National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT)

The National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) is the world’s premier facility for the development of a skilled aviation manufacturing workforce. NCAT was built by Sedgwick County in 2010 and boasts 220,000 square feet of premier training labs and classrooms – 25 of each to be exact..

NCAT is a hub for students and industry professionals seeking aviation and manufacturing training options. The facility consolidates and optimizes two of the area’s most unique resources: the research capabilities and expertise of Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and the number one ranked aviation and advanced manufacturing programs of WSU Tech.

With both of these entities under one (very large) roof, we have created a fast track to incorporating NIAR’s cutting edge research equipment, technology and methods into WSU Tech’s technical training programs and courses – a partnership like no other in the nation.

At NCAT, NIAR shares resources with WSU Tech in its Advanced Coatings; Additive Manufacturing; CAD/CAM; Composites and Advanced Materials; Emerging Technology; and Robotics and Automation laboratories. WSU Tech has access to NIAR research/testing facilities and equipment for training – and often researchers double as course instructors.

NCAT Logo

NCAT Laboratories

Advanced Coatings

The Advanced Coatings Lab is a partnership between the National Institute for Aviation Research and WSU Tech. It is located at the National Center for Aviation Training.

Additive Manufacturing

The Additive Manufacturing Laboratory supports local and national industry to build 3D prototype models from various materials. Prototype parts can then be used to test for fit, form and function. Parts can vary from small, intricate models, to much larger mockups.

CAD/CAM

Our mission is to provide students with a quality education in order to enter the workforce confidently, and provide those already in the workforce with the education to get ahead.

Composites & Advanced Materials

Researchers and technicians in the Composites Lab perform lay-up and bonding operations and work directly with the Mechanical Test Lab and the National Center for Advanced Materials Performance to understand the effects of heat, moisture, contamination and repairs on advanced materials.

Robotics & Automation

The Robotics and Automation laboratory can serve as a full scale integrator of robotics and automation components, as well as simply prove the concept of automation within processes.

WSU Tech

WSU Tech is a different kind of college, changing lives by training people for high-wage, high-demand jobs. We work hand-in-hand with employers to determine their job needs now and into the future so our students graduate with the right skills.