Helicopter flight
training at Kansas State University is getting a boost through a
partnership with Universal Helicopters.
"The partnership
initially will bring in three helicopters and four full-time flight
instructors, which allows us to better meet the flight training demands
of our students," said Kurt Barnhart, head of K-State's aviation
department.
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Universal Helicopters will provide K-State with two
Robinson R22 Beta IIs and one Robinson R44 Raven II.
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The incoming fleet consists of two
Robinson R22 Beta IIs and one Robinson R44 Raven II. K-State students
will start flying in the aircraft when the spring 2012 semester begins
in January, and will be able to earn all of their ratings and
certifications in a helicopter, if they so choose.
"These are
extremely safe and reliable helicopters," said Gordon Jiroux,
president of Universal Helicopters. "That translates into a more
productive flight training environment because students aren't waiting
for the aircraft to be repaired."
"This is an excellent
time to come to Kansas State Salina. We are expanding course offerings
and increasing opportunities in our classrooms and cockpits,"
Barnhart said. "This is also a great opportunity for veterans
wanting to use the GI Bill to pursue a career in helicopter
aviation."
"Having a
four-year degree from Kansas State University with an emphasis on
helicopter training will really set graduates of this program apart
from their competition in the job market," Jiroux said.
Universal Helicopters
has been supporting collegiate helicopter flight programs since 2002.
They currently provide helicopter flight training for Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University's Prescott, Ariz., campus and Dodge City
Community College. This partnership is the company's fifth location and
brings its collegiate flight program fleet to a total of 25
helicopters.
Kansas State
University Salina offers a bachelor's degree in professional pilot,
which can be earned in airplanes or helicopters. The campus offers five
other aviation-based bachelor's degrees: aircraft maintenance, air
traffic control, airport management, avionics technology and unmanned
aircraft systems. More information is available at http://www.salina.k-state.edu.
