The Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center, a component of the Fairmont State University School of Technology, offers associate and bachelor degree programs in aviation technology. The Center also provides high quality regional aerospace industrial training and community out-reach service.

The NAEC is housed in a new 60,000 sq. ft. facility at the Mid-Atlantic Aerospace Complex in Bridgeport, West Virginia. The facility includes classrooms, computer labs, internet research and FAA test center, a learning resource center, 25,000 sq. ft. of aircraft maintenance hangar space, and a variety of laboratories which support academic/technical instruction and industrial training in various aerospace disciplines. Students may pursue an associate degree in Airframe and Aerospace Electronics Maintenance Technology (FCC and FAA Airframe certification) and Aviation Maintenance Technology (FAA A&P certification). Graduates of these programs may seek direct employment as avionics or aviation maintenance technicians or may elect to pursue a Bachelor degree in Aviation Technology with options in Aviation Maintenance Management, Aviation Administration-Management, or Aviation Administration-Professional Flight options. All degree options are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, and the West Virginia Board of Education. The Associate degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology, as well as Bachelor degrees in Aviation Maintenance and Aviation Administration-Flight are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under FAR Parts 141 and 147.

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Airframe and Aerospace Electronics Maintenance Technology prepares students for entry level employment in the fields of airframe and avionics maintenance and repair with airlines, aircraft manufacturers, corporate aviation, aircraft repair stations, and general aviation fixed-base operations. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science degree, Federal Communications (FCC) General Radio Telephone Repair certification and an FAA Airframe Certification.

The Associate of Science degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology prepares students for entry level employment in the field of aircraft maintenance and repair with airlines, aircraft manufacturers, corporate aviation, aircraft repair stations, and general aviation fixed-base operations. Graduates earn an Associates Degree, and an FAA Aircraft Maintenance Technician certification with airframe and power plant endorsements.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Maintenance Management is designed to provide students with hands-on technical expertise in avionics or aviation maintenance related disciplines as well as skills required to assume supervisory responsibilities within the aerospace aircraft/avionics maintenance industry.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Administration-Management prepares students for entry level employment in administrative/managerial areas with airlines, government agencies, aircraft manufacturers, aircraft repair stations, and general aviation fixed-based operations, and the travel industry. Job titles may include airport manager, maintenance/flight dispatcher, operations manager, airline station manager, flight scheduler, air traffic controller, or air cargo operations manager.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Administration- Professional Flight prepares the student for entry level employment in commercial aviation as a professional pilot and/or in administrative/managerial areas under job classifications such as airline operations manager, corporate aviation, airport manager, aircraft manufacturing, and air traffic control. Successful candidates will earn their Private, Instrument, and Commercial pilot ratings by the end of their junior year. Students going on to earn an Instructor's rating between their junior and senior year will be eligible for one year paid flight instructor internship during their senior year.

The Center also offers cutting-edge aerospace industry training. Specialized courses have been developed in areas such as avionics and aircraft electronics troubleshooting and repair, aircraft sheet metal repair, advanced composite structure manufacture and repair, blueprint reading and interpretation, aviation safety, aerospace company orientation, and aviation management. NAEC also offers a one-year Avionics Line Maintenance certificate designed to provide currently certified A&P technicians with an FCC certification and up-graded avionics troubleshooting skills (up to the black box).

Primary Contact Person for Inquiries:

Pieter H. Blood, Director
Phone: (304) 842-8300

Brad Gilbert Senior Instructor
Ph: (304) 842-8300

Dr. Gerald Bacza, Chair
School of Business, Aviation and Technology
Fairmont State University
Phone: (304) 367-4632