Celebrant Pam Vetter


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Hands-on training at Aviation Center
Contributed by: Pam Vetter

11/1/06 Valley News Article

Millions of lives depend on the expertise of aircraft mechanics. It is one of the most important jobs to the entire aviation industry. One of the schools teaching this specialized knowledge is located in the Valley.

In fact, the North Valley Occupational Center - Aviation Center is probably the best-kept secret in all of the Valley. Located by the Van Nuys Airport since 1973, it is a quality school for Aviation Maintenance Technicians. The cost for this education is less than a flight from California to Pennsylvania.

For someone interested in being an aircraft mechanic, it can cost $30,000 or more for the same education that the North Valley Occupational Center - Aviation Center offers for just over $400.

If you don't believe it, visit the school and check it out for yourself.

Graduates of the Aviation Center are employed by all of the major airlines including American, United, Continental, Northwest, Delta, Southwest, Horizon, and Alaska Airlines. That means, their graduates have probably worked on a plane you've flown on in the past or will fly on in the future. Since its inception, thousands of students have graduated from the Aviation Center. Starting salaries with airlines begin around $18 an hour while other wages can reach $40 or $50 an hour with overtime and extra days. Some of the airline positions also earn employees free flights anywhere that airline flies.

The Aviation Center is FAA approved and offers a comprehensive hands-on training program. There is no better place for an Aviation Center than next to an airport.

"Many of our aircraft students work out of the Van Nuys airport. We are located right where we want to be," Airframe Instructor Phil Struyk said. "On site, we have eight airplanes and four helicopters for the students to work on. The more students work hands-on, the more experience they have. A student needs technical knowledge, a passion for excellence, and a strong work ethic when it comes to being an aircraft mechanic. The lives of flight crews and passengers depend on our mechanics."

Struyk, a former Air Force Mechanic who has 33 years of experience as an Aircraft Mechanic Instructor, believes in this program. "One of our former students works for Southwest. His job is to make sure the aircraft that flies into LAX is in working condition. He has to visually see that everything is working, provide new equipment if necessary, or ground the airplane. He has an expertise to know when to dispatch the airplane. It is important for him to have the technical knowledge but also have the integrity and character to ground the airplane no matter the cost," Struyk explained.

"Some of our Aircraft Mechanics have earned jobs with Pratt & Whitney and Gulfstream. Others are sent all over the world to do warranty work because they go where the airplane is located when a plane is AOG or Aircraft on the Ground," Struyk said. "It's critical, detailed work to fix an airplane."

Bill Groman, a former pilot with 28 years experience as an aircraft mechanic instructor, said the best part of teaching the students is to see their growth. "I see students go from being misdirected in life to realizing this is aerospace. They discover that this is one of the best industries to choose for their future. Watching someone less responsible, carefully transform into a serious mechanic with a high regard for safety is my reward," Groman said. "They might start out on a romantic level with the love of airplanes. Then, they transition to a serious nature. Most students find out after two months of study, that their friends and family no longer understand what they're talking about because of the technical knowledge they've gained. Our students have to be aircraft quality, too, because there is a lack of romance when you've got an engine on fire. This is a serious business."

"There are so few schools that affect the entire aviation industry. If you fly, you fly on an airline that is affected by this school in Van Nuys," Groman added. "It's an important job and we have vacancies right now if there are students interested in the program."

The student body varies at the Aviation Center.

One of the students, 36-year-old Roy Tesoro, has been attending the Aviation Center for more than a year. It wasn't long ago that he was a Sergeant in the Amy serving in Iraq. "I served the Army for 11 years. I was in Iraq for one year and wherever we were told to go, we went. We made the best out of it," Tesoro said. "I love the program here and I am building my future with knowledge. I want to find a better job and this is my long-term plan. The program is great. It's inexpensive and I am V.A. sponsored."

In fact, Tesoro is attending the school and being reimbursed with Veteran benefits. As long as he remains in school, he will continue to receive the education benefits.

Mike Horan, 19, has been a student for just over a year. "All the hands-on work of running engines is great. I love aviation. I have my pilots license and being a pilot I hope to be a better mechanic. This school is great for the visual learner because you can see it and do the actual work," Horan said.

Leeshai Azoulay, 19, wants to be a pilot. "I want to get experience in the pilot's seat instead of only being a mechanic. My goal is to be a corporate pilot one day. I'm working on getting my pilot's license next month. Then, as a mechanic, I can fix my own plane," Azoulay explained.

Shaun Sowell, 21, is a full-time student. "My goal is to get a job as an Aircraft Mechanic. The school offers flexible hours and good instructors. We learn a lot about the mechanical side and I like that the skills are learned hands-on. Of course, there are also oral and practical tests in both the shops and classrooms. My uncle is a mechanic and owns his own business. He taught me a lot. But, I just love planes. The F-22 is my favorite because it is very fast!" Sowell said with a smile.

One of the nation's largest airlines says the Aviation Center in Van Nuys is among the top five schools in the country. It is inexpensive because it is a publicly funded institution, operated by the Los Angeles Unified School District.

The program takes about 22 months to complete if the student is attending full-time. Both day and night classes are available.

The North Valley Occupational Center - Aviation Center is located at 16550 Saticoy Street, Van Nuys. For more information, call (818) 785-7511.

For more information link to http://www.aircraftmechanicschool.com/.

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