Saraland High School receives donated aircraft for hands-on training
SARALAND, Ala. (WKRG) — A transportation company has donated a full-scale maintenance training aircraft to Saraland High School to expand hands-on aviation experience.
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According to an AAA USA news release, the company donated a retired Piper PA-28 general aviation aircraft, which will allow students to work on the aircraft's frame.
SHS has an Airframe technology program that 'educates students on aircraft construction and operation,' a news release said.
AAA USA officials said this will prepare students for careers in airplane maintenance and other related fields.
'By investing in workforce development and partnering with Saraland High School and Coastal Alabama Community College, we aim to highlight the career opportunities available to students after graduation,' said Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of AAA USA Perry C. Rucker.
SHS Principal Scott Croley said this donated plane offers students an opportunity to get hands-on experience.
'We're extremely fortunate to have this opportunity to partner with AAA USA, specifically to have a piece of machinery like the functioning airplane for the students to be able to physically put their hands on day in and day out, and it's something that I feel like a lot of high school students do not have that opportunity,' said Croley.
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AAA USA has also launched the 'Wings of Opportunity' scholarship, which will be awarded annually through SHS to students interested in pursuing careers in aerospace.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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