NBAA Accepting Applications for Maintenance Scholarships

Jan. 23, 2014

NBAA is currently accepting applications for two of its career-enhancing maintenance scholarship programs.

The Maintenance Technical Reward and Career Scholarship (Maintenance TRACS), whose application deadline is Feb. 28, underwrites aircraft, engine and avionics training courses at nearly 20 companies and educational institutions. The program is administered by the NBAA Maintenance Committee, and recipients will be announced at the 2014 NBAA Maintenance Management Conference, to be held from April 22 to 24, in Tampa, FL.

Current and aspiring maintenance technicians are eligible to apply for this scholarship, as are aviation military personnel transitioning to business aviation. A limited amount of funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis for travel expenses incurred to attend Maintenance TRACS courses, and a separate application is required to become eligible for these travel funds.

Marlin Priest, past chairman of the NBAA Maintenance Committee and the founder and CEO of Pioneer Aviation Management LLC, said the Maintenance TRACS program provides students with “current, real-world materials and insight into modern aircraft and technology. It offers current technicians, who may not have the resources, a pathway to increase their personal education, training and value to the industry.”

The program also enables students to connect with potential employers.

Jim Huntoon, a member of the NBAA Maintenance Committee’s scholarship subcommittee and a regional sales manager for Aircell, said he has been “very fortunate to work with several recipients who graduated from Embry-Riddle last year, and they were able to go to work for Bombardier in Dallas because they received a scholarship and were able to work with the scholarship team to open that door of opportunity.”

Learn more about Maintenance TRACS.

The William M. Fanning Maintenance Scholarship, whose application deadline is July 31, provides $2,500 to each of two applicants pursuing careers as maintenance technicians. One award will benefit a student enrolled in an accredited airframe and powerplant (A&P) program. The second award will benefit an individual who is not currently enrolled, but has been accepted for enrollment in an A&P program.

The scholarship is named in honor of retired NBAA staff member William M. Fanning, who was active in maintenance issues during his nearly 20-year tenure at the Association, and will be awarded in the fall of 2014.

“The Fanning Scholarship program is a fantastic way to help students further their education as they pursue careers as aviation maintenance technicians,” said Jay Evans, NBAA’s director, professional development.

Learn more about the William M. Fanning Scholarship.