Source: Kurt Barnhart, 785-826-2972, kurtb@k-state.edu
Website: http://www.salina.k-state.edu/aviation
News release prepared by: Natalie Blair, 785-826-2642, nblair@k-state.edu

Friday, Aug. 12, 2011

K-STATE AVIATION LANDS HIGHEST LEVEL OF ACCREDITATION

SALINA -- Kansas State University Salina's professional pilot program is flying in elite company with renewed program accreditation from Aviation Accreditation Board International.

The accreditation is good for another five years.

"The accreditation means we are among a relatively few collegiate aviation programs in the world that have been evaluated according to very stringent criteria and found to be worthy of the AABI seal of approval," said Kurt Barnhart, aviation department head. "Receiving this accreditation means that our students are receiving the highest quality flight education possible."

"Being AABI accredited reinforces the fact that we have a top five aviation program," said Dennis Kuhlman, CEO and dean of K-State Salina. "Because we are continually working to exceed accreditation standards, our program is continually one of the best in the country."

The Aviation Accreditation Board International is the only professional, specialized accrediting organization approved by the Council on Higher Education to accredit aviation professional programs at universities in the United States and around the world. Only 26 of the more than 100 universities and colleges with aviation programs in the nation have earned the board's accreditation.

Located on the Salina campus adjacent to a 12,000-foot runway, K-State's aviation program has a modern fleet of more than 40 learning aircraft and more Master Certified Flight Instructors than any other college or university in the country. K-State Salina offers affordable bachelor's degrees in aircraft maintenance, avionics, air traffic control, airport management, professional pilot, and unmanned aircraft systems. More information on K-State aviation programs is available at http://www.salina.k-state.edu/aviation.

The accreditation process analyzes every aspect of a program, including faculty quality, teaching resources and technology, facilities, academic and flight training curricula, connections with the industry and community, and services for students. More information about the Aviation Accreditation Board International is available at http://www.aabi.aero.