PLYMOUTH – The inaugural batch of students in Cape Cod Community College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology Program have completed their course requirements.
The 16 enrolled students now qualify for FAA Certification testing with some already preparing to begin work in the aviation industry and others are moving ahead with continued education in the field.
“It truly is a very exciting time for us,” said college spokesman Michael Gross.
“We have 16 students who completed the aviation maintenance technology program, they went through both of the airframe and power plant sections of it, making them eligible for FAA certification.”
At a ceremony last week honoring the graduates at the school’s Plymouth training facility, College President John Cox congratulated the group’s effort commitment, and perseverance in completing the program.
Special awards were presented for numerous unique accomplishments, including $1,500 “tool scholarships” for those who have already earned their FAA Certification.
The awards were made possible thanks to an anonymous donor has pledged this scholarship to every graduate who earns their full FAA certification.
As of the ceremony, five had completed the very comprehensive certification exam, and more were preparing to do so.
“As of the ceremonies, there were five of them that have already passed their full FAA certification,” said Gross.
“It takes a while to take that test so others are lining up to do it it’ll be awhile before they all get that opportunity but very very exciting time.”
Attendees at the ceremony heard from keynote speaker John Goglia, Director of Safety and Security for Rectrix Aviation and Rectrix Aerodrome Centers located in Hyannis, Bedford, Westfield, and Worcester, MA, and in Sarasota, FL.
Goglia reminded the graduates of the great responsibility they had as certified maintenance technicians. Their signature, showing that work was complete, correct, and that a plane was ready to fly, could literally be the difference between life and death for everyone on board the aircraft that they serviced.
Many of the program’s graduates are already securing employment within the industry. Some will join Cape Air in Hyannis, one will be headed out of state to Overhaul Support Services in East Granby, Ct., while others are awaiting the outcome of final interviews with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems in California, and SkyWest in Texas.
Additionally, a number of graduates plan to complete the Associate of Applied Science Degree at CCCC while they work part-time within the industry. One student’s goal is a Mechanical Engineering degree from UMass.
By DAVID BEATTY, CapeCod.com NewsCenter
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