Satcom Direct has created an industry first with the launch of AeroIT, an information technology certification designed to help aircraft technicians expand their knowledge of today’s sophisticated airborne communications systems.
Because of the burgeoning demand for in-flight connectivity, aircraft technicians need to know more than airframes and powerplants; they have to be IT experts as well. To address this need, Satcom Direct developed AeroIT, the world’s first IT training and certification course for aviation. Designed specifically for aircraft systems, the training covers network configurations and troubleshooting, Satcom systems and avionics.
“There is a strong need for IT knowledge in the flight department and no one was teaching that, not even colleges and universities,” said Jim Jensen, Satcom Direct’s CEO. “Clients told us that they needed a greater understanding of networking, so we developed AeroIT to meet that need.”
The AeroIT certification has been created in conjunction with CompTIA’s Examplify subsidiary to ensure the examination meets the standards held by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The certification is similar to other IT industry credentials and is a validation of technical knowledge. An AeroIT textbook that can be used for self-study is in development. The certification exam is offered at any Pearson VUE test center in the USA, which currently offers CompTIA testing and there are plans to offer the exam at any test center worldwide later this year. The AeroIT credential is valid for three years and then must be renewed.
“We’re so committed to AeroIT certification that a new Pearson VUE test center is being installed in our worldwide headquarters, currently under construction in Viera, Florida,” added Jensen. The facility will open in late 2015.
All members of the Satcom Direct support staff are required to obtain Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and CompTIA Network+ credentials, as well as the AeroIT certification.
