AIRPLANE MAINTENANCE DEAL SIGNED WITH CANADIANS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 1996

Fairbanks, Alaska - The Alaskan and Canadian aviation industry will benefit from an agreement signed this month between the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT).

The international vocational educational exchange plan is the first of its kind in Alaska, according to Ralph Gabrielli, executive dean of UAF's College of Rural Alaska. Gabrielli oversees vocational and technical programs offered at UAF through the Tanana Valley Campus (TVC). He says U.S. and Canadian students will receive basic aviation maintenance training at their host institution. After that, they'll travel to the other institution for additional training leading to dual certification in aviation repair valid in both the U.S and in Canada.

TVC's airframe and powerplant program coordinator Fred Dyen says the agreement broadens opportunities for aviation maintenance students and provides the aviation industry in both countries with a skilled and trained workforce.

"Air travel continues to be the most widely used form of transportation in Alaska and northern Canada," said Dyen. "With this program we can meet the needs of the aviation industry and the flying public with qualified mechanics."

Dyen said Canadian students studying at UAF will receive training preparing them for a U.S. Federal Aviation Administration Airframe and Powerplant Certificate, while Alaskans studying at SAIT will be able to apply for a Canadian Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Certificate.

Sixteen students are currently registered in UAF's aircraft maintenance program. Several students are expected from Canada this fall to participate in the program with more from UAF going to Alberta. Under the international agreement, students will be able to pay resident tuition and costs at each participating institution.

CONTACT: Executive Dean Ralph Gabrielli (907) 474- 7143, UAF Airframe and Powerplant Program Coordinator Fred Dyen, (907) 474-5081, or Public Information Officer Debra Damron, 907-474-7581.

DPD/7-23-96/97-006