Many colleges receive donations each year, but the gift received by Pensacola State College recently is a unique one. InDyne CEO & President Don Bishop gave the school a retired aircraft for use in its new aviation maintenance program. The twin-engine airplane is estimated to be worth approximately $900,000.
Pensacola State College President Ed Meadows said, “This aircraft will give students access to aircraft maintenance logs and training opportunities unlike those seen in traditional college programs. It will give students the opportunity to build their confidence and the skills needed to pursue a gratifying high-wage career. Thanks to Mr. Bishop’s donation, we now have an invaluable resource for aspiring aircraft technicians.”
The college’s Aviation Airframe Mechanics and Aviation Power Plant Mechanic (A&P Mechanics) program will launch in the fall. The program’s inaugural graduates will be prepared to take on lucrative positions in aviation maintenance. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians make over $75,000 per year on average.
PSC’s new aviation program is aligned with guidelines set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration. Students can earn their professional certification within just 18 months.
Pensacola State is known for its online programs. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked its distance bachelor’s degrees among the 50 best in the nation.
Source: PSC Gifted $900K Aircraft to Give Students ‘Real Life’ Maintenance Experience
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