Governor Rell Cuts Ribbon on New

Training Facility for Aerospace Workers

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today helped cut the ribbon on a new facility for the Connecticut Aero Tech School for Aviation Maintenance Technicians at Brainard Airport in Hartford, a $10 million project that will help train much-needed workers for the state’s aerospace industry.

            “Our economy has a strong foundation – a foundation that has seen us through in the past and will see us through again,” Governor Rell said. “A key part of that foundation is our work force and this new school building will offer exactly the kind of training we need to support that work force. Aerospace is a vital segment of our state’s business picture. We need a steady supply of well-trained, dedicated workers, whether they are recent graduates from our vocational-technical schools who go on to advanced training here or workers from other industries who have been retrained here.

            “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,” the Governor said. “We know things will improve. Until then, we will make smart, targeted investments to keep our business climate healthy and inviting. And 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.”

             The project consists of a new aircraft hangar, classrooms and trade shops. Aero Tech is a two-year, post-high school, aviation maintenance technician program offering training for Federal Aviation Administration Airframe and Powerplant Certification. Aero Tech graduates are employed by aviation companies throughout the state.

           The 32,000-square-foot, one-story complex consists of a spacious hangar, three classrooms and a reciprocating engine (piston) shop and a turbine engine (jet) 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. As part of their training, the students repair commercial airplanes and also work on helicopter engines donated by the Connecticut National Guard and jet engines donated by area manufacturers. Upon completing the General, Airframe and Power plant curriculums, students are prepared to take the FAA examinations to certify as Aviation Maintenance Technicians.

            The Aero Tech School was originally located at H.H. Ellis Technical High School in Danielson. 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.