Korea Aerospace University's Aviation Technical Training Institute (hereinafter referred to as the Aviation Technical Training Institute), a specialized training facility for aviation perso
nnel designated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, has entered into a partnership with Korean Air. The agreement entails the use of the training facility to provide t
raining for aviation mechanics. The signing ceremony took place at 11 a.m. on the 7th at the university's chairman's office, with President Heo Hui-yeong and representatives
from both organizations in attendance. According to the agreement, Korea Aerospace University will have access to the facilities and equipment at Korean Air's headquarters to
conduct training programs for aviation mechanics. In the previous month, the institute successfully completed the approval process with the Ministry of Land,
Infrastructure, and Transport, granting permission to utilize the training facility.
The Aviation Technical Training Institute has undergone a comprehensive overhaul of its curriculum, aligning it with the established curriculum of Korean Air.
The revamped program aims to integrate theoretical and practical aspects, featuring joint instruction by university professors and experienced mechanics from the
aviation maintenance field. The practice will take place at both the Korean Air headquarters training center and the Korea Aerospace University campus.
This collaborative approach ensures that students gain knowledge and skills immediately applicable to the workplace. Upon completion, students will receive certification as aviation
mechanics, qualifying them for employment with major domestic airlines such as Korean Air and Jin Air. Additionally, opportunities will extend to various government agencies,
including the army, navy, and air forces, as well as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, the Korea Forest Service, and the National Fire Agency.
During the signing ceremony, President Heo Hui-yeong remarked,
"The existing domestic aviation mechanic training system faces challenges in keeping pace with the demands of the aviation industry, particularly as it undergoes a period of
digital transformation.
To mitigate foreign currency expenditure on overseas maintenance, it is imperative to establish programs aligning with global standards, especially in high-tech domains
with high added value, such as aircraft engines, electricity, and electronics." He added, "Our strategy involves forging mechanic training agreements with domestic airlines to
cultivate advanced technicians, recognizing their increasing scarcity in tandem with the anticipated growth of the MRO market in the future." In line with this vision, the university is
set to introduce a specialized track in MRO within the College of Engineering starting from the 2025 academic year.
This initiative aims to develop skilled professionals for the aviation industry, with a focus on areas like engines and avionics.
Furthermore, the university is committed to assisting future participants in securing positions in foreign airlines and international aviation maintenance firms.
This commitment is reinforced by recent changes in the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, which have expanded the regions where U.S. aviation mechanic
licenses can be obtained. As a result, individuals in Korea can now acquire U.S. aviation mechanic licenses through self-testing.
Building on an exclusive agreement signed last year, the university and the US Aviation Academy (USAA) plan to collaboratively conduct the U.S. Aviation Mechanic License course
in Korea once USAA receives overseas educational institution certification. USAA, recognized as an aviation training organization, provides pilots and mechanics to major U.S. airlines.