School In Search of Learjet
by Hugh McQuaid | Oct 18, 2012 5:30am
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Posted to: Education, Town News, Hartford, Jobs
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The school’s hangar
The state put out a bid in August to purchase a Learjet for the Connecticut Aero Tech School but no qualified bidders responded. On Wednesday as Gov. Dannel P. Malloy toured the school, its Aviation Maintenance Department head stressed the continued need for the aircraft.
“We could really use an airplane,” Charles Hilton told the governor as they walked the school’s hangar decks.
The school, which currently is readying 41 students for a career in aircraft maintenance, is equipped with training models designed to familiarize students with various aircraft systems. But Hilton said a complete plane would help students learn how modern systems interact with each other.
Pat Ciccone, superintendent of Connecticut’s technical high schools, said the state had planned to purchase a Learjet for the school with bonded money left over from its construction. It’s typical for some of that money to be used for things like training equipment, she said. While there’s still several hundred thousand dollars left over from the project, Ciccone said it would likely require some or all of that to procure a working aircraft.
The Department of Administrative Services put out a request for proposals and received eight back.
“There were no takers,” Ciccone said. “The Department of Administrative Services didn’t see that they had enough appropriate proposals.”
Ciccone said the state is trying to rework its request for proposal in an effort to attract different bidders.
The governor seemed optimistic the school will someday get its plane.
“Am I in favor of them getting a jet? The answer is yes,” he said later but added how that comes to pass still needs to be worked out.
Malloy said working on an actual aircraft seemed vital to understanding integrated systems.
“Technology has changed,” he said.
Ciccone agreed.
“[A jet] would finally give these students the opportunity to work on an integrated aircraft,” she said, noting the school has some donated older planes from the 1950s and 60s.
Malloy said the program was an important one because there is such a high demand for aircraft technicians that employers have trouble finding enough qualified workers to fill positions. As a result nearly everyone who finishes the program gets a job.
“This is yet another program in Connecticut where we can place every student who finishes it [in a job],” Malloy said.
Hilton, who went through the same program in 1981 at a school in Danielson, seemed pleased by the governor’s visit
“I’m glad he came. He’s interested and there’s definitely employment opportunities for our graduates,” he said.
(5) Comments
posted by: Noteworthy | October 18, 2012 9:35am
Yeah, a lear jet. It could also be used for the BOR and the central staff so they can fly around to their second homes. And Malloy’s wife won’t have to drive her shxxy car.
posted by: Matt W. | October 18, 2012 11:43am
I too am in desperate need of a lear jet as well. I’m sure if you means test me you’ll find that I can’t afford one.
posted by: Ben | October 18, 2012 7:28pm
For your information, previous commenters, Malloy will most likely never even STEP FOOT in this jet, much less fly it around. This is for a TECHNICAL SCHOOL, not for personal use. I am a student at this school, and our most recent plane is from 1965. How are we supposed to learn about modern aircraft with planes that old? Besides, this is the first time the state EVER bought us a plane, and it will be bought with left over money from BUILDING OUR SCHOOL. So maybe next time instead of simply spewing out the propaganda that you get off of John Rowland’s AM talk show, you should actually read the article and know your facts.
posted by: kwikstang1 | October 18, 2012 8:11pm
Yes. A newer style aircraft, with more up to date systems, would be beneficial to the students at CT Aero Tech. As a current student, we are learning on systems that are geared more towards GA (general aviation), instead of newer, more technologically advanced aircraft. A jet would allow us to work with pressurized cabins, glass cockpits / current avionics, etc. This will also allow students more exposure to WORKING turbine engines. This jet will not be a registered aircraft, so claims of the Governor using it for personal use, or any other state entity for that matter, are purely the opinions of the uninformed. It will be strictly a learning aid to better prepare us for the future of aviation. There is much more to this story than has been reported. CT Aero Tech is having an “Open House” this weekend. Instead of speculation, please come to the school and see firsthand the equipment we have. Speak to the students. Come talk the staff who work tirelessly to give us the BEST education they can. I hope to see you there.
