Certificate Was Pulled By The FAA In December Of Last Year

Atlanta Technical College upgraded its aviation maintenance programs several years ago, hoping to capitalize on the predicted shortage of qualified mechanics in the industry.

But the FAA pulled the school's air agency certificate last December saying the program did not meet its standards. Now, they hope to revive the program.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that the FAA said the school did not maintain proper grade records for students, and several students who had not completed required coursework were allowed to progress anyway. The school had also not enrolled any new students since May of 2104.

The FAA also says the school did not provide requested paperwork, and continued to administer exit exams and certificates of completion after its approved curriculum was rescinded in June of 2014.

Atlanta Tech does not deny any of the FAA's allegations, according to the report. But new president Victoria Seals said she hopes to start the program moving forward again. Seals told the paper that the program is a "priority resource" and the school is working towards revamping the curriculum to meet FAA guidelines.

The school has spent about $2 million on the program in supplies, equipment, salaries and benefits since 2014 despite there being no students enrolled in the program. It has also purchased three new Piper airplanes to supplement the two aircraft, including a Piper Aztec, that are owned by the school.

FMI: www.atlantatech.edu