Aircraft from Spirit of Flight Center Prepares Redstone Students to Secure Jobs in Growing Aviation Field

Redstone College, a Denver-based institution of higher learning, received a Learjet 24D today on a long-term loan from the Spirit of Flight Center, a Colorado-based non-profit air museum in Erie. The Learjet will serve as a training tool, providing students in Redstone's Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) and Advanced Electronics Technology (avionics) programs the chance to practice repairs and experience first-hand the mechanics of a legendary aircraft.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics there is a growing need for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and service technicians, with more than 152,000 jobs expected to be available in 2016. Redstone is preparing hundreds of students each year to capture this opportunity with its robust 18-month curriculum with a focus on hands-on learning. In fact, ninety-three percent of Redstone graduates get a job in their career field after earning their FAA certification.

"As long as there is air travel, there will be a need for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and service technicians to make repairs, complete inspections and perform maintenance," said Mike Couling, Redstone College campus president. "Our job is to provide employers with the most qualified candidates and most importantly our students with the opportunity to succeed in this growing field. The Learjet 24D donated today by the Spirit of Flight Center will be used to accomplish these objectives and is evidence of our commitment to providing a hands-on education."

The 1976 Learjet 24D donated by Spirit of Flight Center is a five-seat, twin-engine high speed business jet that holds five international climb records held by owner and pilot Ed Wachs of Illinois. The jet sports a unique five-color rainbow graphic, one color for each record, has a range of 1,266 miles and a maximum speed of 565 mph.

The jet was delivered to the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport and towed across 120 th Street to the Redstone campus. Today, the jet was delivered to the Redstone hangar amongst the cheers of Redstone students eager to apply their training to the aircraft.

"We are delighted to play a role in the educational process at Redstone College, as we continue to be impressed by the quality of individuals who graduate from the program," said Gordon Page, President of the Spirit of Flight Center.

About Redstone College's Aviation Programs
Redstone College offers two 18-month aviation programs: Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) and Advanced Electronics Technology (avionics). The A&P Program is fully certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. Since the school was founded in 1965 more than 15,000 students have graduated from the programs. For more information on Redstone's aviation programs, visit www.Redstone.edu.

About the Spirit of Flight Center
The Spirit of Flight Center, located in Erie, Colo. offers a unique environment combining vintage and corporate aviation while promoting the love of flight. Hundreds of rare aviation items and artifacts are displayed representing the past, present and future of flight. For more information, visit www.SpiritOfFlight.com.