Aaron Zini - Graduate, Heavy Equipment Operator program
Testimonials
"Thank you very much for helping me fulfill my dreams. The day I graduated from PIA was the first day of the rest of my life. I love my job and I'm optimistic about my future. Mr. Armstrong (instructor) changed my life and outlook on my future in many positive ways. I couldn't be happier."
PIA Students Explore and Meet History
About PIA
Dedicated to preserving history through storytelling, the Collings Foundation hopes that the "Wings of Freedom Tour" will attract WWII Veterans who will share their experiences with new generations of Americans. A sort of 'traveling museum', the Tour travels across the country with their three WWII originals, the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress Nine-O-Nine, Consolidated B-24J Liberator Witchcraft, and North American P-51 Mustang Betty Jane. This week, the "Wings of Freedom Tour" has flown right into our very own Allegheny County Airport. The Tour gave PIA students and staff a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to climb aboard and check out three of the country's WWII heroes. The Collings Foundation has been devoting time and money to the restoration of these aircraft, as well as the dream of keeping them in the air, for over 20 years!
Students also had the opportunity to talk with some of the pilots and mechanics who have built their career around this fleet of traveling history. After talking with a mechanic, one may realize that Witchcraft and Betty Jane operate on radial engines, and the only way to learn these engines is to get hands-on experience in the classroom and in the field. Having the Tour "right in our backyard" has certainly been a great experience for our students!
While there are certainly great stories about the histories of both Nine-O-Nine and Betty Jane, the restoration efforts of Witchcraft have a special meaning to the Foundation, as well as countless WWII Veterans. With hard work, dedication, and the help of determined WWII Veteran James Althoff, the dream of getting the B-24 Liberator back in the air was achieved. Inspired by Althoff's dream of seeing Witchcraft in the air, many other veterans and the Collings Foundation contributed more than five years, and over 97,000 hours of volunteer work, to restore this B-24 to her original, war-time, condition. The time and hard work that was put into the restoration of this aircraft is a true illustration of the commitment to the preservation of history which is upheld by the Collings Foundation.
Article by Kylee Bennett/ Photograph by Mikki Monaghan
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2011 GI JOBS Military Friendly School
About PIA
PIA was named one GI JOBS Magazine's 2011 Military Friendly Schools!
GI JOBSÂ determines which of the 7000 college, universities and trade schools nationwide offer you the best education, value, and welcome. The result is a list of approximately 1000 schools which represent the 15% that are the most Military Friendly.
PIA has been chosen for this honor 2 years in a row and we look forward to helping our Veterans in 2011!
If you are interested in attending PIA and using your Veterans Benefits, Please contact our Admissions Department today! 1-800-444-1440
Bookstore
About PIA
New merchandise
Eagle Aviation came to PIA looking for new talent
About PIA
Recruiters in the above photo: Joe Chapella ,Director of Technical Services, and a 1989 PIA Grad
with Urban Fleming ,Maintenance Manager.
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Eagle Aviation flew in for a day at PIA to interview our students that will be graduating this Month. Eagle Aviation is a full service Fixed Base Operator centrally located on the eastern seaboard, providing convenient, quality service to the general aviation industry. Our one-stop location is ideal for all of your business and personal aviation needs. Occupying more than 36 acres at the Columbia Metro Airport (CAE – Columbia, SC), Eagle Aviation has built an international reputation for excellence as a full service facility. Our 81,000 sq. ft. operation offers a variety of services that we invite you to explore on this site:
