The excitement of a new school year

In just a few days, the EVIT grounds and classrooms will be buzzing with more than 3,000 students. But, before the bell rings on Monday morning marking the official start of school, teachers are back on campus a few days this week.

Yesterday, the entire EVIT staff (teachers, administrators, support staff, maintenance workers, etc) came together for a day of in-service training. It's really a special opportunity to have everyone together at the same place and same time. The morning kicked off with an inspiration speech from Superintendent Dr. Downey, followed by the introduction new staff members and teachers and a sharing of summer adventures and accomplishments.

It's amazing how many cool places EVIT staff traveled over the summer, from Italy to month-long road trips, and the number of amazing accomplishments by our students, such as taking 2nd place in EMT at Skills USA Nationals and 1st place in Fashion Design at FCCLA (see post below).

Following the morning session, the group was divided up by birthdays then matched with a fellow co-worker at random. We then loaded on to a school bus (or van) for a special field trip and lunch at the new East campus near Power and Warner Roads.

While there was still some construction activity and furniture being moved in, it was quite impressive. My favorite rooms were the aviation classrooms, with a spectacular view of ASU Polytechnic and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in the distance. From the outside of the building it looks like an aviation tower with windows streching from nearly floor to ceiling. Other cool features include a rooftop garden, courtyard water feature and 150-seat auditorium with stadium seating. In addition to aviation, there will also be some health classes offered on the East campus.

The afternoon wrapped up back on the main campus with short presentations from various departments, such as the business office and public relations. While everyone left a bit exhausted from the amount of information and hot day, it was fun and a great chance to meet new people. There is definitely a vibe of excitement in the air and I have a feeling it's going to be a fantastic year!

Aviation students meet Air Force crew

EVIT aviation students met the crew from the U.S. Air Force's 55th Electronic Combat Group, which recently returned from active duty in Afghanistan and is based in Tucson.

The crew's mission is electronic detection and the jamming of enemy locations and radio transmissions. They can locate everything from cell phone traffic to the signal necessary to detonate some roadside bombs.

"It was a real pleasure to hear from the crew about their jobs and their aircraft," aviation instructor Lou Amadee said. "They were very eager and hospitable about showing the students around and answering their questions."

EVIT collision repair students turn car into airplane

EVIT Aviation Director Capt. Al Mittelstaedt went to the collision repair students earlier this year with an interesting request: "Can you make my car look like an airplane?"

Their answer? "Sure!"

Five weeks later, Capt. Mittelstaedt has a very unique mode of transportation:


The students opted for a WW2-style plane, complete with rivets, machine gun, dirt and rust.

Now he's sure to make an impression when he's out recruiting new aviation students.

EVIT aviation students fly to new heights

Two EVIT aviation students will be flying high this summer - at the Experimental Aviation Association's Air Academy.

Jacob Sanders and Jeremy Norris are two of just four students chosen from the state of Arizona to attend the academy, held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Both students received full scholarships to attend, thanks to Copperstate.

EVIT aviation instructor Lou Amadee said the students are grateful for the opportunity.

"Needless to say, they are very excited and looking forward to being a part of one of the largest aviation events in the nation," Mr. Amadee said.

Flying high

EVIT aviation flight students took a field trip on Tuesday to the control tower at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.


The students were able to listen to the control tower operators talking with pilots in the air and on the ground, directing the air traffic.

It's helpful for the students to meet the operators and see the inner workings of the tower so they can understand what is happening on the other end of the conversation, instructor Lou Amadee said.

"It can be a little intimidating for a young pilot to talk to these operators," Mr. Amadee said. "It's good for them to come up here and see they're just regular people."

Views from the tower's deck.

It also helps the students understand all the different tasks the operators are handling at once and how important it is to follow their commands exactly.

Aviation students get advice from industry leader

The EVIT aviation students visited Cutter Aviation at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Thursday to tour the facilities and talk with Mr. Bill Cutter.


Mr. Cutter gave the students some great advice about job hunting: he said they needed to walk into any interview with an "RMA" or "Right Mental Attitude." Skills are very important, but having the right attitude might be what takes them from good job candidates to great ones!

Here are the students, displaying their "RMAs"!

Aviation students talk to kids about flying

Two senior EVIT aviation students stopped by the Lowell Flight Academy earlier this month to talk to Mesa elementary students about what it is like to fly a plane.

The children have been studying aviation and aerodynamics in their classroom, so they had several questions for the EVIT students (Ethan Casterton on the left and Cody Pew on the right).


The elementary students visited the academy to get a hands-on experience while learning about math, science, physics and engineering. Ethan and Cody also had a chance to tour the facility during their visit.

"The Airport"

EVIT aviation student Dakota Holbrooks made a video for his class that is reminiscent of the opening theme for "The Office." Check it out!

EVIT aviation students assemble engines

Usually I don't have to venture off EVIT's main campus to see what our students are up to. But the aviation program is set up in one of Chandler-Gilbert Community College's buildings at PhxMesa Gateway Airport, so I drove out there today to check out their work.

I walked into their "lab" and saw this:


Pretty cool, huh? All the first-year students were working on putting engines together. This one will be on display at Tech Fest. When all is said and done, it will be a complete engine with a propeller.


First-year students in the aviation program spend much of their time learning how a plane works. Some students are interested in becoming licensed mechanics; others want to direct air traffic or fly planes for a living. Either way, learning the mechanics of the aircraft is beneficial for all students.


"They understand the aircraft a lot better once they've put them together," said Lou Amadee, EVIT's aviation instructor.

Second-year students can then enter the private pilot program, where they learn to fly.

The latest in EVIT aviation

EVIT aviation students have been busy lately!

First-year aviation students were able to put their classroom theory of aerodynamics and systems into practice by using flight training simulators for both airplanes and helicopters.


We're also very proud of Matt Schmit, a student in the private pilot class. Matt completed his Private Pilot check ride during the winter break -- a very challenging accomplishment! Congrats, Matt!

Aviation students get up-close lesson

The aviation class met recently with the pilot and crew of the Medical Evacuation Helicopter stationed at PhxMesa Gateway Airport.

"The class has been discussing helicopters this past week, and this was a good opportunity to get up close and ask questons," teacher Lou Amadee said.

Aviation student receives $3,000 scholarship

First-year aviation student Ryan Lewis has been honored with a $3,000 scholarship that will allow him to take nearly 40 hours of flight training.

The scholarship, from Learning for Life's Aviation Exploring program, acknowledges and rewards students who have what it takes to be successful in the aviation industry.

Ryan has been very active in aviation, participating in the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Explorer Program for the past three years and learning the basics about different aspects of aviation, such as piloting and maintenance. He said the lessons he has learned there have served as a solid foundation for the education he is now getting at EVIT.

"The Explorer group gave us a lot of experience and some knowledge, but I feel that the EVIT program goes into a little more detail in certain things," Ryan said.

Ryan is a junior and still has another year and a half in EVIT's aviation program, so he's using that time to figure out what aviation career path he wants to take. He's considering being a pilot, or working in air traffic control or maintenance.

"My favorite part (about flying) is it seems like it opens the world a little bit," Ryan said. "You get to know the weather and how to navigate, and it’s really a unique experience."

Congratulations on your accomplishment, Ryan!

Aviation students are flying high

Second-year aviation students have been going out on their first solo flights during the past couple of weeks.

Here are a few of the students on the day they first flew on their own:

Great job, guys!