It’s all about the tools.

As an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics student, Kaiza Shepard will master more than 100 tools essential for inspecting and maintaining aircraft.

“With tooling, you have to be super precise,” Kaiza offers. “We have tools that are calibrated at least yearly. We have tools called micrometers that are so specific that if you drop one on the floor, you have to send it out to be recalibrated which can be expensive.” 

However, the financial investment—and potential barrier—begins even before classes start. Stocking a proper toolbox can cost students between $2,500-$5,000. It’s a hefty financial commitment when just beginning the program.

To alleviate the financial burden on students, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has awarded FVTC a $200,000 grant. The funding has allowed FVTC to purchase new, fully equipped toolboxes with secure storage systems. The maintenance hangar is now home to multiple high-tech, high-quality boxes for organizing and maintaining aviation maintenance tools safely and effectively. 

“The toolboxes benefit everyone involved,” explains instructor Josh Saylor. “We’re improving space and workflow with fewer toolboxes in the hangar. It also removes the tool cost barrier that we know is preventing some students from starting the program. And these toolboxes model the industry and industry standards.”

Gulfstream has been a community partner to the college’s Aviation programs for many years. In addition to hosting student tours, classroom visits and internship opportunities, over the past two years Gulfstream has hired nearly 30 former FVTC interns in full-time roles at the Gulfstream Appleton facility.

“By having access to these toolboxes, which are similar to equipment used in Gulfstream’s service centers, students benefit from hands-on experience and relevant tool management skills,” says Casey Nygaard, director of Customer Support Services at Gulfstream Appleton. “Through this learning, they are gaining knowledge and expertise that can be applied to future careers, making them well-qualified and appealing candidates to future employers like Gulfstream.”

The goal is to have nine total toolboxes in the hangar. Because they have a computerized management system, students must log into the box with an ID badge and check out the tools they use. Up to nine students can work out of one box which means it is unlikely students will ever have to wait to get access to what they need.

“Tools are a huge part of being successful in this program,” Josh says. “You must have the tools and know how to use them. If you don’t, it is impossible for you to contribute.”