Students from the ASU East aviation program will attend an aviation communications conference next week to hear speakers from all over the world discuss improving communication, safety and security in the wake of September 11.
About a dozen students will attend the conference, including aviation students from Prescott. The conference is a joint effort by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott and ASU. It will be held at the Embassy Suites North.
Mary Ann Turney, associate professor of aeronautical management technology at East, said the conference gives students valuable exposure to the industry. She said the conference could help national security.
"Whenever you improve communication it's good for national security. Communication is crucial in aviation," Turney said.
Aeronautical management technology graduate Tracey Conklin is attending the conference. She's interested in the communication between maintenance and pilots and says the conference will provide good information about safety.
"When people are given knowledge about safety it makes them rethink the whole issue of security. If people understand why there needs to be so much security, then they don't get angry for standing in line at the airport. People understand it's a good thing and not a bad thing," Conklin said.
The aviation program at East is well-recognized, Turney said.
East is one of the few universities with a four-year aeronautical program. The courses prepare students for entry into aviation and aerospace. The program applies technical knowledge and prepares students for the rapid and continual changes in aviation and aerospace technology.
Topics at Monday's conference will include crew resource management, security and the changes in training and communication after September 11. Crew resource management makes flights successful through communication and coordination so all employees are working together on the same level.
Tuesday will focus on maintenance and cross-cultural and international communication with an emphasis on safety and security.
Reach the reporter at kristin.roberts@asu.edu.
