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Over the past two years, I have submitted a concept to remove the unnecessary K-12 teaching certificate requirements for airframe and powerplant educators.
In 2023, I toured the CT Aerotech School, which is located at the south end of Hartford-Brainard airport. I was impressed at the fact that after successful completion of a 2-year program, and a cost of $7,000 in total, students would be eligible to test for a FAA Airframe & Powerplant certificate.
During my tour, I learned that upon graduation, there was an almost immediate and 100% placement with the airlines and local airline manufacturers. The principal stated that their biggest barrier to graduating more students is simply a lack of teachers. Current instructor requirements mandate a K-12 teaching certificate and substantial experience working on aircraft, despite their students being of post high school age.
My bill submittal removes the unnecessary K-12 teaching certificate requirement and substitutes that with 10 years of relevant experience, with the goal of attracting what would be a newly qualified set of aircraft mechanics instructors.
This is a great program, and if you’d like to submit written testimony you can do so using the link found here.
