AIM - Imagine Salina

Take Flight in a New Career with the Aviation Innovation and Maintenance (AIM) Center of Excellence!

Short Term Commitment with Long Term Impact

The AIM Center of Excellence is a six-week pre-apprenticeship program that exposes interested participants to the dynamic world of aviation maintenance. During the course, students will get basic information about the different components involved in aviation maintenance, to include:

Sheet Metal
Paint
Composites
Electronics/Avionics

AIM students will get hands-on training with experienced instructors that help them learn about the field, as well as receive competency-based microcredentials through Kansas State University-Salina. Students will also get information about continuing their education or career in aviation maintenance in networking opportunities with schools, employers, and industry leaders in the region.

Cohorts Filling Up Fast!

Our next cohort will begin on July 7th with classes running Monday through Friday from 5:30-9pm.

Think you might be interested in learning more about a career in aviation maintenance? Fill out the form linked below and our team will be in contact with more information.

Complete Course Schedule

Winter 2025	January 27- March 7
Spring 2025	March 24-May 2
Summer 2025	July 7-August 15
Fall 2025	October 27-December 12

Instructors

Chad Robbs – Lead Instructor

Chad, our lead instructor, is an FAA-licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic with nearly 30 years of experience in repairing and inspecting components and systems for military, corporate, air carrier, and general aviation (GA) aircraft. Chad also served in the U.S. Army, where he earned numerous commendations and medals for his service. Currently, Chad is a senior project manager at 1 Vision Aviation. Over the years, he has trained and supervised hundreds of individuals and now brings his expertise to the AIM Center in a leadership role, continuing to share his talent and knowledge.

Mike Paul – Sheet Metal

Mike Paul serves as the Chief of Maintenance for Blue Beacon, Inc.’s Flight Department. Alongside his role at Blue Beacon, he is also an AVM instructor at the K-State Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus. With a robust background in aviation, Mike holds multiple FAA licenses, including an A&P Mechanic certification and Inspection Authorization (IA). He initially graduated from KTI-AVM and, while advancing in his career, pursued further education to earn a bachelor’s degree in AVM. Now, Mike is contributing his extensive expertise to the AIM center, where he teaches students the intricacies of sheet metal work.

Doug Zerr – Composites

Doug is an instructor in the Department of Integrated Studies, specializing in Composites and Mechanical Engineering Technology. In addition to his role in education, Doug owns a composite manufacturing business, reflecting his deep commitment and expertise in the field. His career has been largely centered around composites, and he has a unique talent for demonstrating to students how composites and engineering principles permeate their everyday lives. Doug also plays a pivotal role in the AIM Center, where he teaches composites, bringing his extensive knowledge and practical experience to enhance the learning experience for students.

Mike Shipley – Avionics and Electronics

Mike is a seasoned Program Manager with three years of experience at 1 Vision Aviation. He has extensive experience with heavy maintenance and paint processes for a diverse range of aircraft, including CRJ 200/700/900s, ERJ 145/175s, Saab 340/2000s, King Air 350s, Dash 8 300s, ATR 42/72s, Boeing 737/757/767s, Airbus 319/320/321s, and various corporate jet airframes. Known for his strong leadership skills, Mike excels in fostering effective teamwork and ensuring high standards of operational efficiency. Recently, he has brought his extensive knowledge and leadership to our team, joining us to instruct students in avionics and electrical circuits.

Mandy Merritt – Substitute

Mandy became an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force in 2004 and spent eight years maintaining fighter jets in several locations worldwide in varied duty positions ranging from aircraft maintenance to operations management. In that time, Mandy also completed her degree in aviation maintenance technology. After separating from the Air Force, she went on to become an instructor for an aircraft maintenance technical school in Memphis, TN. Mandy returned to the Midwest to take position with Jimmy Sponder’s aircraft maintenance company in 2013 where she eventually went on to become the Assistant Director of Maintenance. Mandy then started a business in aircraft parts sales and overhaul until the opening of 1 Vision Aviation in 2016 where she took on the role of Director of Quality Control and later, Director of Quality Assurance. Mandy Merritt’s responsibilities as the Director of Quality Assurance include maintaining regulatory compliance for multiple federal and international entities though work center management and supervision in support of multiple airframes across a diverse client base. Mandy works with customers and 1 Vision Aviation personnel to ensure that the company, and the maintenance being performed within the company meet the needs and requirements of the aircraft operators.

Conrad Caldera – Paint Instructor

Conrad Caldera has over a decade of experience in the paint industry, specializing in industrial, automotive, and aviation coatings. As a member of AIM’s first cohort, he is currently working toward his airframe license while serving as a Paint Supervisor at 1Vision Aviation. His expertise and dedication to precision make him a key player in the aviation paint sector.

Contact Us

Jaclyn Crow
Economic & Workforce Development Director
Salina Area Chamber of Commerce
785-827-9310
jcrow@salinakansas.org