU Tech since he...(Click on headline to read the entire article and view photograph of the event)
Mayors Urge Obama to Support Corporate Aviation
WICHITA, Kan. — About 70 mayors and other officials from cities across the U.S. have urged President Barack Obama to use his "bully pulpit" to change perceptions of corporate and private jets, saying the general-aviation industry has suffered because of negative media coverage.
In a letter to the president made public on Wednesday, officials from cities in 14 states, including Kansas, noted that... (Click on headline to read the entire article)
Aviation Training Programs Soar
The sluggish economy hasn’t grounded aviation training programs at Arkansas’ community colleges.
(Click on article title to read full article.)
Arkansas Northeastern College offers aviation repair program
Looking for work? Arkansas Northeastern College of Blytheville is getting ready to gear up their aircraft maintenance program. Click on article title to view article.
Aerospace Weathers Ups, Downs
The top 22 aerospace companies employ about 5,000 Arkansans, but the employment number is likely much larger. Click on article title to view in full.
Ideas for Accelerating Profitable Growth at the Click of a Button
Are you looking for innovative ideas for new products, to speed up your manufacturing processes, expand into new markets, or extend your distribution abroad? Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions (AMS) has a new solution for you.
The USA National Innovation Marketplace is the first and only online technology marketplace that makes real business sense. AMS wants your company to have advance access to the Marketplace that is already being touted by The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.
Why Should You Register?
It's free and the desire to compete is the only continuing obligation.
Marketplace access gives you the ability to easily search and request emerging technologies.
Embracing innovation is the only way to sustainable business growth.
What are you waiting for? Register your company today! It is worth your five minute investment.
Go to our website to learn more or call Kirk Manor at (501) 280-3008 or Tovia Chan at (501) 683-4410. We will be happy to assist you with the short registration that requires a passkey (available here).
Arkansas Opens First A & P Prep School for those interested in aviation maintenance careers
Conway, Arkansas (February 17, 2009) – Arkansas’s first air frame and power plant (A & P) prep school recently opened in Conway for those interested in obtaining their A&P license. An A&P license allows mechanics to work on the airframe and powerplant of an aircraft. Prior to opening, Arkansans interested in attending an A&P prep school had to travel to locations such as Nashville, Dallas, or Oklahoma City.
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$2.9 Million Awarded to Arkansas Aerospace Training Consortium
LITTLE ROCK – The U.S. Department of Labor awarded a $2.9 million dollar grant to the two-year colleges comprising Arkansas’ Aerospace Training Consortium. The grant will support the development and expansion of Aerospace Industry skills training over the next 3 years. To obtain this grant, the colleges and several partner Aerospace/Aviation industries pledged nearly $1.8 million in matching in-kind funds.
The focus of this project is to share resources among the colleges and partner industries to add instructors, equipment, and curriculum to coincide with new USDOL Aerospace Skills Competencies.
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NEA Projects up in the Air
Northeast Arkansas aerospace company needs to expand and airport is seeking funding for poject.
Job Fairs at Little Rock Air Force Base
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE
AIRMAN & FAMILY READINESS FLIGHT
2009 JOB FAIR SCHEDULE
The Job Fair will be in the Airman & Family Readiness Center from 12:30 to 2:30 pm on the following dates:
January 15
February 12
March 19
April 16
May 14
June 18
July 16
August 20
September 17
October 15
November 19
December 10
For additional information, call 501-987-6801, or e-mail: earl.summers@littlerock.af.mil
New Aerospace Partner
The Canadian Consulate General-Dallas is one of the 10 Canadian Consulates General in the United States. The Consulate General in Dallas covers five states in the U.S. Southwest: Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. The portfolio of activities includes managing relations with state governments, promoting academic and cultural exchanges and advocating Canadian policies and economic interests. Business development activities include promoting strategic relationships and encouraging investment and technology transfer.
Soaring Sector
Aviation and aerospace gain momentum in the Natural State.
Pulaski Tech Expansion to Meet Growing Aerospace Needs
Arkansas' aerospace industry needs about 350 more workers right now and demand just keeps on growing. But a $1 million grant is helping to provide more trained workers right here in central Arkansas.
Senator Blanche Lincoln came to town Monday to announce that the U.S. Commerce Department is giving Pulaski Tech's Aerospace Technology Center a $1 million grant. Combined with other funding, the grant will help pay for a $3 million expansion next to the current facility.
The big check will help Pulaski Tech pay for big plans, 25,000 square feet worth of plans. Senator Lincoln said, "it's an investment in human capital, an investment in the community, and an industry."
Dr. Bakke hopes to have the expanded facility open by January of 2009.
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"Aerospace Supplier Picks Paris"
Nearly two months after Logan County lost its largest employer in Cargill Meat Solutions, the county took a step up from the ashes Wednesday when KAT Manufacturing Inc. announced plans to locate its first manufacturing facility in Paris
Aviation Repair Technologies announces state-of-the-art facility in Blytheville
BLYTHEVILLE, Arkansas (March 26, 2008) – Aviation Repair Technologies (ART) will open an airframe and engine repair facility at the Arkansas Aeroplex in Blytheville. The company will invest $20-million and will employ 310 people within three years. The average salary for those employees will be approximately $20 per hour.
Pulaski Technical College Announces $1.5 Million DOL Grant for Aerospace Industry
U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and Representative Vic Snyder (AR-02) joined Pulaski Technical College President Dr. Dan F. Bakke today to announce that the college has been awarded a $1,506,652 competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The funding is part of the Community-Based Job Training Grants Initiative designed to help community colleges equip workers with the skills needed by growing local industries.
The Aviation Job Market: How to Find- and Keep - the Right People!
A company is only as good as its people - an old axiom that's particulary true in the high-tech, high-stakes business of aviation. And yet, aviation companies in all niches continue to report a chronic inability to recruit, train and retain sufficiently skilled workers.
