747 Airplane Aft Flap Donated to Everett Community College Aviation Program

March 6, 2014

Photo:Everett Community College aviation maintenance students join Aviation Technical Services General Manger/Vice President of Components Services Michael Beck, Senior Director Components Business Development David Ralston, and Senior Manager of Components Marketing Ann Roy, EvCC Aviation Director Dave Bowen and John Olson, Executive Director of the EvCC Foundation, to celebrate the donation of an aft flap to the college’s aviation maintenance program.

EVERETT, Wash. – Everett Community College aviation maintenance students are getting real-world experience with composites thanks to the donation of a 747 aft flap through Aviation Technical Services.

“This donation increases our ability to offer our students flight control, sheet metal and composites training,” said Dave Bowen, director of EvCC’s Aviation Maintenance Technician School, who celebrated the donation Feb. 13 with ATS employees and EvCC students.

ATS facilitated the donation of the aft flap after the part was removed from service. The aft flap is the rearmost section of a wing flap, which reduces the speed at which the aircraft can be safely flown and increases the angle of descent for landing. It shortens takeoff and landing distances.

The aft flap was painted with EvCC’s and ATS’ logos, thanks to Associated Painters.

The company facilitated the aft flap donation via the Everett Community College Foundation, which accepts equipment, technology and donations to support college students and college programs.

“It’s great to have the opportunity to hands-on work,” said EvCC aviation maintenance student Hiev Nguyen of Lynnwood. “It’s very helpful for us to have new material for us to work with.”

ATS is a strong supporter of the college’s aviation maintenance program, previously assisting with the donation of 767 rudder and performing work on an EvCC helicopter and airplane. ATS is the largest third-party, single-site transport aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul provider in North America and one of the largest aerospace employers in the state, second only to Boeing in Snohomish County.

The company is known for its commitment and efforts to promote aerospace jobs in Washington state. Some efforts include participating in the Washington Council on Aerospace and the Aerospace Futures Alliance, which play key roles in securing state funding to train Washington’s aerospace workers.

EvCC’s Aviation Maintenance Technician School opened in 1968. Today, more than 70 students are enrolled in the program, learning the background knowledge and practical shop experience to earn an associate’s degree, certificate in aviation maintenance technology, or FAA Mechanic’s Certificate, Airframe & Powerplant ratings. Graduates work in Snohomish County and around the world. For more information about the program, visit www.everettcc.edu/aviation