Officials at Albertville stand squarely behind their Alabama Aviation Training Center where the First Annual Free IA Seminar will be held this month. Airport Manager and Economic Development Board Member, Jerry Cofield says the aviation school can change lives for the better with career training goals. The city who stands behind the school 100%, invested $800,000 in the building and charges no rent. This is about creating workforce development and attracting students looking for higher paying jobs or adults seeking a career change, says Cofield. "We are doing all we can to help it grow."
Part of the Enterprise State Community College, Albertville's Alabama Aviation Training Center offers numerous grants and scholarships, including VA assistance to enter Aviation Maintenance Training. Local Businesses even offer scholarship funds. It is possible to complete a Technical Associate Degree and career placement is available. Many innovative learning programs are offered, including one for high school students.
Jim Dover, a retired aircraft mechanic had the idea to hold
the IA Seminar at Albertville to help drive more student interest in the
program. A shortage of A&P's
is predicted because so many schools have closed with not nearly enough mechanics
to back fill the retirements. As long as there are planes flying, mechanics
will be need. If you like planes, to work with your hands and are interested in
how they work, get an A&P license.
The attainment of an IA (Inspector Authority) and performance of the duties of that FAA certificate greatly enhance the privileges and responsibilities of the aircraft mechanic. The IA permits the Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic to perform a greater variety of maintenance and alterations than any other single maintenance entity.
This free 8 hr IA Renewal seminar is offered through a cooperative effort
from the Southern Region FAASTeam, the Alabama Aviation Training
Center, Albertville Regional Airport, Teledyne Continental Motors,
and Hartzell Engine Technologies. Volunteers from the school and the
airport will assist the speakers, exhibitors and help ready the seminar. There
are only 120 seats for the daylong event.
Dan Owens, school director, has graciously volunteered the use of their first
class facilities to host the IA Refresher clinic. This seminar will run
from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm on Saturday, February 25. Continental Motors and
Hartzell Engine Technologies will issue certificates of training. Go to
FAASafety.gov for all the seminar details, or Click
here to register online now! -B Meyer, FMI: Alabama Aviation Training
Center, Albertville Airport