Chief Aviation Officer to speak at Education Alliance event

Bill Noe, Marshall University’s chief aviation officer, will speak at an EDTalks event sponsored by the Education Alliance.  The event, titled “The Sky’s the Limit,” will take place Thursday, March 30, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bill Noe Flight School, located at 600 Eagle Mountain Road in Charleston near West Virginia International Yeager Airport.

“EDTalks: The Sky’s the Limit” will feature two speakers who will share their experiences and insights on the importance of education. Noe is a former Marshall University swimmer who is in the Marshall Athletics Hall of Fame and an accomplished business executive. Also on the program will be Amber Nichols, a board member of the Education Alliance and a kindergarten teacher with 21 years of experience in West Virginia schools, who is the 2023 West Virginia State Teacher of the Year.

Registration for the event is required and can be done through Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/edtalks-the-skys-the-limit-tickets-558953183017. Registration is at no charge, and attendees are encouraged to register early, as space is limited. Free lunch will be provided to all registered attendees. Attendees have an opportunity to win a certificate for a free flight, compliments of the Bill Noe Flight School. Parking will be available at the event. Staff will be directing traffic and signs will be displayed to guide drivers to the designated parking areas.… Read More

Division of Aviation to receive $1M

Marshall University is set to receive $1 million in federal funding aimed at increasing the university’s ability to provide an increased workforce in aviation for the area.

A 5-year-award to the Marshall University Division of Aviation will help diversify the region’s economy while providing an increased workforce in an ever-expanding industry full of opportunities for the area. The money will help the Aviation Maintenance program at Tri-State Airport train airplane mechanics to work on airplanes in their backyard and worldwide.

The new Aviation Maintenance Technology program is the first of its kind in the region and offers a joint associate degree from both Marshall University and Mountwest Community and Technical College. The program also offers FAA certification and numerous micro credentials.

Marshall University President Brad D. Smith says the $1 million will help the aviation maintenance program provide a new outlet for employment in the area.

“The Division of Aviation at Marshall University is meeting a significant market need for pilots and aviation technicians, Smith said. “As this new generation of aviation experts is being educated, it’s imperative that we stay current and timely and funding like this is incredibly important.  We are grateful for support from our Senators Capito and Manchin.”… Read More

Marshall, Mountwest officially open Aviation Maintenance Technology program

U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, representatives of Marshall University and Mountwest Community and Technical College, and other dignitaries cut the ribbon on the new Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program’s facility at Huntington Tri-State Airport today.

“This program was made possible by the collaborative relationship between Mountwest and Marshall,” said Dr. Joshua Baker, president of Mountwest.  “Each institution made valuable contributions that will develop our economy and workforce and create great careers for students.”

“Today marks a history-making event,” Marshall President Brad D. Smith said. “The launch of this degree program means students will receive support and their degrees from both Marshall and Mountwest. How exciting that we have partners and allies who are working across boundaries and barriers to find solutions and answers.”

The event was also highlighted by the announcement of a new partnership with the Embraer Foundation, a non-profit created by Embraer, who provided a financial contribution. The gift will, among other things, provide tool kits for students to use in their coursework. This grant represents one of six education partnerships with schools with similar technical programs. Marshall’s is believed to be the largest thus far.… Read More

Joseph passes Instrument Certification exam

Bill Noe Flight School student Jay Joseph passed the FAA examination for the Instrument Certification Saturday, July 30. This certification allows him to fly according to the Federal Aviation Administration’s Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). Specifically, he can fly the airplane using only the aircraft’s instruments. This accomplishment is an important step in a pilot’s training as it allows them to fly in weather conditions that limit what the pilot can see from the flight deck.

According to Nancy Ritter, the chief flight instructor of the Bill Noe Flight School, “Jay excelled well past progress projections in his instrument training. His dedication to flight training and absolute attention to detail allowed him to excel in this course, earning the highest standard in each of his four instrument training stage checks. Jay is already enrolled in his next training course and is the first student to enter flight courses ahead of the planned program timeline.

Jay is an example of professionalism and determination within our student cadre. We are thankful for the opportunity to celebrate his many accomplishments with him.”… Read More

Epperly earns private pilot’s license

On June 30, Benjamin Epperly, a student in the Bill Noe Flight School, earned his private pilot’s certification after completing a rigorous oral examination and a demonstration flight that required him to complete many complex maneuvers. With this certification in hand, he can begin training for his instrument certification.

According to Nancy Ritter, interim director of the Bill Noe Flight school, Epperly is a very big part of Marshall’s flight school. He is a true leader in the program and willingly assists others in achieving their best. He says he views his role in a larger context by assisting in several roles at the West Virginia International Yeager Airport, working with their operations staff while juggling his university classes and flight training. He has more volunteer hours than most, dedicating his spare time to assisting all in the school and his extended airport family. His professionalism and sense of community are appreciated by all within the school.

Epperly is a graduate of George Washington High School.

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Aviation Maintenance program receives FAA certification

Marshall University and Mountwest Community and Technical College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program received its formal FAA certification today.  This makes the program the newest FAA Part 147 aviation maintenance technician school in the country and the first of its kind in the region.

The AMT program offers an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree through an 18-month, year-round program. Graduates will receive an associate degree and be eligible to take the Airframe and Powerplant certification exams from the Federal Aviation Administration. These certifications are good for life and can be used in any state without restriction. The U.S. average annual salary for an aviation technician is $65,000.

With this approval, the program is open for enrollment through MCTC. The program will accept 30 students in Fall 2022, 30 in Spring 2023, and additional students each fall thereafter.

According to Marshall Division of Aviation Head Dr. Carl Mummert, “We are glad the FAA has approved our joint program between Marshall and MCTC. This program will provide well-paying jobs for our graduates and extend our commitment to developing the aviation industry in West Virginia and the region”.… Read More

Marshall’s flight school to hold open house July 2

Marshall University’s Bill Noe Flight School will host an open house for prospective students beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 2, at Yeager Airport in Charleston.

Attendees will be able to take a close-up look at Marshall’s training aircraft and see the facilities, while learning more about how they can earn a bachelor’s degree and prepare for a career in aviation.

The university’s Executive Aviation Specialist, Bill Noe, as well as flight school faculty members, will be on hand to meet students and answer questions. A limited number of attendees will be chosen to take a ride in one of the Marshall planes or on the vintage American Airlines DC-3 that will be on view at the airport that day.

Admissions and student financial aid staff will be on hand to provide information about the application process. Light refreshments will be served.

The flight school opened for the fall 2021 semester. Students will earn a Commercial Pilot: Fixed Wing Bachelor of Science degree, and the ground and flight courses also will lead to a series of FAA certifications, preparing graduates to become commercial pilots of single and multi-engine aircraft.Read More

Marshall flight school student Jay Joseph earns private pilot’s license

At 6 p.m. on June 1, Jay Joseph, a student enrolled in Marshall University’s Bill Noe Flight School, earned his private pilot’s license.

Earning the license is an important milestone in his quest to become a professional aviator.

To earn the license, Joseph needed to complete a rigorous training program. In these courses, he learned much about the science of aviation, meteorology, and how to fly the technologically advanced Cirrus SR20. The final step was to complete a two-hour knowledge test and a 90-minute flight test, during which he needed to complete a range of maneuvers flawlessly.

The private pilot’s license will allow Joseph to fly single engine airplanes as a private pilot. His next set of courses will teach him to learn to use complex navigational and automation equipment.

The Bill Noe Flight School faculty and students are proud of Joseph’s accomplishments.  According to Nancy Ritter, a member of the faculty, “Jay started in our first class and quickly established himself as a leader.  He is known for his talent in organizing large and small study groups.  He is proactive and sets the standard for dedication to safety and quality in his flying.  He and his family are long-time residents of Charleston, where Jay attended school locally, excelling academically and in baseball.  Jay is an exceptional part of the Bill Noe Flight School team, well-liked by students and staff.”

Joseph is a 2020 graduate of George Washington High School in Charleston, West Virginia.… Read More