Pentastar Aviation, Western Michigan University Team Up to Deliver Next Generation of Aviation Professionals

Partnership helps students with internships, career path.

Waterford, Mich. – Pentastar Aviation and Western Michigan University (WMU) College of Aviation have teamed up to offer students a variety of opportunities to gain valuable experience in their chosen aviation career path. Through this partnership, Pentastar has made a multi-year commitment to extend internships and lend their decades of experience and resources to students enrolled in WMU’s aviation program.

Through the internship program, students will acquire further knowledge of aviation in areas such as safety management systems, aircraft maintenance, training programs and pilot record management as well as gain work experience in flight following and trip coordination.  Pentastar will also contribute executive leadership support to the college’s advisory board, educational events and safety symposiums.

“WMU has an incredible aviation program, and we are honored to join forces with the College of Aviation to provide these opportunities to our industry’s future leaders,” said Greg Schmidt, President & CEO, Pentastar Aviation. “Our team delivers world-class aviation services to our clients and we look forward to instilling the same high standards and commitment to excellence in the next generation of aviation professionals.”

Pentastar will begin recruiting for spring internship positions during Western Michigan’s “Aviation Outlook Day” on April 6. Additionally, students will have access to industry experts through guest lectures, a career day at Pentastar, mock interviews and other additional career path assistance.

“We are pleased to be partnering with Pentastar to hone the skills of our students beyond the classroom,” said Dave Powell, Dean, College of Aviation at WMU. “Pentastar has always been very supportive of our aviation program, and their commitment to share industry knowledge and experience will be invaluable to our students.”

About Pentastar Aviation

Pentastar Aviation, wholly owned by Edsel B. Ford II, is a leader in the world of business aviation, providing aircraft management, advisory services, aircraft maintenance, avionics services, interior services and award-winning FBO services. Air charter transportation services are provided by Pentastar Aviation Charter, Inc., a U.S. FAR Part 135 on-demand air carrier, or by other U.S. FAR Part 135 certificated on-demand air carriers arranged by Pentastar Aviation, LLC. Their team is committed to delivering the highest standards of safety and service excellence to their customers.

Pentastar Aviation has been servicing regional and global travelers for more than 50 years and is headquartered at Oakland County International Airport (PTK). For more information, please visit www.pentastaraviation.com.

About Western Michigan University (WMU) College of Aviation

The College of Aviation at WMU offers the only comprehensive aviation program at a public university in Michigan, and with nearly 900 undergraduate students, is one of the largest programs in the nation. Backed by over 75 years of aviation experience and an excellent industry reputation, the college is a powerful force in the future of aviation training. The college’s vision is to establish and maintain the most advanced training fleet and equipment available in collegiate aviation, complementing a world-class professional aviation program consistently viewed as one of the best in the world. The college continuously examines its pedagogy, pioneering revolutionary new methods of instruction designed to improve communication skills necessary in all fields of aviation: management, maintenance and flight. The college produces graduates who think critically, communicate effectively and participate meaningfully and ethically in the dynamic field of aviation.