MCCTC Receives Beechcraft Airplane for Aviation Maintenance Program

CANFIELD, Ohio — The Mahoning County Career and Technical Center received a Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft this week for its aviation maintenance program students.

The Beechcraft Bonanza is an aircraft that most general aviation mechanics are exposed to in the field, according to a press release. Since its introduction in 1946 as the Beechcraft model 35, it has had the longest running production in the world, continuing today as the Beechcraft Bonanza G36.

“We are always looking for different types of aircrafts for our students to learn on,” said John Zehentbauer, MCCTC superintendent. “This is a flyable, FAA-certified aircraft, that can be maintenanced by our students.”

Mike Stanko, MCCTC school board president and owner and operator of Gemco Aviation, was a big part of this coming together, according to the release. The Beechcraft has been stored and serviced at his company for the past few months.

“MCCTC holds a special place in my heart as I was fortunate enough to be in the first graduating class of the aviation program in 1974.” Stanko said. “Our students will be able to perform various inspections on this aircraft, as required by the FAA, and will be able to simulate a multitude of operational functions of the aircraft.”

Currently, MCCTC has 20 juniors and 17 seniors enrolled in the aviation maintenance program, which is up from 17 juniors and nine seniors last year. The program boasts a 100% job-placement rate if the students complete the program and want to work in the field. Because the program is longer than two years, not everyone comes back to complete it, according to an MCCTC spokesperson.

Graduates have gone on to work for all major airlines across the country.

Upon completing the two-year aviation maintenance program at MCCTC, students can receive their Airframe and Powerplant Certificate. MCCTC is the only high school that offers this program in the state of Ohio east of Columbus and is a savings of $30,000 to the student.

Pictured: John Zehentbauer, MCCTC superintendent; Christian Cosa, 2021 MCCTC graduate of Aviation; Samuel Rosenberger, West Branch High School; David Williams, owner and pilot of the plane; Mario Berardi, Boardman High School; Bryce Keck, West Branch; Mike Stanko, MCCTC board president; Matt Campbell, MCCTC principal; Scott Rowe, aviation instructor; Connor Brothers, Springfield High School; James Groom, West Branch High School; Peyton Quarles, Austintown Fitch High School; Trenton Kirchner, Austintown Fitch; Devin Andrews, Austintown Fitch; Brian Rella, MCCTC treasurer.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.