What Did You Do For National AMT Day?

May 29, 2014
We Visited an A&P School

John Goglia and I visited the New England campus of National Aviation Academy (NAA) in Bedford, MA, the day before National AMT Day. Our morning began by meeting Laurence Huntley, senior vice president; Jim McNeill, marketing representative; and several instructors and staff. This NAA campus has a great history and began as East Coast Aero Tech School (ECAT) founded in 1932. In 1969, National Aviation Academy started in Clearwater, FL, and in 2008 purchased ECAT. The fun part of our visit was the fact that John attended ECAT and obtained his A&P certificate there … well let’s say some number of decades ago.

According to all reports and observations NAA is doing great, which is nice to hear since there are A&P schools out there that appear to struggle and have closed. As a side note, the A&P school I attended in Janesville, WI, finally closed its doors this year and I was told recently had an auction to sell the assets. Very sad.

We toured a few classrooms, shops, and the hangar which was full of the usual A&P school engines and aircraft. The most rewarding part of the visit for both John and I was the time we spent talking with students about our backgrounds, the many twists and turns of both our careers, and what to expect as they move into industry.

We encouraged these next generation technicians to continue with their learning and education long after graduation with an A&P certificate. While speaking with the students John asked one group why they decided to go to aircraft maintenance school? One young woman said she was an automobile mechanic now and wanted to learn about aircraft. Several had the usual answer of finding a job and earning a paycheck. Then finally one young man said, “I’ve always loved aviation.” I smiled because that’s why I chose the path I did.

Consider making a visit to your local A&P school sometime. Students and staff enjoy hearing from us. Encourage students to continue with their learning. If you have aviation books, model airplanes, or other aviation items on the shelf collecting dust donate them. And most of all have fun; we did.

Ron