Eastern Kentucky University is working to start Regional Aviation Maintenance Academies. The program involves classroom instruction along with hands-on training at four airports in central and southeast Kentucky.
Academies Director David Bledsoe said part of the aim is to assist unemployed coal miners in eastern Kentucky.
“The Appalachian Regional Commission granted us money to put this program together in a response to the downturn. There’s going to be lots of opportunities of course for displaced coal workers and businesses that have been displaced because of the coal industry down turn,” said Bledsoe.
Bledsoe sees as many as 60 students undergoing aviation mechanical training annually at each site. He noted tuition levels have not been established. “We don’t want the student to look at this and say I can’t afford this. No we want this to be very affordable and a little bit easier on the wallet for them,” explained Bledsoe.
Bledsoe estimated the first fully equipped airport could be ready for students by the end of next year.
Support quality local journalis, consider making a contribution now. ?
