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Saint Francis University's New Aviation Education Center 

 

The Saint Francis University Aviation Education Center is dedicated to developing innovative, high-demand programs that meet the workforce needs in aviation and related industries. 

 

SFU's growing presence at the John Murtha Johnstown–Cambria County Airport is a result of the university’s aviation education partnership with the airport authority, Nulton Aviation Services, Cambria County, SkyWest Airlines, Lockheed Martin Aeroparts Inc. and Martin-Baker America.

Aviation Careers Start at Saint Francis University

Whether your goal is to work on aircraft and drones, or to pilot them, we offer degree and certificate preparation options to get you on the right path to a rewarding career.

Our Offerings

  • This hands-on technical program is designed to be completed in less than 21 months and will prepare students to work as technicians in the aviation industry and beyond.

    • Courses will be held in Johnstown at SFU's new Aviation  Education Center at the John Murtha Cambria County Airport.  
    • Our unique curriculum will prepare students to test for their General, Airframe and Powerplant certificates and prepare them to execute precision, detail-oriented maintenance and manufacturing tasks.
    • SFU is partnering with SkyWest Airlines, giving future AMT graduates access to their AMT Pathway Program. 

    AMT certificate program page

  • The Aviation Specialization, provided in coordination with Nulton Aviation Services, catapults a student with no past flight experience to the edge of commercial aviation. 

    • Obtain Private Pilot, Instrument,  Commercial, and Flight Instructor ratings within 4 years.
    • Prepare for a career in commercial aviation by leveraging Saint Francis University's Elite Partnership with SkyWest Airlines.
    • Enhance your marketability in law enforcement, engineering, and many other fields

    Admissions paths are open for both traditional undergraduate students and working professionals.

    Pilot Training program page

  • A.A.S. in Specialized Studies 


    The Associate of Applied Science in Specialized Studies is an online degree program that offers a flexible, laddering pathway for people with specialized certifications and more who wish to pursue a college degree. 

    With the addition of only 4 online courses, you can earn an A.A.S. while you work toward your AMT certification. 
     

    B.S. in Organizational Leadership

    The Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership  at Saint Francis University is a transfer-friendly degree completion option for those who have earned credits at other institutions.  There is an optional aviation concentration that allows interested students to earn a pilot's license while pursuing a degree.

    Find your Path

    Let us help you build out a degree path that is right for you. 

    Division of Professional Studies 

     

aviation

Meeting Workforce Needs

The need for pilots: Recognizing the global shortage of pilots, SFU entered the aviation education space in 2017 after receiving startup funds from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to develop a pilot training program in partnership with Nulton Aviation Services.

 

The need for aviation maintenance technicians: Beyond the need for pilots, the university has also stepped up to meet  a critical demand in aviation maintenance.  In October 2022, the university was awarded a  $1 million grant by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to develop Aviation Maintenance Technician programming.

Choose your career path.

Contacts:

Dean of the Division of Professional Studies

Julie Warnick

jwarnick@francis.edu
814-472-2846

Aviation Maintenance:

 Director Aviation Maintenance Tech. Program

 Brianna Pavkovich

 bpavkovich@francis.edu

814-471-1153

 

Pilot's License Training:

Aviation Program Chair/Engineering Instructor

Br. Marius Strom, T.O.R.

mstrom@francis.edu
814-472-3934

AMT Banner - hydraulics, engine, landing gear

Our Facilities

Aviation Maintenance: 

AMT courses will be held at SFU's new Aviation Education Center located  at 220 Innovation Drive, Johnstown, PA 15904 adjacent to the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport.

 

Pilot Training:

Flight and ground training in the Aviation Specialization (Pilot's License Training) is taught by certified flight instructors from Nulton Aviation Services, an FAA-certified part 141 Pilot School.

Aviation Education Center News

Blog
Aviation Open House Blog Thumbnail

Saint Francis University to Host Aviation Education Center Open House Saturday, June 28, 2025

University Communications & Marketing | 05/09/2025
Saint Francis University will host a public Aviation Open House at its new Aviation Education Center, offering prospective students, families, and members of the community an up-close look at one of the region’s most innovative career training programs. The event, which will take place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, will be held at the Saint Francis University Aviation Education Center, located at 220 Innovation Drive, Johnstown, PA 15904.
Saint Francis University Aviation Education Center Dedication

Saint Francis University Dedicates New Aviation Education Center

Marie Young, University Communications & Marketing | 08/30/2024
Saint Francis University proudly celebrated the Blessing and Dedication of the Saint Francis University Aviation Education Center alongside the grand opening of its FAA-certified Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) program on August 29, 2024.
Aviation Hanger

Inside look at SFU's new AMT program

University Communications & Marketing | 07/24/2024
On August 26 we will welcome our first class of certificate students in the Aviation Maintenance Technician Program! The video below offers a sneak-peek tour inside our brand-new aviation hangar, where the future of aviation maintenance is taking flight.
Pavkovich Announcement

SFU names inaugural director for new Aviation Maintenance Technician School

Marie Young, University Communications & Marketing | 10/10/2023
Saint Francis University has appointed Brianna Pavkovich of Rockwood, PA, the inaugural director of the university's newest workforce development initiative, the Aviation Maintenance Technician certificate program. As the new director, her first duties include guiding the program through the FAA approval process with the goal of beginning classes in Fall 2024. 
Rob Young, Governor Wolf, Br. Marius Strom

SFU Receives $1 Million Dollar ARC POWER Grant for Aviation Maintenance Technician School

Marie Young, University Marketing & Communications | 10/18/2022
Saint Francis University has been awarded a $1 million grant by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to launch an Aviation Maintenance Technician School. The new Aviation Maintenance Technician School will be sited at the John Murtha Johnstown Cambria County Airport and will offer a 14 CFR 147-certified training curriculum for Aviation Maintenance Technicians.
Belltower Logo with photo behind

Press Release: SFU launches new Aviation program with Nulton Aviation

Marie Young, University Communications & Marketing | 05/19/2018
PRESS RELEASE (May 10, 2018) A new Saint Francis University program offered in partnership with Nulton Aviation Services of Johnstown will allow students to earn a bachelor's degree and a private/commercial pilot's license at the same time.
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Programs for Every Stage of the Journey

Saint Francis University is a transformational place that cultivates leaders prepared to make a difference in the lives of others. Our career-focused, character-building programs  offered through the Division of Professional Studies can help you move forward in every phase of your professional journey.