American Airlines’ McDonnell Douglas MD-80 last flew in 2019. At the Aviation Engineers Education Council’s annual meeting in Chicago on March 27, American Airlines presented the Pratt & Whitney JT8D engine of his MD-80 to the Institute of Aeronautical Maintenance. (target).
A donation to AIM allows students to further their hands-on training for the Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) certification. The engine donation further underscores our continued partnership with AIM and provides students with engagement with American Airlines staff in aviation maintenance and access to AA facilities. The partnership also gives AIM’s top candidates the best chance of a career with American Airlines.
American Airlines and the Aviation Maintenance Institute have developed a partnership to provide aspiring aviation maintenance technicians with more than 12,000 aviation maintenance professionals a direct career path to airlines. AIM Executive Vice President Dr. Joel English commented on the partnership with the airline, according to American Airlines.
“We are excited to extend our partnership with American Airlines in 2023. Receiving this impressive aircraft engine will allow us to provide more resources and experience to Chicago student bodies.
“Hands-on training on a variety of airframes and power units is critical to preparing AIM graduates to join the workforce after graduation. American Airlines recognizes the value of investing in a diverse student population and This donation will help prepare current students to become American Airlines engineers of the future.”
A promising future for the aviation industry
The Aviation Institute of Maintenance’s 21-month program enrolls more than 4,000 students each year to gain the qualifications and skills to become an aircraft mechanic. Courses and tuition are never cheap, however, and students often struggle even with available financial aid schemes, said Evie Garces, her vice president of maintenance for American Airlines, who said the airline commented as follows in a statement:
“American Airlines is honored to donate this important aviation technology to AIM students.
“As a former AMT, I know firsthand how important it is to have access to equipment like this when learning new skills. This engine will power the future of students as they work toward their qualifications and career aspirations for years to come.”
Photo: Carlos Yudica / Shutterstock
Final flight with MD-80
On September 4, 2019, American Airlines, the flagship airliner for 36 years, said goodbye to the MD-80, the plane that revolutionized short-haul travel. American Airlines’ last MD-80 revenue flight, his AA80, departed Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) at 9 a.m. on his two-and-a-half-hour flight to O’Hare International Airport (ORD). bottom.
American Airlines became the first major US airline to order the MD-80, leasing 20 142-seat aircraft from McDonnell Douglas to replace the Boeing 737-100. American Airlines in March 1984 he committed firm orders for 67 aircraft and options for 100 aircraft. By 2002, American Airlines had over 360 of his MD-80s, representing his 30% of all MD-80s ever built.
Photo: Eliyahu Yosef Parypa/Shutterstock
Aerospace maintenance competition
American Airlines’ Chicago Technical Operations team is training five students for the Aerospace Maintenance Competition April 18-20 in Atlanta. The competition is intended to encourage schools, airlines, military, general aviation, maintenance and repair teams to compete against each other in real life maintenance scenarios.