As the need for helicopter mechanics continues to increase, a donation from Bell Flight to Gateway Academy will allow your students to choose a new pathway at the beginning of next school year.
During a transfer ceremony held Monday afternoon, Christian County Chamber of Commerce President Taylor Hayes said the helicopter frame and two-engine donation were crucial, as they allow area students to learn the skills needed in this field.
Kristi Murtha, Director of the Christian County Chamber Military Affairs Committee, started the process of getting the $2-million donation for the school, which came from a closing Bell Flight factory in Alabama.
Doug Englen, the Ft. Campbell representative for Bell Flight, said this will allow Gateway Academy to offer a program that is currently offered by two colleges in the state of Kentucky.
He added by 2038, there will be an estimated shortage of 769,000 Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic workers.
There are two ways to become an A&P Mechanic, one is by joining the Army and making a six-year commitment with them after completing your training.
Englen said the second is by entering a program, like the one that will now be offered at Gateway Academy, and finishing in a couple of years.
Also speaking during Monday’s event were Gateway Academy Principal Penny Knight and 101st CAB Brigade Aviation Maintenance Officer Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jaime Craig. Six students interested in the upcoming program were in attendance during the transfer ceremony.
The helicopter frame was brought to Hopkinsville by H&R Agri-Power, who transported it from the closing Alabama factory at no cost to the school district.
The helicopter frame ownership was transferred from the Christian County Chamber of Commerce to Christian County Public Schools and Gateway Academy.
Benjamin Smith, a transitioning soldier, will help to lead the new department and program at the school for the 2023-24 school year.
