First 2011 Luncheon Held At The Recently-Opened Facility
The Wichita Aero Club launched its third year by focusing a
spotlight on the Air Capital's newest aviation resource ... the
National Center for Aviation Training-and its new president and
chief executive officer, Dr. Tony Kinkel, who officially took the
reins of the impressive new facility on January 3. The
January 18th WAC luncheon was held on the campus of the recently
opened, 258,000 square foot complex located at the north end of
Wichita's Colonel James Jabara Airport. A crowd of 200
attendees heard Wichita State University President Donald Beggs,
National Institute of Aviation Research Executive Director John
Tomblin and Kinkel elaborate on the importance and key role NCAT
will play in Wichita's economic and business future.
"This center, the programs it offers, and the graduates it
produces, are key to Wichita remaining the 'Air Capital of the
World'," Dr. Beggs said. "That's one big reason it is different
from other training centers around the U.S. and, thanks to the
participation of Wichita's aviation manufacturers and suppliers,
that's why all the components are here" that are necessary for
Wichita to retain and build on its position of leadership, he
added.
One of the Center's key strengths is the ability to take the
most advanced research and quickly transfer it to the production
floor, Dr. Tomblin pointed out. "It takes a trained work force to
be able to put those technologies to work," he said. Our goal
at NCAT is to have the best programs in the world, and that's why
we are constantly seeking advice and input from you in the field,"
Dr. Kinkel added. "We're also exploring a variety of
partnerships and different ways of offering
instruction…especially for those who have been laid off in
the aviation industry during the recent economic downturn," he
said.
NCAT
Wichita Eagle aviation reporter Molly McMillin was among several
media representatives at the event. She posed a question to
the panel regarding ways NCAT is seeking to attract more
students. As she reported, Dr. Kinkel responded by saying
that NCAT is looking into whether to offer weekend airframe and
powerplant classes; they're talking with the Air Force about a
bridge program for retiring mechanics who aren't FAA certified; and
they're working with the Wichita school district to get high school
students interested in the aviation industry. The Center also
would like to get into robotics and industrial mechanical systems
to go along with its composites, painting and coating, and
engineering and avionics programs.
Dr. Tomblin also noted that when NCAT opened in September,
representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration, Transport
Canada and other certification agencies around the world gathered
there to discuss launching a joint 'train-the-trainers' program on
composite technology. The FAA offered NCAT as a hub to make
that occur, Tomblin said. "Now, we're the hub to train the
trainers here as well," he said.
The panel discussion was held in the Center's expansive new
lecture hall following a buffet lunch that was served in the
Student Center's adjacent Commons area.
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