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A&P graduation celebrates dedication of students

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. O'Brien
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  They proved it could be doneand their accomplishments were celebrated May 18 in Bldg. 3001's Apex conference room.

Seven graduates are the first base personnel to complete a three-year airframe and powerplant certification program through Tinker's collaboration with Oklahoma City Metro Technology Centers and Oklahoma City Community College.

The graduates were honored in a short ceremony by Kevin O'Connor, 76th Maintenance Wing vice director, their Metro Tech instructor, and Metro Tech and OCCC representatives. For their perseverance and dedication, they were given maintenance wing coins and several graduates received additional certificates for outstanding performance.

"This is a huge accomplishment," said Mr. O'Connor. "About 8 percent of our workforce is A&P licensed; you're in the top 8 percent. You are the top, the elite. Thank you for what you've done and for your commitment."

Claude VanVranken, Metro Tech instructor, agreed, adding words of advice.

"This was a very motivated class and they are a good asset to Tinker," he said. "Take the time to discern the amount of joyfulness that will come through flexibility and thoroughness along with dependability and contentment in oneself; benevolence, compassion with determination to impart wisdom to others by example."

The program is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration and explores topics including fundamentals of aviation maintenance, technical mechanics and regulations, and powerplant electrical systems.

Classes began April 20, 2009, and different from the traditional 30-hours per week requirements for 18 months, Tinker's course offers 15 hours a week for 36 months. The course is voluntary, not mandated. Eleven students were initially enrolled.

Because the course is voluntary, students are responsible for their own tuition, class materials and other related costs. If eligible, an individual can use student loans and financial aid resources -- military tuition assistance, the G.I. Bill and Tinker's Civilian Tuition Assistance Program -- to pay for the course. For those who qualify, CTAP will pay up to 75 percent of the tuition cost, subject to funds availability.

Tuition costs $175 per credit hour for a total of $6,475.

"It was tough, but became a way of life, a motion that you just did," said Matt Connelly of the 544th Propulsion Maintenance Squadron F117 engine shop.

Despite its challenges, classmate Robert Guthrie, also of the 544th PMXS F117 engine shop, said the program is worth the time and encourages others to enroll, particularly as the base "pushes more toward A&P requirements."

When students complete the program, they are eligible to test for a general certification, an airframe certification, and powerplant certification. Upon completion, students also earn 37 college credit hours at OCCC that can be applied toward an associate degree or another degree.