Winston Scott awards Eau Gallie High School aerospace students

Eight students at Eau Gallie High School became the first high school students in the nation to be awarded with their National Aerospace/Aircraft Assembly certification that will allow them to work as entry level aircraft technicians.  

Certifications were awarded by Astronaut Winston Scott this afternoon in the Eau Gallie High School Aviation Hangar.

Sixteen other students were also awarded certificates for private pilot ground school certification. Once students have obtained this certification they are then able to enter flight school. 

William T. McInnish, the Aviation Fabrication and Assembly Program teacher, has been teaching the class for four years, however this is the first year the assembly certification exam was offered.

"I have kids that are going to FIT, I have kids that are going to work in the factory already, and between those kids that are going into the military, going to college, or those going on the job out of this program, I will be at 100% employment rate," said McInnish. 

The Private Pilot Ground School certification exam is the knowledge portion to become a pilot administered through the FAA. This certification must be signed off by a flight instructor. Once students receive the signed endorsement they have two options,  going onto flight school to become a pilot or choosing work aircraft maintenance and begin their assembly certification.

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"My dad inspired me to get my private pilot ground school certification. He served in the Navy for 23 years and currently works for Embraer. I want to follow in his footsteps and work in aviation or mechanics one day," said freshman Haley Neal of Melbourne. 

The assembly certification involves the maintenance and technician work where students learn all the aircraft hardware, tools and machines as well as safety training and projects where they are familiarized with painting, welding, metal work, riveting and all other things needed to become an entry level factory worker. Students essentially learn the basics to become an aircraft technician with responsibilities such as how to service an aircraft, how to put the hydraulic fluid in, how to fuel aircraft, and how to do ground runs.

Senior Christian Colon enrolled in McInnish's class four years ago when the program started. After graduating from Eau Gallie last Thursday he has already been hired to work for Piper Aircraft Inc. 

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"I chose to get my AAA certification to set myself up for a good future," said Colon.

Winston Scott stated that he was excited to see opportunities like this for young people.

"It's good to see that kids that are 16 and 17 years old know what they want to do for a career. It's good for the individual, it's good for the country, and it's good for the world," said Scott.

Contact Olivia McKelvey at omckelvey@gannett.com and 321-242-3613.