New Virginia Tech School AMT Program Gets Helpful Training Aid

A small technical school in Harrisonburg, Virginia received an impressive gift for their AMT program, a 6-place Cessna 320E Executive Skyknight (file photo). Massanutten Technical Center received the aircraft from George Roussel following an unsuccessful repair process before entering storage. The school is beginning to offer a new 2-year aviation maintenance program for the 2022-2023 school year, and the Cessna is a vitally needed piece of training equipment for incoming students. Roussel's aircraft was purchased as a convenient runabout for his medical practice, but a troublesome experience with an inept cut-and-run mechanic resulted in "near destruction," he said.

Funding Given to Foster Next Generation of Aviation Maintenance Personnel

The US Department of Transportation has awarded $5 million in grants in an effort to "develop a diverse talent pool of aviation maintenance technicians," ahead of a forecasted shortfall in qualified personnel in the coming years. The Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grant is awarded to those organizations that teach technical skills and prepare participants for future careers in aviation maintenance. This iteration of grants has gone to a variety of locations, ranging from school districts, community colleges, training facilities, universities, and even state departments of education and transportation. One DC-area organization, the Internati

63% CAGR Expected, Top Brands Released

As the eVTOL industry moves onwards, investments and promises abound, building hype for an imminent future in which the everyday convenience of automotive ride share apps with an aircraft's limitless freedom of mobility. The Markets and Markets company released their forecast for the aerial unmanned taxi industry, which they see reaching $860 million. The industry for drone taxis is expected to hover over 60%, a lucrative prospect with an even better individual rate for the North American region. Smarter companies designing their aircraft have been designing their aircraft with an eye towards eventual unmanned flight, even with the flight controls and cockpit in place for a pilot.