TURNERS FALLS, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The Franklin County Technical School’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program has recently been certified as an Airframe training facility by the Federal Aviation Administration. This will allow graduates to test and gain their Airframe certificate. The next step in preparing students for a career in aviation mechanics is the Powerplant certification, which the school is currently working towards.
From the Franklin County Technical School:
The Federal Aviation Administration has certified Franklin County Technical School’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program as an Airframe training facility.
The certification paves the way for the program’s graduates to enter an industry where their skills are in high demand. Students who graduate from the program will be trained and eligible to test for their Airframe certificate. The Airframe rating is one half of the certification used for aircraft mechanics; the other half is Powerplant.
An Airframe rating authorizes a mechanic to work on the structure and systems of an aircraft, but not the engine. Once a mechanic earns Powerplant certification, they’re allowed to work on aircraft engines.
“We’re one of only a few vocational high schools in the country that has FAA certification for Aircraft Maintenance Technicians,” said FCTS Superintendent Richard Martin. “As certified Aircraft Maintenance Technicians, our students will have job opportunities not only in Massachusetts, but throughout the entire United States.”
Aviation Maintenance Technology teacher Michael McIntyre said the program will be working toward becoming Powerplant certified. He added that the program is in a great position to include Powerplant.
“It shouldn’t take much to earn Powerplant,” McIntyre said. “We have most of what’s needed. We’ll just need to make some tweaks in tooling.”
McIntyre said that Airframe certification is recognized by “every aircraft repair station operator, manufacturer, you name it,” making for a strong, well-paying job market for FCTS graduates. Certified aviation mechanics are in high demand and salaries can run from the $50,000 to over $200,000 range.
“American Airlines recently advertised jobs for $39 an hour without experience,” McIntyre said.
Students graduating from the Aviation Maintenance Technology program who become certified are probably going to enter the field at around $30 an hour. The program currently has nine sophomores and seven freshmen.
McIntyre added that other industries such as railroads, wind turbine manufacturers, and power plants also recognize the certifications, which further opens up the potential job market.
William C. Cone and Michael A. Edreich, FAA Safety Inspectors, presented the school with the certificate. Superintendent Martin signed all of the related documents prior to the awarding of the certification.
Individuals who wish to test to become Airframe certified either have to spend upwards of $40,000 to attend a private school or need 36 months of on-the-job experience. Franklin County Tech Aviation Technology graduates will already be eligible to take the test.
“This is a great opportunity for Franklin County Tech students,” Edreich said. “They don’t have to spend three years working someplace or tens of thousands of dollars to go to a school. They’ll be able to take the certification test when they’re 18.”
