One of the challenges of having a hangar full of vintage aircraft is finding qualified mechanics to perform the required maintenance on these rare birds.
One way to ensure a supply is to grow your own. That’s what the Prescott Foundation’s Workplace Development Program is doing through what is described as an “innovative initiative offering a hands-on, alternative pathway for individuals seeking FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification.”
The training is done at Hangar at 743, the Warbird Factory located at Albany International Airport (KALB) in New York. The program is designed to open doors for those who may not be able to pursue traditional schooling, providing a paid internship and real-world experience in aircraft restoration and maintenance.
According to Abigail Schultz, sales and marketing coordinator for Hangar at 743, the program began during the COVID-19 pandemic with one graduated A&P mechanic, and as funding increased, so did the opportunities for students.
“Right now, with staffing we can take four full-time students with a staffing ratio of 1 to 1 with the manager supervising tasks and progress,” Schultz said. “We will migrate to a full-time training position if we end up in a position where we have 6-8 total students in the pipeline. In addition each individual student is different and requires a different level of supervision, so this will be a factor when we need to add a full-time training position.”
- READ MORE: Picking an Aircraft Mechanic School
The Prescott Foundation was established in 2019 by David Prescott, a former U.S. Navy nuclear engineer who became interested in aviation as a child by building model aircraft. Today Prescott is the owner and operator of an eclectic mix of full-sized aircraft, including multiple warbirds ranging from a Mitchell B-25 to trainers such as a T-6 Texan and fighters such as the TBM Avenger and F4 Corsair.
According to Schultz the training program is supported in part by donations from more than 20 local businesses.
“Donating funds at different levels [helps] our program continues to grow,” Schultz said. “We are currently looking for programs or aviation companies to send us interns we can develop into A&P mechanics.”
- READ MORE: An Ode to Aircraft Mechanics
For interns under the age of 18, these positions are normally as volunteers working with a local high school during the school day or entry-level, part-time positions during the summer. For those over the age of 18, the positions are full-time paying positions as they learn.
Applications are accessible on the Hangar at 743 website.
The organizers describe it as a “collaborative atmosphere (that) fosters personal growth, new career paths, and a deep appreciation for the legacy of military aviation.”
Some key program features:
• Alternative, hands-on pathway to FAA A&P certification
• Paid internship with direct experience in aircraft restoration and maintenance
• Supportive environment with strong veteran mentorship
• Opportunities for individuals without prior work experience
• Contribution to the preservation of aviation history and safety
