Students Earn Final Aviation Certificates

GOLDSBORO – Three students in Wayne Community College’s Aviation Systems Technology program have earned the final certificate needed to complete the program.

Timothy Dillon of Clayton, Kobe Pearson of Goldsboro, and Trevor Shearer of Wilson completed all requirements to receive Powerplant Certificates of Completion, allowing them to take the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) powerplant mechanic written exam.

“Once they pass the written exam for the powerplant rating, they are then eligible to take the oral and practical exams,” said WCC Aviation Systems Technology Instructor Mike Crumpler. “If they successfully pass that experience, they will be issued a temporary Powerplant Mechanic certificate so that they may exercise their new privileges until their permanent certificates arrive.”

The students have been working toward this certification for the past two years of their associate’s degree program. Each of them previously received an Airframe Certificate of Completion last fall.

“It feels great,” Shearer said about earning the last certification. “It’s been a long two-year journey, and it’s very hard work.” His family is involved in the aviation industry, so he decided to follow in their footsteps by enrolling in the program. “I’ve loved it since day one,” he shared. Shearer currently works at flyExclusive in Kinston and hopes to continue his employment there.

Pearson has mechanical experience from working on cars, which has helped him transition to working with aircraft. “It feels good to reach a milestone and prepare for the next step,” he said.

Dillon has enjoyed the Aviation Systems Technology program’s hands-on aspects and is especially thankful for his instructors. “Without them, I wouldn’t have made it through,” he shared. “They impart so much knowledge.”