Aviation Technology Division offers new Aviation English Language program beginning Spring 2008

The University of Alaska Anchorage Community and Technical College Aviation Technology Division is excited to announce the addition of its new Aviation English Language program. The program is being developed to respond to an international aviation industry safety need to improve language communication in the flight deck.

Announced two years ago, new international rules to address an aviation safety issue require that by March 2008 all international flight crew must meet International Civil Aviation Organization language proficiency standards for Aviation English - a level that thousands of flight crew do not currently meet.  The Aviation Technology Division will continue its collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure compliance with industry mandate.  

Faculty will provide instruction to foreign in-flight crews at the Merrill Field classrooms and sim lab.  Through this program students will experience five to six weeks of intensive language instruction that will yield transcripted Continuing Education Unit's for successful students.  The program's planning phase is now complete and the Aviation English Implementation Team is currently working to develop the program details.

The Aviation English Implementation Team includes:

Christina Gheen, English Language Development Coordinator, Co-chair
Charlene Derry, FAA International Liaison, Co-chair
Shirili Green, ESL faculty
Susan Horn, ATC adjunct faculty
Sharon LaRue, ATC assistant professor
Dan Creamer, Assistant Chief Pilot UPS
Doni Williams, UAA International Student Advisor
Mary Paye, Office Manager, Aviation Technology Division
Marcus Holmquist, Aviation Technology Division Simulation Unit Manager
Rocky Capozzi, Aviation Technology Division Director, will oversee this program and serve in an ex officio capacity on the team.
 
For more information on this program call Christina Gheen at (907) 786-6417.