Massachusetts High School Receives Operational Cessna 310 Aircraft as Donation
A Massachusetts high school aviation program has recently been gifted with a fully operational Cessna 310 twin-engine aircraft. The generous donation was made by local aviation enthusiast, Benjamin “Ben” Surner, to the Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program at Westfield Technical Academy in Westfield, Mass.
The Westfield School Committee celebrated this donation, recognizing it as an opportunity for students to gain invaluable hands-on training in various aspects of aviation. These include:
- Aircraft maintenance
- Inspection procedures
- Engine systems
- Avionics
- Operational components of a complex multi-engine aircraft
This real-world experience closely mirrors what students will encounter working in the aviation industry.
“Opportunities like this are transformational for our students,” said Westfield Public Schools Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski.
Galen Wilson, chair of the academy’s Aviation Department, added that the Cessna 310 represents a significant advancement for the program. It will allow the program to better align with FAA curriculum requirements.
The AMT program at Westfield Technical Academy holds a unique distinction. It is the only high school program in the United States authorized to offer students the opportunity to earn both FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certifications. Furthermore, it is the only aviation technology curriculum in western Massachusetts.
“The donation of this aircraft provides our aviation maintenance technology students with access to real-world learning experiences that mirror the equipment and systems they will encounter in the aviation industry,” Wilson said.
Source: Aero-News Network – Westfield Tech Aviation Program Receives Cessna 310