New Academy at Embry-Riddle to Ease Shortage of Airframe/Powerplant Technicians

Daytona Beach, Fla., May 13, 2002 -- A new academy created by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to help ease the nation's shortage of aircraft maintenance technicians produced its first 30 graduates April 25 at the university's Daytona Beach, Fla., campus.

The new Aviation and Space Technology Academy (ASTA) at Embry-Riddle offers a comprehensive, 16-month program leading to certification of airframe and powerplant (A&P) technicians to perform maintenance of aircraft systems. An additional four-month certification program is offered in avionics maintenance.

"Based on current forecasts, we will produce up to 180 new A&P technicians annually," says Program Director Stan Mackiewicz. "Our vision for the future is to exceed 500 graduates annually." ASTA offers six opportunities per year to start the program.

Even in today's challenging job market, A&P technicians are in high demand across the nation. It is estimated that of the 10,000 newly certified technicians the airline industry will need this year for growth and replacement, schools and the military will provide only 6,000. In order to keep their jets flying, the airlines need two technicians for every pilot.

The Embry-Riddle program, which is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, combines classroom theory and hands-on training that meet the FAA's licensing regulations for general, airframe, and powerplant maintenance, repair, and overhaul.

Students learn to service, troubleshoot, and repair aircraft systems, including piston and turbine engines, propellers, airframes, and hydraulic, electrical, and avionics systems. The program's graduates work for major and regional airlines, corporate flight departments, major repair stations, and general aviation operations. Their skills are also in demand in the aerospace industry.

For information about the Aviation and Space Technology Academy's programs, class start dates, and fees, call (877) 904-3746 toll-free or (386) 323-5086, e-mail info@asta-erau.org, or go to www.asta-erau.org.

Embry-Riddle, the world's largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, meets the needs of students and industry through its educational, training, research, and consulting activities. Embry-Riddle educates 24,000 students annually through the master's level at residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Prescott, Ariz., at more than 150 teaching sites in the United States and Europe, and through distance learning.