Student Testimonials
PIA took me from my high school days of just "getting by" and passing the time until school was over, to preparing for an industry where school never ends. I recieved my A&P license in 1981, and went to work for Allegheny Commuter in Youngstown, OH, then Parkersburg, WV. Five years later I moved to Minneapolis, MN, to work for Northwest in the wheels and brakes shop. After finding out the real meaning of winter, I returned to the 'Burgh and USAir as it was called. I spent 18 years there, until conditions prompted me to move to Memphis, TN, where I currently work for FedEx Express. Over the years, I've had training and worked on a host of aircraft types, such as the Shorts SD-330; Dehaviland Twin Otter; BAC 1-11; Boeing 727, 737, 747, 757, 767, and 777; Douglas DC-9, -80,-10,and -11; Fokker F28 and F100; and Pratt & Whitney JT8 Overhaul/Nondestructive Testing. At present I am employed as a "Senior Quality Control Tech Specialist" at FedEx, which means that I am an aircraft inspector dealing with NDT, F.A.R. compliance, and safety verification. While this roller coaster has had some serious ups and downs (such as 9/11, mergers, and the economy) I have never regretted my choice of aviation and PIA. Good Luck to all future grads from PIA - Maybe I'll see you in Memphis.
"PIA showed me the way! I started working for US Airways in Harrisburg, PA three days after my graduation. Currently, I'm working on helicopters for the Maryland State Police. There's nothing else I'd rather be doing. This is a great field and PIA was THE school to go to!"
"My training from PIA prepared me for the workforce by teaching me hydraulics, electricity and safety. The courses have rounded out my previous job experiences and have made me a valuable asset in today’s workforce. I recommend PIA to other people because I had a great learning experience."
"I recommend PIA because you learn things that can be used in different fields, beyond aviation."
"My training from PIA has given me the basics across all of the necessary areas to get started in the aviation field. I recommend PIA because of the amount of hands-on experience you get, especially compared to other schools."
