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'Fly Team Michigan!' launched to tap state’s aviation potential

LANSING – Jackson Community College, Western Michigan University and three additional Michigan community colleges have joined forces to make the state a powerhouse in aviation education and boost the reach of economic development in the aviation sector for communities around Michigan.

The principals of a new collegiate association, “Fly Team Michigan!,” met in Lansing March 27 to formalize their agreement in a signing ceremony at the office of Michigan Lt. Gov. John Cherry, who added the state's endorsement for the effort. Other members of the statewide effort are Delta College, Lansing Community College and Northwestern Michigan College.

The agreement will allow Michigan to build a cost-efficient network of aviation education programs that can work toward sharing assets; set up large-scale cooperative purchasing agreements to acquire needed equipment and supplies; collaborate on research, development of new aviation methods and course materials; recruit and market; and expand job placement programs.

“Expanding access to higher education is a critical component of our plan to transform Michigan's economy,” said Lt. Gov. John D. Cherry Jr. of the collaborative effort. “This cooperative agreement between Western Michigan University, Delta College, Jackson Community College, Lansing Community College and Northwestern Michigan College will not only expand access to aviation training for students, but will streamline costs and strengthen economic development efforts in this growing field.”

Through the arrangement, students in aviation disciplines at the four community colleges will enjoy a seamless transition from their associate degree programs to WMU's four-year baccalaureate program. They can then continue their careers by moving into one of the exclusive bridging agreements WMU enjoys with regional air carriers and local partners.

"We want Michigan to be recognized as the leader in aviation education," says Capt. Rick Maloney, dean of WMU's College of Aviation. "This is an opportunity to start collaborating and explore the future of what aviation education can be. All of us have been building the quality and success of our individual programs, and we've been very successful. Together, however, we'll be able to build a system that will produce most highly qualified and sought-after aviation professionals in the nation. We're out to support each other and each other's communities."

Maloney says the agreement has been in the discussion stages for about two years, as the partners explored each other's programs, philosophies and values to ensure the members of Fly Team Michigan shared a common set of goals.

Sen. Mark Schauer of Battle Creek attended the signing and expressed his pride over the fact that both WMU and Jackson Community College are part of his district. The agreement is the right course, he said, because it keeps the focus on students and promotes partnership with industry.

“This is leveraging the investment we make in each of your institutions,” he said. “The result will be an economy that is even more vibrant.”