Students at West High School have the opportunity to begin training to be aircraft mechanics as part of a partnership with Emily Griffith Technical College.

The innovative partnership is intended to get young adults interested in a program early and prepare them for the future. The participants do their related time at West High School and the practical application at Emily Griffith Technical College's Aircraft Training Center located at Front Range Airport.

Employing instructors from Emily Griffith Technical College's Aircraft Training Center, students participate in the general section of the program as well as the general ground handling and operations course. Upon completion, students can move into the Airframe and Powerplant courses.

The participants from West High School attend the Technical College Aircraft Maintenance Facility 2-3 times a month to complete the shop projects. Federal Aviation Administration regulations mandate specific training requirements for official credit. Therefore, students ride a bus to and from the Front Range Airport and must adhere to strict schedules with limited breaks. Students who go on to complete the airframe and powerplant sections of the program will be certified by the FAA to repair and maintain all kinds and sizes of aircraft.

Currently 12 students from a high school are taking the required courses for the Airframe and Powerplant program to get their license. Other interested students can start this program during any semester of their junior or senior year.

Emily Griffith Technical College
Aircraft Training Center
Front Range Airport
37835 Astra Way
Watkins, CO 80137

The students are doing pre-engine run-up inspections and performing an engine run-up on a twin engine Piper Senneca and on a Pratt & Whitney PT-6 Turbo Prop engine mock up.