Silla University College of Aviation Rises as the Only 'Aviation Specialist' Training Hub in the Southeast Region

Silla University Leads the Future of the Aviation Industry Ahead of the New Airport Era

Vigorous Flight of the Aviation College Toward Becoming the 'Southeast Regional Aviation Hub University'

Silla University College of Aviation practice site.
[Image source=Silla University]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] There is only one aviation-specialized university in the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam region that covers various industries related to aviation.

It is Silla University, which has the ‘College of Aviation,’ a college consisting of five aviation-related departments, and a campus on the foothills of Baekyangsan Mountain overlooking Gimhae Airport, dreaming of the future and innovation of the aviation industry.

■ Silla University College of Aviation expanded to five departments with the establishment of the Department of Air Traffic Management

Silla University, the only aviation-specialized college in the southeastern region, expanded its College of Aviation this year.

This year, Silla University established the Department of Air Traffic Management and renamed the existing Department of Air Traffic Logistics to the Department of Aviation Logistics.

From the 2022 academic year, new students are admitted to five departments: Department of Aviation Operations, Department of Aircraft Maintenance, Department of Aviation Services, Department of Aviation Logistics, and Department of Air Traffic Management.

Through this expansion and reorganization, Silla University has established a foundation to comprehensively nurture talents needed in major fields of the aviation industry such as aviation operations, aircraft maintenance, in-flight services, aviation logistics, and traffic.

Silla University established the Department of Air Traffic Management this year with the goal of training comprehensive experts in air traffic. It is preparing curricula to cultivate core personnel in this field, such as flight operations managers, air traffic safety managers, and logistics managers.

In addition to theoretical education necessary for flight operations and air traffic control, such as aviation laws, aeronautical radio communication, aviation safety management, and airport operations, systematic practical training using the on-campus IoT Demonstration Center is also planned.

Practical training focused on the field will be strengthened through expanding networks with institutions in the air traffic sector. Furthermore, active support will be provided for acquiring certifications in related fields to enhance students’ practical skills and expertise.

With the passage of the special law for the construction of the new Gadeokdo Airport in the National Assembly, the construction of the new Gadeokdo Airport in Busan is becoming more concrete, and the role of Busan as the gateway city of the southeastern region is expected to expand further.

The need for nurturing professional personnel and expanding the base is also increasing. Silla University College of Aviation plans to play a role in raising awareness of the aviation industry in the region and building up future talents, leading the development of the domestic aviation industry.

Silla University anticipates an increase in the demand for regional aviation personnel necessary for the operation of the new airport and expects the popularity of departments under the College of Aviation to rise accordingly.

Silla University expects students from the College of Aviation to advance into national airlines, foreign airlines, aviation-related public enterprises such as Korea Airports Corporation, cargo airlines, aviation-related civil service positions, travel agencies, and more.

The College of Aviation is expanding support to enhance students’ employment capabilities through expert guest lectures, practical training, and various qualification exams.

Students of Silla University Aviation Department. [Image source=Silla University]

■ Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport designated specialized education institution (Aircraft Piloting and Aircraft Maintenance)

Silla University is a ‘specialized education institution for aircraft piloting’ and a ‘specialized education institution for aircraft maintenance’ designated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Silla University has been officially certified for meeting the training operation standards set by the Ministry’s decree, including curriculum, instructor numbers and qualifications, and training evaluation methods.

Through this designation, students in the Department of Aviation Operations can easily obtain necessary qualifications such as private pilot license, instrument rating, and commercial pilot license.

Also, students in the Department of Aircraft Maintenance can qualify to take the aircraft maintenance engineer exam before graduation and are exempted from the practical work portion of the second practical test, making it easier to obtain the aircraft maintenance engineer license.

■ Building educational infrastructure for training specialized personnel in the aviation field

Silla University has focused on expanding the educational infrastructure of the College of Aviation.

For students’ simulated flight training, the university has introduced state-of-the-art aircraft pilot simulators and VR simulators produced by Red Bird in Austin, Texas, and utilizes them in classes.

These devices are certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. Additionally, the university has a mock-up training facility for cabin crew training made with cabin equipment from the A320 aircraft and language practice rooms.

Practical classes are conducted using various aircraft engines, including the CFM-56 turbofan engine used in the B737 passenger aircraft.

The university uses aircraft such as the Cessna 172, Air Force F5E fighter jet, Learjet jet aircraft, and MD500 helicopter as teaching materials.

Moreover, an aircraft maintenance practice building (hangar) has been established where field-oriented practical training courses are conducted.

Based on this solid educational infrastructure, Silla University plans to focus on nurturing specialized personnel needed in the aviation field.

■ Strong networks with domestic and international aviation institutions

Wide networks with domestic and international aviation-related institutions are a strength of Silla University. The university has concentrated on industry-academia cooperation with aviation institutions to enhance educational quality.

In 2019, it signed an aviation pilot training agreement with Sierra Aviation, a world-renowned aviation pilot training institution in the U.S., and also established a partnership with Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology in New York, a prestigious institution in aircraft maintenance, laying the foundation for global aviation talent development.

Since then, it has built networks with Korean Air, Air Busan, T’way Air, and the Aviation Job Support Center, establishing a foundation for students’ practical training, internships, and employment.

Through these agreements, students in the Department of Aviation Operations can undergo flight training in the U.S. for 8 months to 1 year according to their preferences, and students in the College of Aviation can participate in 2+2 dual degree and 3+1 exchange student programs, as well as short-term overseas training.

Silla University expects that these programs with partner institutions will not only improve students’ foreign language skills but also develop the global competencies necessary to grow as core personnel in the aviation field.

■ “A hub for nurturing aviation personnel representing the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam region”

Professor Kim Jae-won of the College of Aviation said, “The expanded College of Aviation with five departments at Silla University will nurture talents needed in the aviation field and establish itself as a leading institution for aviation talent development in the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam region.”

Professor Kim added, “We will conduct more substantial education in line with the growth of the southeastern region’s aviation industry, including the construction of the new Busan Gadeokdo Airport.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.