The Connecticut Aero Tech School today opened its new, $10 million training facility for aviation maintenance technicians at Brainard Airport in Hartford, to train workers for the state’s aerospace industry.
The project consists of a new aircraft hangar, classrooms and trade shops. Aero Tech is a two-year, aviation maintenance technician program offering training for Federal Aviation Administration airframe and powerplant certification.
Aero Tech said its graduates are employed by aviation companies throughout the state.
The Aero Tech School was originally located at H.H. Ellis Technical High School in the Danielson section of Killingly. The move to Brainard Airport was implemented in order to better serve all of Connecticut by having the school more centrally located and to provide better access to the state’s aviation industry.
The 32,000-square-foot, one-story complex consists of a spacious hangar, three classrooms and a piston-engine and jet-engine shop. The facility also includes additional shop training areas, a paint spray booth, administrative space, lunch room, storage space and an adjacent, two-bay test cell structure for test-running engines.
The school has an enrollment capacity of 60 students who, when their training is complete, are prepared to take FAA examinations to certify as aviation maintenance technicians.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell helped cut the ribbon at an opening ceremony today.
“I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: The only way out of this downturn is to literally work our way out of it,” Rell said. “We know things will improve. Until then, we will make smart, targeted investments to keep our business climate healthy and inviting. We will do everything in our power to support the families – and the employers – of our great state. This new building is a part of that commitment.”
