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Metro Orlando academia encompasses a wealth of undergraduate and
post-graduate level educational and research programs that augment
the employee base available specifically to the aviation and
aerospace sector. The region is also home to a number of
well-regarded flight training schools, many of which employ leading
edge simulation tools as a safe, cost-effective method to train
pilots. Situated in the heart of Florida’s High Tech Corridor,
academic institutions in Metro Orlando concentrate heavily on
computer science and engineering studies, which further strengthens
the local employee pool.
The University of Central Florida (UCF),
one of the nation’s leading metropolitan research institutions,
offers a robust curriculum largely designed to meet the workforce
needs of local industries. Following are samplings of programs and
research centers offered by UCF that benefit the aviation and
aerospace sector:
The Center For Applied Human Factors in
Aviation (CAHFA), established in 1990, is a research consortium
of UCF and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. CAHFA focuses on
enhancing safety in the nation's airspace system through applied
human factors research, systems design, and training strategies.
UCF provides CAHFA with the multidisciplinary capabilities of a
major university, including academic strengths in applied
psychology and engineering. Embry-Riddle, with campuses in Daytona
Beach and Prescott, Arizona, provides CAHFA with research and
testing facilities, including the Center for Aviation/Aerospace
Research and the Airway Science Simulation Laboratory.
The College
of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) offers Bachelor’s,
Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in the areas of computer
engineering, electrical engineering and computer science. The
computer science Doctoral program ranks among the top 10 in the
nation, according the National Association of Graduate and
Professional Studies.
CECS is the top research-funded college at UCF, with awards
exceeding $14 million. The college is engaged in nearly 200 funded
research projects sponsored by industrial groups and local, state
and federal agencies. Notably, CECS received one of 14 awards from
the National Science Foundation to fund student research in
computer vision and semiconductors. CECS professors are involved in
active research that often involves collaboration among faculty
members, graduate students and post-doctoral researchers and
visitors.
The
Engineering Technology Program educates students to become
professional technologists who meet the current needs of industry.
The program is intended to prepare graduates for employment as
Systems Engineers, Process Analysts, Project Engineers, Calibration
Engineers and Programmers. Engineering Technology focuses on the
application of engineering theories for industries such as
manufacturing, production and technical analysis.
The
Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering Program is
designed to provide a broadly-based foundation in aeronautics and
astronautics, including topics such as aerodynamics, propulsion,
aerospace structures and materials, and flight dynamics, control
and performance. The program is intended to prepare graduates for
employment as engineers in aerospace or allied disciplines, and for
graduate study in engineering, or business, or allied areas. Among
the many career opportunities afforded by this course of study are
design and development of aircraft, missiles and spacecraft
systems.
Florida Space
Institute (formerly Space Education and Research Center) was
formed in March 1990 in response to the growing demand for
excellence in space-related research. The primary functions of this
multi-disciplinary center are to conduct research consistent with
the needs of the space community, to aid in the commercialization
of the space industry, and to positively impact math and science
education at all levels. FSI focuses on three areas of research:
launch sciences, earth system sciences, and advanced educational
technology.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University's Orlando Metro Campus is a great fit for
learners seeking to further their careers in business, management
and aeronautics, and it has been ranked 13th in the Southern
Masters-level by the 2007 U.S. News and World Report.
Established in 1997, the Orlando campus offers an Associate and
Bachelor in Professional Aeronautics and Technical Management and
the Master of Science; in Business Administration in Aviation;
Management; and Aeronautical Science. Additionally, there are seven
Undergraduate Certificate of Completions and six Graduates, with
all courses being fully accredited by the Commission on Colleges of
the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Metro Orlando also boasts well-regarded community colleges that
provide engineering and computer science programs. Valencia Community College
offers an Associate’s degree in Electronics Engineering Technology
with specialization in Electronics Engineering, Microelectronics
Manufacturing and Applied Science.
Valencia’s Electronics Engineering Technology program is
designed to produce highly-skilled technicians capable of assisting
in the design, production, operation and servicing of electronic
and microelectronic systems and equipment. The college is a Center
of Electronics Emphasis in the Florida system and is equipped with
special test equipment and advanced laboratories, which provide the
latest real-world experience.
Valencia also offers an Associate's degree in computer
programming and analysis. The program is designed for students who
wish to develop skills in computer business applications, computer
programming, computer operations and management, database
administration and systems analysis.
Seminole State College of Florida
offers an Associate's degree in Electronics Engineering Technology.
The two-year program is expected to prepare highly motivated
students for entry into the electronics field. Emphasis is placed
on the analytical and practical approaches to problem solving using
the latest in electronic and microprocessor technology. Students in
this program apply electrical and electronic theory and related
knowledge to design, build, test, assemble, install, repair, and
modify developmental, experimental, or production electrical
equipment in a variety of industries.
The computer programming and analysis programs at SSC combine
programming, system design, system analysis, database, and
networking courses to provide a well rounded curriculum with the
depth necessary to prepare you for a position as a programmer,
programmer/analyst, system analyst, technical support analyst, or
database analyst. SSC offers two two-year programs leading to an
Associate of Science degree and one one-year program leading to a
technical certificate.
Aviation and aerospace magnet programs have also been
established at the elementary and high school levels to instill in
young students an interest in the industry. Students interact with
industry professionals, make on-site facility visits and
participate in hands-on activities and experiments. These valuable
programs are largely supported by institutions such as UCF, along
with private industry, and provide opportunities for job shadowing
and internships.
Flight Training Schools
Metro Orlando comprises some of the world’s most advanced flight
training schools. Following is a sampling of schools in the
region:
Air
Orlando Aviation
Air Orlando Aviation was formed in 1984 with one airplane and a
desire to teach people how to fly that airplane. Through the years,
the company has grown to comprise one of the largest and newest
aviation fleets in the Southeast. Air Orlando’s training and rental
fleet include airplanes and helicopters.
Avion Air Academy
Avion Air Academy has several options for pilot training including
recreational flying, instruction or pursuit of a "fast track"
program to the airlines. The company covers instruction for private
pilot training, instrument rating, certified instructor,
multi-engine rating, CFI Instrument, first officer program,
business jet training and emergency maneuvering.
Delta Connection Academy
Delta Connection Academy, formerly Comair Academy, has produced
more FAA-certified pilots in the past four years than any other
flight school in the world. With a fleet of more than 110 aircraft,
Delta Connection Academy has trained students from 86 different
countries and has placed pilots with 26 airlines. The academy
recently expanded its Learning Center facilities at its main campus
at Orlando Sanford International Airport. This includes the
addition of new Frasca 141 and 142 aircraft simulators and a
jet-transition simulator to prepare students for regional jet
operations.
Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle features state-of-the-art facilities, including the
75,000-square-foot Gill Robb Wilson Aviation Technology Center,
which houses classrooms, single and multi-engine simulators, a
weather room and dispatch headquarters. Flight instruction is
provided in Embry-Riddle's fleet of Cessna 172s, the multi-engine
Piper Seminole aircraft, and a full range of single-engine,
multi-engine, and turbine simulators. Airline-specific training is
delivered in an advanced flight simulation facility. The new "high
bay" simulation center houses an FAA Level-D full-motion Beech
1900D simulator produced by FlightSafety International.
Embry Riddle’s Air Traffic Management Research Laboratory allows
researchers and students using sophisticated software to simulate
airspace and airport systems and solve problems relating to runway
incursions, reducing in-flight fuel costs, and streamlining ground
operations.
The Samuel Goldman Aviation Maintenance Technology Center is the
home for instruction in the maintenance and repair of fixed-wing
and helicopter airframes, powerplants (reciprocating and turbine),
and avionics. This four-building complex contains laboratories and
classrooms equipped with the most modern tools to provide students
with instruction in maintenance theory and hands-on techniques.
Laboratories with state-of-the art computers help aviation
maintenance technology students enter the more complex realm of a
constantly evolving industry. The Avionics Lab repair stations
(FAA-certified repair station 707-50) simulate the avionics
environment that graduates will encounter in the workplace. Engine
test cells let students test the effectiveness of their repairs.
The advanced reciprocating engine lab (FAA-certified repair station
NX42404M) overhauls engines for the Embry-Riddle fleet.
FlightSafety International
FlightSafety is among the nation's foremost aviation training
organizations, with centers throughout the world. The company
provides training services for more than 75,000 pilots and aviation
personnel each year, including pilots of more than 40 Head-of-State
flight operations. Scope of training services include business
aviation, regional airline, private pilot, military and government.
FlightSafety International's Orlando learning center features
state-of-the-art FAA Level "D" certification full-flight
simulators.
JetBlue
University
JetBlue University is responsible for the orientation and training
of all employees at JetBlue Airways. They have developed a number
of innovative programs that leverage today's technology to
continuously, and cost-effectively, distribute learning across the
organization. The university has also created a leadership
development program unique to the aviation industry that provides
an exceptional set of tools for all JetBlue leaders.
Kissimmee Gateway Airport is home to several flight
schools, which offer students the opportunity to learn to fly on
Cessnas and other quality private aircraft. Flight schools
include:
Lockheed Martin Commercial Flight Training
Center
Lockheed Martin’s flight training center offers world-class
regional aircraft pilot training. The center’s new 15-classroom
facility is equipped with a full-range of simulators and support
services needed for airline training staffs seeking to maintain
reliable training schedules. The training center’s simulators are
built by leading manufacturers and maintained by factory-trained
professionals.
Pan Am
International Flight Academy/SimCom
Pan Am International Flight Academy (PAIFA) is a privately owned,
comprehensive learning institution that provides advanced aviation
training services to professional pilots, flight engineers, flight
attendants and maintenance personnel operating in commercial,
regional, business, military, government and cargo operations
around the world. The academy also offers a comprehensive,
FAA-approved Career Pilot Development (CPD) program. The Orlando
training center is among the academy's 12 locations nationwide.
SimCom, PAIFA’s business and general aviation division, offers
simulator training programs for an array of general aviation and
business aircraft.
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