MIAT College of Technology to Host Spirit Airlines Computer Simulated Aircraft Maintenance Training Lab

Canton, MI, July 16, 2015 --(PR.com)-- Spirit Airlines (NASDAQ: SAVE), in partnership with MIAT College of Technology, announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art, 12-student Next Generation Aircraft Computer Based Training (CBT) maintenance simulation laboratory on the MIAT Canton, Michigan campus which is located near the Detroit Metro Airport (DTW). The equipment, which includes virtual aircraft and a virtual flight deck, allows trainees to practice all maintenance and operation procedures exactly as on actual, live aircraft.

According to James Baumiller, Director, Technical Operations Support for Spirit Airlines, the lab will better prepare technicians to repair next-gen aircraft using engaging, intuitive, and user friendly learning tools.

"Spirit Technicians will now have a logistically convenient advanced training laboratory near our DTW maintenance base to host trainees from throughout North America … and the students at MIAT will benefit from exposure to the latest training technology for the industry," added Baumiller.

MIAT College of Technology will be the first FAA approved aviation maintenance school in North America to host a CBT Lab of this type. MIAT has established a reputation for providing quality, skilled technicians to the Airlines and MRO Industry since 1969. The CBT Lab installation is scheduled to begin this Summer, with expected use by Spirit Airline technicians and incorporation into the current curriculum for MIAT students planned to begin in Fall, 2015.

Additionally, MIAT has a campus located in Houston, Texas near the Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) which is one of the fastest growing markets for Spirit Airlines. This campus may be the future site for an additional CBT Lab.

According to Chris Pipesh, MIAT Vice President of Education, this kind of collaboration with a major airline benefits MIAT students, as well as the many graduates of the MIAT Aviation Maintenance Certificate and Associate Degree Programs.

"In addition to providing better technology for our current students, the CBT Lab will be incorporated into training updates we offer our graduates who have the opportunity to come back to campus, as part of MIAT's ongoing commitment to their professional qualification,” stated Pipesh.

For more information please contact: Chris Pipesh, cpipesh@miat.edu or Irisaida Mendez, irisaida.mendez@spirit.com

MIAT College of Technology www.miat.edu
Since 1969, MIAT College of Technology has established a reputation for delivering high quality candidates to work in high demand skilled technical employment sectors like aviation/aerospace, energy, defense, HVACR, and logistics. MIAT is a 2015 STEM Jobs Approved College.