Putnam patriot., 1930-11-06
Putnam State Trade School t Train Aircraft Mechanics
 Enrollment Open
Department Will Take Place of
 Textile Division


 
 Ii has been definitely decided that an aircraft training school will be established at the Putnam State Trade School. The recommendation of the officials of the school that such course be established to fill the gap left by the abandonment of the textile department has met the ap- provaI of the State Board of Educa- ton and the Board of Finance. It is understood that steps to organize the department will be taken im- mediately. This will be the first school of it's kind under public super vision in Connecticut.
 The Patriot was the first to an- nounce that the officials of the school. after investigation, had determined that such a course holds breadth of opportunity for young men of stand ing and that it was anticipated tha. if would attract a sufficient number of pupils to assure it's success.
 The first effort was to determine If the course would be as attractive to young men as the officials believed. IL was apparent from the very first, when applications were askfd for. that such n school will find a suf- ficient number enrolled to make it a success from this angle. No sooner had applications been requested then they began to come in.
 Federal Standard
 When the course is organized 1t will meet with the requirements of the federal regulations for aviation training programs. Enrolment in all probability will he limited to those over l6 years of age. prefer ably those having two or more years of high school training, although character qualifications will be an outstanding factor in the success oi an application for enrolment It is said that some 15 to 20 pupils can be accommodated at the start. Those interested in taking the course, un- less they have already done SO should enroll immediately.
 It is the intent to start the train. ing as soon as the textile department can be cleared of machinery. This has alyeady been accomplished 1T part. The remaining machines vii be removed as soon as an outlet fol them is found The room available contains approximately 5000 squar feet of floor space, ample for ths needs of the department.
 When considering the important subject of a substitute department for the textile division the officers oi the school turned immediately to tn. fast developing aircraft industry. i was found that so fast is this mean of transportation growing that theri Is a constant demand for mechanic at airports and landing fields.
 Ready Employment
 A skilled mechanic may find read, employment at good wages. It i recognized that flying is in it's in fancy and rather than decreasing tn, demand for mechanics will increas, for years to come.
 There being a demand for traines aircraft mechanics the problem O training them arises. It was believ ed that state trade school could be come an important factor in thi line of endeavor. It was believed that the situation would appeal to { group of young men of character. fl is realized that the responsibilitiei of the ground mechanic are no les than those of the pilot who controI the ship. No matter how good tn. pilot if the engine of the aircraft il not functioning properly he. and an, with him, are in danger. fb is there fore necessary to emphasize char acter of the applicant for this i'm portant work