MGA student
helicopter pilots use this Elite TH-100 simulator for
instrument training.
far lower than $9,770, the average for US public colleges and universities. Students from the surrounding states of Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee pursuing aviation degrees are eligible for in-state tuition rates through waivers. Additional waivers may be available, including ones for recently separated military personnel. “Te cost of a four-year degree without flight training at MGA is a little over $20,000, and the cost of obtaining an A&P license is about $10,000” says Clark. “We’re one of the most affordable in the United States for state university tuition.” He goes on to estimate that obtaining a four-year degree and flight training through a commercial helicopter rating from MGA would be around $80,000: $59,820 in flight training and about $20,000 in tuition for a four-year degree (excluding meals and housing).
Outreach to Industry and Prospects Clark is proud of his program’s ability to prepare graduates to succeed in aviation. “We teach our students not just how to perform maintenance or fly an aircraft; we pride ourselves in teaching them the business side of the house too. … Tey can understand the big picture of the company, regardless of where their station is within the company.” Te school has just adopted a new SMS (safety manage-
ment system) program, Clark says, though it has long had some of the essential components of SMS. Students, staff, and faculty participate in safety meetings. Te school has
30 ROTOR SPRING 2019
two hazard reporting systems, one for those who want to attach their names and one for those who want to make anonymous reports. “Our goal is to have people feel comfortable reporting,
whether it’s anonymously or not,” says Clark. “You need to be comfortable speaking up, asking questions, regardless of what your station is within an organization. Whether you’re a brand-new employee or the CEO, safety is everybody’s responsibility.” Another way the MGA School of Aviation is able to align
students with industry standards and practices is through its staff. “Our flight instructors are no different than most other flight schools—they’re building their time. But our professors that teach in both the flight side of the house as well as the maintenance side come to us with industry expe- rience, along with the academic credentials to be able to teach in their degree programs,” says Clark. “It’s not simply hiring someone who has their flight credentials, for instance, but somebody who knows how the industry works.” Te school also maintains an advisory committee drawn
from Georgia aviation stakeholders that reviews curriculum development and suggests updates and changes. “Te aviation industry in Georgia last year had an almost $58 billion eco- nomic impact on the state,” says Perry. “Our goal is to continue to provide the workforce to participate in that development. We want to be good partners with our industry.” Te MGA School of Aviation has established several
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