Aviation Maintenance Technology
On August 27, 2007, classes began at the new Smith Field Aviation Maintenance Technology Facility. The facility, which is the first new development at SMD in almost 30 years, currently houses the Powerplant portion of the FAA-certified Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) License school.
In the Powerplant portion of the training, students learn and become certified in the maintenance and repair of an aircraft’s engine. Under the Airframe portion of the license, students become certified in the repair and maintenance of the hull of the aircraft. The airframe portion of the curriculum will be available beginning in Fall 2008.
During the day, the course work focuses on k-12 education through Fort Wayne Community Schools, and at night, adult education courses are offered through Ivy Tech to allow for work force re-training.
For those in the aviation industry, one of the biggest challenges is work force development. Air carriers, cargo companies, and aircraft maintenance companies, in particular, struggle to find qualified people to service their fleets/clients. Ivy Tech recently completed a work force demand study that has identified a need for over 1,000 A&P mechanics in the next five years in the state of Indiana alone. A&P mechanics are also in high demand across the nation. To learn more about the A&P program at Smith Field, please visit the Ivy Tech Aviation Technology web site.