(Cedar Rapids, IA) -- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved Kirkwood Community College’s new Aviation Maintenance Technology program. The certification means the program can enroll students and classes can begin this fall.
Kirkwood applied for approval in late 2021. The FAA held an on-site inspection of Kirkwood’s equipment and facilities, including the college’s hangar at the Eastern Iowa Airport.
“We’re very excited that we just received FAA approval for our new program,” said Kirkwood President Lori Sundberg. “Without it we would not have been able to move forward, even if we had met all other requirements. Now that we have it, the final steps are being taken and we can start to address this major industry and workforce need. With air travel demands now at pre-pandemic levels, the sooner we can make an impact, the better.”
Crews are currently renovating the college’s hangar to include a lab and classroom space as well as updated HVAC, restrooms and other features. Construction is expected to continue thru the rest of the year, so classes will initially be held at the Kirkwood Continuing Education and Training Center, located just north of the college’s main campus in southwest Cedar Rapids. A hangar located next to the one under construction will also be used.