Principal Anthony DeFazio and Teacher John Mahony stand next to a Vietnam War-era plane donated to Questar III’s Rensselaer Educational Center.
A Vietnam-era warplane was delivered to Questar III’s Rensselaer Educational Center on November 3.
The OV-10D Bronco plane was the first of four planes delivered to the Troy-based center for a new aviation maintenance technology program set to launch next September near the site of the former Troy Airport. Until 1964, a small airport was located at the intersection of Campbell Ave. and Industrial Park Rd, where the career and technical education (CTE) school is based.
The two-year program will prepare high school students for a career as a licensed FAA 147 Power Plant and Airframe technician. Students will gain both the hands-on experience and related knowledge need to service, repair and overhaul turbine engines, power plant control systems, instrumentation and other aviation systems. The program will also provide hands-on learning opportunities at local airports.
Teacher John Mahony said aviation maintenance technology is a rapidly growing field. “Boeing said there’s going to be a 10 percent increase in the need for certified aviation maintenance technicians over the next 10 years. It’s a very good paying job,” Mahony said.
According to Boeing, the commercial aviation industry will require 596,500 maintenance personnel over the next 20 years to accommodate the demand for new and replacement aircraft.
Questar III acquired the OV-10D Bronco, which was developed in the 1960s and used by the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy, as a donation from the State Department. The New York State Office of General Services assisted Questar III with coordination of the donation.
The Bronco was delivered in sections on two flatbed trucks from Maryland. It saw action in Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm in Iraq. The plane was last used by the Department of State against drug cartels in South America.
According to Mahony, the program is also set to receive a 1954 Beechcraft Bonanza general aviation aircraft; two BD-5s, a sport plane built from a kit; and a Diamond Katana, which is a two-seat tricycle gear aircraft used for flight training.
Questar III is currently in discussions with the Plattsburgh Aeronautical Institute and Mohawk Valley Community College for articulation agreements related into entry into their aviation maintenance technology licensing programs.
Aviation maintenance technology is one of three new CTE programs set to launch next fall. The BOCES is also developing a health and emergency medical career program and the Clean and Green: Tech Valley Career program, which will prepare students for environmentally friendly careers. Both programs are one-year courses for high school seniors.
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