Aviation students get Cessna plane to work on

Cessna aircraft utilized by students in aviation mechanics program for hands-on learning

Aircraft enthusiasts and pilots often wonder how the mechanics who are responsible for maintaining their aircraft acquire the training and knowledge that it takes for one to be able to work on such huge machines. And last month for pupils at the Houston County Career Academy, the way these future mechanics were preparing for the job involved disassembling the parts of a Cessna 150 in order to learn their placement and be able to correctly identify them.

Related Article: History of Cessna

Thanks to a temporary loan from the Alabama Aviation College of Ozark, students were able to gain invaluable hands-on experience working with a typical aircraft model they likely will see again working in the aviation field. HCCA students also get to use the same model for their practical exams throughout the course to solidify their knowledge of the aircraft, knowledge that translates into several opportunities in related fields as well.

According to a recruiter for the Alabama Aviation College of Ozark, Jenna Judah, the skills acquired throughout the program make it possible for students to pursue other career options, such as, “Disney World [who] hires A&P (airframe and power plant) mechanics because they understand the hydraulic systems their roller coasters run on. Elevator companies, NASCAR – the skill set’s very big.” (Aviation students get Cessna plane to work on at Houston Co. Career Academy )

Students in the HCCA program are also exposed to additional subjects like helicopter training, all of which are taught in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration guidelines, so they receive a well-rounded education in aviation mechanics and related hydraulic systems. While only two of these classes are available right now, by next year the HCCA hopes to have four or five of these classes available for students to take.