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The aeronautical repair program is one of three possible career pathways at Academic Vocational Charter Institute (AVCI). AVCI offers this program in partnership with the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 119 as part of the school's effort to bridge the gap between the worlds of work and education. Reasons for Practice AVCI's partnership with EAA Chapter 119 has been adopted to fulfill part of the charter school's vision. That vision encourages community members to work collaboratively to provide students with access to a structured system of work-based and school-based learning. Statistics indicate that there is a great need for mechanics in the
field of aeronautics. The aeronautical repair program helps prepare
students for the nearby community college, where they can continue their
studies and work towards certification in aeronautical repair. Length of Time in Effect The aeronautical repair program at AVCI concluded its fourth year in 2003. Future plans include an increase in the use of the computer system and Internet at the airport.
AVCI students spend approximately 40% of their class time in lecture, where an instructor integrates math and science with career-related content. At the end of program, students leave with a clear understanding of the importance of English, math, science, and the history of aeronautics, as well as knowledge of how these subjects relate to their future careers. Students spend the other 60% of class in the shop at workstations. Activities include welding, riveting, and engine repair. By the end of their senior year, pupils should be able to disassemble, analyze, and reassemble an airplane engine. Instructors delight in the sense of accomplishment evident on students' faces when they pull a cord and hear an engine actually start. If an engine does not start, however, students must go "back to the drawing board" to identify and solve the problem. The aeronautical repair program has had tremendous community support through the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 119. In addition to provision of the hangar for instructional space, the group provides tools, guest speakers, and scholarships to students in the program. They have also funded and planned field trips, flying students-most of whom have never been in a plane before-to airports, air museums, and colleges. In addition, EAA members are present during the school week when they serve as mentors helping students to understand the world of work. Since the program began, enrolled students have improved in terms of
both academics and attendance. AVCI graduates have the opportunity to
continue with their course of study by attending Gavilan College. The
college, located 40 miles away, offers a full program with Air Maintenance
and Power (AMP) certification.
If educators wish to begin a program involving careers, it is imperative that they involve the community. Schools that are particularly interested in an aeronautical program should go to the local airport and contact people from various flying clubs. The EAA supported AVCI's program from the beginning, and they continue to support the school in a multitude of ways. EAA members have seen students grow and become successful through their participation in the program at AVCI. Finances are something to be considered as well. It is not inexpensive to start a new program. AVCI used startup and implementation funds to launch the aeronautical repair program. The school is also fortunate enough to have local support at the airport and EAA members who contribute time, space, tools, and guidance. The most important piece of advice is to have good communication with
your business partner. It is easy to take everything they have to offer
and run with it; however, they need to have something in return. While
AVCI cannot monetarily thank EAA, the group has appreciated the school's
participation in community events held at the airport. There is always
a need for volunteers at the Annual Fly-In and air shows; this has become
a standard way for the school to give back to the members of the EAA
and thank them for their support.
Academic Vocational Charter Institute: http://www.avci.pvusd.net
Suzanne Smith Telephone: 831-786-2100 x 234 |
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