PUYALLUP, Wash. — An Aviation Maintenance Competition will be hosted on site at the Northwest Aviation Conference, Saturday, Feb. 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The idea for the competition was presented by Big Bend Community College professor Dan Moore, representing the consortium of aircraft maintenance schools in Washington collectively known as the Fighting 147’s.
Currently there are five college teams of four AMT students registered to compete. Teams will be given events to complete at each stage of the competition. Each event will take between 15 and 20 minutes to complete. The team with the best score overall will receive a monetary award, as well as a trophy.
Within hours of a plea for support being sent out, long-time vendor and Silver Level Event Sponsor, Aircraft Spruce, called to simply say, “This is something we would like to support. What can we do?” With the Washington Aviation Association pledging the $500 first place price, Aircraft Spruce offered to cover a second place prize of $250 and third place prize of $125. Other vendors offered maintenance giveaways and judging assistance.
Support did not stop there. University of Alaska Fairbanks Community and Technical College wanted to compete, but lacked the funding for airfare. Alaska Airlines donated five tickets to sponsor the entire UAF team.
The awards ceremony will take place at the Northwest Aviation After Hours and Auction, Feb. 20, following the close of the show at 5:30 p.m.