Won't Have To Learn On Old Pintos Anymore

Thanks to a new agreement between the Federal Aviation Administration and the "Build A Plane" organization, budding high school mechanics may find themselves working on old airplanes... instead of junked cars.

Under the agreement, announced by the FAA Tuesday, Build A Plane will join forces with the agency to help give more aviation-minded students hands-on experience working on real airplanes. Each organization will use its unique resources to send retired aircraft to schools looking to establish an aviation maintenance program.

"Working together, we hope to strongly encourage young people to consider aviation maintenance and manufacturing as a career," said FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey. "This program has the potential to help build the next generation of world-class American aerospace workers."

Under the agreement, the FAA will share Build A Plane information at teacher workshops, career expositions and conferences, while both entities will work closely to develop curricula that promote math, science, engineering, technology, and aviation and aerospace careers. The two organizations also will develop a computer-based aircraft construction and flight testing program for students.

Established in 2003, Build A Plane offers high school students the opportunity to work on real airplanes that have reached the end of their flying days.

Taking an aircraft apart, learning how it works and putting it back together helps teach science, technology, engineering, mathematics and maintenance skills that can lead to aviation career awareness and job paths, Blakey said.

FMI: www.buildaplane.org, www.faa.gov