Just four miles from Manassas Regional Airport, the busiest General Aviation airport in Virginia, students at Unity Reed High School in Prince William County are learning the aviation maintenance trade courtesy of a donated aircraft to the school. The aircraft will allow the students to gain hands-on maintenance experience in a trade that is experiencing a critical manpower shortage nationwide.
Scott Kenney, an Aviation Maintenance teacher at Unity Reed High School and Woodbridge High School, said the aircraft is a Viking Dragonfly, a two-seater plane with a cockpit less than four feet across. Summit Helicopters, a Salem, Va.-based company, donated the aircraft. Kenney said he was âvery happyâ to receive the donation and that it would help enhance studentsâ education and interest in aviation maintenance.
â[This programâs goal] is to enrich the education of the students in the field of aviation maintenance and to prepare them for any future school or career they may choose,â Kenney said.
The Aviation Maintenance Programs at Unity Reed High School and Woodbridge High School teach equipment safety, maintenance publications and records, airframes, engines, and electricity and give students insight into aviation careers. Kenney said 17 students are enrolled in the program at Unity Reed and another 15 at Woodbridge High School.
As part of their curriculum, the 32 students take Aviation Maintenance I and II courses and recommended classes like Technical Drawing, Introduction to Engineering and Design, or Construction Technology. The school has a large maintenance bay to accommodate the aircraft, disassemble the engine and avionics, and teach repair techniques for engine and cockpit components.
For Unity Reed seniors Kevin Salazar Ramirez and Eddie Quezada, using a real aircraft in conjunction with the schoolâs aviation program allows them to test their skills.
âThe best aspects of the class are the hands-on projects like disassembling an aircraft reciprocating engine,â Ramirez said. He added that remembering some of the steps involved in disassembly can be challenging.
Both students said they intend to earn aviation maintenance technician certifications from the Federal Aviation Administration and believe the schoolâs aviation maintenance program can âopen [future studentsâ] eyes to the aspects of [the] aeronautics and aerospace industry.â
According to industry estimates, a shortage of nearly 18,000 aviation mechanics nationwide in 2023 could skyrocket to 43,000 by 2027. The Aviation Technician Education Council predicts the industry needs at least 20% more mechanics than are currently being trained to meet the immense demand.
Kenney said he is proud to âplay a role in encouraging our students to pursue various fields of aviationâ and to prepare them for Aircraft Maintenance Technician Schools or apprenticeships.
Kevin Sandell is a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News.
If you rely on us for local news and havenât already, please support us by becoming a member!
- Join our Locals Only Membership Today! In a world filled with everyday heroes and extraordinary tales, Potomac Local is your trusted source for news and stories that matter in our community.
- Our Local Spotlight Membership is perfect for businesses and non-profits to increase sales, donations, and branding awareness in the community.
Recent Stories
Fifteen years ago, we set out to do something boldâcreate a trusted local news source from scratch, for the communities of Prince William and Stafford counties, and the cities of Manassas, Manassas Park, and Fredericksburg. Not a national chain. Not clickbait. Just real, reliable local journalism that puts people first.
The Manassas City Council is preparing to adopt a new policy framework that would allow for public-private partnerships (P3s), aiming to jumpstart long-awaited redevelopment at the Olde Towne Inn site and surrounding properties in downtown.
After more than a decade of promises, delays, and renewed commitments, the long-awaited Potomac Shores Virginia Railway Express (VRE) station is finally inching toward full construction, with key infrastructure nearly complete and developers eyeing a construction start by the end of 2025.
From a surprise visitor at a Fairfax motel to a fresh coworking spot in Spotsy, this weekâs Neighborhood Notes is packed with local updates you wonât want to miss. Weâve got a brand-new Member Expo, a deeper look at Doves Landing Park plans, and a political tussle over new data centers. Dive in below!
Go Ape, Americaâs leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
âGo Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,â says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. âNow, weâre redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.â
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
Alt-rock legends Gin Blossoms are performing a FREE live show TONIGHT, Wednesday, June 11th at The Bullpen – and D.C., youâre invited.
Power to the Patients will be hosting Gin Blossoms for Special Performance at Congressional Baseball Game Pre-Party.
This unforgettable night under the summer sky features the band behind â90s classics like âHey Jealousy,â âFound Out About You,â and âFollow You Down.â Expect a packed crowd, cold drinks, and killer energy.
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
