What is the Aviation program?
Students enrolled in CTEC’s brand new Aviation program will experience a variety of careers in the aviation industry as they take their CTEC classes at the Salem Municipal Airport (free transportation provided). Working alongside industry professionals, students will have the opportunity to earn licensure as an airplane pilot, an aircraft maintenance technician, or a drone pilot. The program has many local industry partners as well as partnerships with national companies such as Alaska Airlines and Garmin. Students with an interest in flying, building, or repairing planes or drones will gain valuable experience and certification in the CTEC Aviation program.
Why
We want our students to be ready for whatever comes after high school. CTEC’s Aviation students work with state-of-the-art simulators, software, and equipment and learn the skills necessary to succeed in flying airplanes, repairing various airplane systems, and programming and operating unmanned autonomous systems (UAS). CTEC Aviation students graduate ready to fill the high-demand jobs in this industry. Our students are ready to start their careers with the following industry-relevant skills and knowledge:
- Interpret meteorological conditions and apply them to flight planning and aircraft operations
- Operate, maintain and repair avionics systems including communications, navigation, flight control, etc.
- Perform aircraft maintenance using current and emerging tools and technology
- Understand and implement the engineering process as it applies to drone programming and operations
- Specialize in either airplane piloting, aircraft maintenance, or drones.
- Certified with the general knowledge portion of the Airframe and Powerplant
- FAA Part 61 Private Pilot Ground School & Written Exam
- Certified with FAA Part 107 Drone Operator’s License
How
Students in Aviation learn contextualized science and English. Students receive coaching and resources to explore career options they may want to pursue directly out of the program or with continued education. Coupled with the experiences they have throughout this program, they graduate with a plan and the ability to adjust the plan throughout their career. With a foundation of industry-standard skills, rigorous science and English training, and the ability to interact with state-of-the-art equipment, our students are ready to pursue their dreams and goals.
CTEC Aviation Staff
Amy Divelbiss, Aviation Instructor, English and Science
Amy Divelbiss joined CTEC in the fall of 2023. She attended Willamette University and earned a BS in Biology and Master of Arts in Teaching. Amy has worked as a teacher since 1994: She taught middle school science in Colorado from 1994-1998, Biology, Wellness, AVID and CTE/Health at North Salem High School from 2004-2018, and she worked as a District New Teacher Mentor from 2018-2023. Amy earned her private pilot license in 1996. Her favorite thing about CTEC is collaboration and community. She considers herself fortunate to be working with the incredible Aviation instructors and students. When Amy is not at CTEC, she enjoys spending time outside with family, on the water or in the forest. And she loves books, coffee, and more coffee.
Ronnie (RJ) Hampton, Aviation Instructor, Drones
About Mr. Hampton
James Hutches, Aviation Instructor, Airplane Piloting
About Mr. Hutches
Jason Leroy, Aviation Instructor, Aircraft Maintenance
Jason Leroy came to CTEC in 2023. He earned a B.A. in Physical Geography at UC Santa Barbara and his M.A.T. at Western Oregon University. He has taught integrated science for 17 years. Prior to teaching, Jason worked as a United States Coast Guard Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT2) for 3 years. Jason’s favorite thing about working at CTEC is the relevancy of the instruction and the future possibilities for students that complete their education here. In his downtime, he enjoys surfing, camping, DIY projects, and traveling with family and friends.
Trish Wilson, Aviation Instructional Assistant
Trish Wilson has worked at CTEC since 2020. She looks forward to being at CTEC every day and absolutely loves her team and students. When not at CTEC, she enjoys spending time with family, movies, beach trips and watching paranormal shows with her daughter.