AVIATION MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS TAKE FLIGHT

A new program at Dutchess Community College (DCC) in Poughkeepsie is expected to address one of the aviation industry”™s most pressing needs: highly trained aviation maintenance technicians.  

Starting this fall, DCC will offer an airframe and powerplant technician certificate program and an aviation maintenance technician degree that will give students two options for learning how to keep aircraft operating safely and efficiently, while gaining valuable experience in servicing, repairing and testing aircraft and aircraft systems. 

“The new airframe and powerplant technician programs represent a significant step in the expansion of DCC”™s world-class aviation offerings,” said Ellen Gambino, DCC acting president. “We know that there is growing regional, national and international demand for well-trained aviation maintenance technicians as many in the field are reaching retirement age thresholds. We believe, DCC can play an important role in addressing this need.”

The uniquely designed and intensive coursework will feature plenty of real-world hands-on opportunities to work with state-of-the-art equipment and aircraft, including a Gulf Stream G3, a selection of Cessnas and a Robinson 22 helicopter. Students will also be among the first group of students to take advantage of DCC”™s brand-new 32,000-square-foot Aviation Education Center and hangar located on the Hudson Valley Regional Airport grounds.  

The certificate can be finished in approximately 12 months while the degree program takes just a little over 20 months to complete. Students with an interest in aviation and a high degree of mechanical and technology aptitude are encouraged to find out more about these exciting new opportunities at sunydutchess.edu/aviationtech.