Naples Airport hangar expands aviation training

Aviation airframe mechanic students at Lorenzo Walker Technical College will now train at Naples Airport. A new hangar facility provides expanded space for about 70 students to gain hands-on experience as they prepare for careers in aviation, bringing together the airport and the local community. 

Collier County Public Schools, the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1067, the Naples Airport Authority and students and faculty from Lorenzo Walker Technical College gathered recently for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the hangar. 

“This connection helps prepare the next generation of skilled aviation professionals,” John Monda, LWTC director, said, “while supporting one of Florida’s most vital and growing economic sectors in Southwest Florida.” 

From classrooms to career pathways 

The partnership is aimed at creating opportunities for students, extending classroom instruction and providing real-world experience in an authentic airport setting. The Collier Community Foundation also donated a helicopter for student training and instructional use. 

At the technical college, aviation students previously worked alongside marine boat classes and an auto body shop. Aviation airframe mechanics instructor Charles Gray said the new location provides a safer environment and the space required by the Federal Aviation Administration to operate and taxi aircraft. Based on his own career experience, Gray said it’s important for students to learn skills other mechanics may not, such as how to taxi an aircraft. 

“There’s a communication that has to take place to be able to bring this helicopter or any aircraft out,” Gray said. “You must know how to communicate your intentions and what you’re doing, who you need to talk to. Now, my students will have real world experience doing that.” 

Being on airport property also gives students more direct access to job opportunities; a benefit made possible through the new partnership. 

“This will allow employers to come and visit while we’re having class, introduce themselves to our students and those students can interview for opportunities to do job shadowing at their facilities,” Gray said.  

Opening doors for the next aviation workers 

Student Yesenia Lopez-Hernandez became interested in aviation during her freshman year at Lely High School, when her teacher, Alan Davis, took his Aviation Academy students to Marco Island Executive Airport. She said she was amazed seeing the aircraft and is excited about the chance to work in an active airport environment. 

“Just to get that airport experience that I had in Marco and being able to see an active airport while you’re also working,” Lopez-Hernandez said. “It’s like you’re working in the aviation field.” 

Gray said bringing students to the airport helps break down barriers between the community and the aviation field, especially for those who may not realize these are careers they could pursue. Many current aviation students at the technical college are first-generation college students who want the community to thrive and have a good quality of life.  

“These jobs pay well. They’re highly skilled. They’re highly sought-after,” Gray said. “These people [the students] can go anywhere in the world, but because they live here, we’re bringing the whole community up. It’s not the wealthy that need that home; it’s these people. The students.”