Last year news of Blackhawk Technical College’s long-time A&P program suspension and possible closure hit many area people hard, myself included. This is the aviation maintenance school I attended and where I received my FAA A&P Certificate. This program located in Janesville, Wisconsin, began in 1939 and was certificated by the then CAA for aircraft maintenance training 10 years later. Growing up in the state of Wisconsin and interested in aviation the word was, if you wanted to go to A&P school go to Janesville – it’s the best!
I’m told the decision to place the aviation program in suspension came as a surprise to everyone; the local community, school instructors, and the aviation community. It’s not my intention to dive into the reasons why and rumored politics that generally accompany these types of decisions. But I am pleased to learn that a group of concerned and supportive citizens in the Wisconsin aviation community have finally succeeded in getting a spot on the Blackhawk District Board's agenda so they can publicly plead the case for rescinding the suspension of this storied AMT program.
For all of you Blackhawk aviation program graduates able and interested in supporting the hard work and efforts of these concerned citizens let your voices be heard. There’s power in numbers! Perhaps you can attend and show your support to saving this program. Your supportive comments might be enough to convince the board to rescind the suspension.
The board meeting is scheduled to be held at 6:00 pm on Thursday, November 15, 2012 at the Beloit Center located at 600 Henry Road in Beloit, Wisconsin. Henry Ave. is off Hwy 51. The Beloit Center is part of the Eclipse Center complex. I hope to be there. Ron
