Schuyler Sardi works on a plane donated by the U.S. Department of State.
The 2011-2012 school year marked the beginning of a new two-year career and technical education (CTE) program at Questar III’s Rensselaer Educational Center in Troy.
The Aviation Maintenance Technology program prepares students for a career as a licensed FAA 147 Power Plant and Airframe technician.
Instructor 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,” said Mahony. “The average starting salary is $35,000-$40,000.”
Students who complete the two-year program will receive five college credits toward Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) where Mahony is an adjunct professor.
MVCC offers a one-year Airframe and Powerplant Certificate that prepares students to pass the mandatory federal tests required to receive their certificate.
Columbia High School student Schuyler Sardi is part of the first group of students to attend the new aviation program – a career path that interested him at a young age.
“I took a helicopter ride with my uncle at a family reunion when I was eight years old and I’ve loved planes ever since,” said Sardi.
The opportunity to do hands-on work and learn the basics of aircraft maintenance is what Sardi enjoys the most about the program. He hopes to continue his education at MVCC after high school and find a job working on passenger jets.
Allan McNeil sits in a Diamond Katana DA-20.
Averill Park High School student Allan McNeil became interested in an aviation maintenance career after watching a video. He said he enjoys getting to experience the job firsthand by attending field trips across the region.
“It’s fun getting out into the world and talking to people with all these years of experience in the field. It’s amazing the work they do,” said McNeil.
McNeil also plans to attend MVCC after high school and possibly continue his education after he is employed.
The class has visited industry leaders such as Ducommun AeroStructures in Coxsackie, New York State Aviation Detachment at Albany Airport and the Army National Guard Rotary Squadron in Albany.
Different groups and individuals have generously donated plans to support the program’s development.
In November 2010, Questar III acquired an OV-10D Bronco from the State Department. The plane, which saw action in Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm in Iraq, was last used to combat South American drug cartels.
The Aviation Maintenance Technology program, which now has five planes, will soon receive a donated jet engine.
Working on these planes gives students a taste the hands-on skills they will need to be an aviation mechanic. Connections to MVCC and other partners also give them a jump start on a future career in the field.
