Although American Airlines’ last MD-80 flew in 2019, a part of the historic aircraft, one of its Pratt & Whitney JT8D engines, has now been donated to the Aviation Institute of Maintenance in Chicago.
On Monday (March 27, 2023), American Airlines announced the donation of a Pratt & Whitney JT8D engine to the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) in Chicago. Although the carrier’s last McDonnell Douglas MD-80 aircraft took flight in 2019, a vital part of the historic ‘Mad Dog’ airplane will continue to power the future of aviation maintenance. American Airlines donated the Engine to AIM during the Aviation Technician Council’s annual conference in Chicago. The engine will now be used by students for hands-on training at AIM’s Chicago campus as they pursue their aviation maintenance technician (AMT) certification.
In Monday’s announcement, American Airlines’ Vice President of Line Maintenance, Evie Garces, said,
“American is honored to donate this important piece of aviation technology to students at AIM. As a former AMT, I know first-hand how important it is to have access to equipment like this as you’re learning new skills. The MD-80 powered American’s future when it took its first revenue flight in 1983, and this engine will help power students’ futures as they work toward their certifications and career aspirations for years to come.”
Also commenting on the engine donation, AIM’s Executive Vice President, Dr. Joel English, said,
“We are excited to enhance our partnership with American Airlines in 2023, and receiving this impressive aircraft engine will allow us to provide more resources and experience to our student body in Chicago. Hands-on training on a range of airframes and powerplants is essential for the AIM graduate to become prepared to join the workforce after graduation. American sees the value of investing in our diverse student population, and this donation will help us prepare our current students to become tomorrow’s American Airlines technicians.”
The engine donation is part of American’s ongoing partnership with AIM, that provides students with continued engagement with the airline’s team of aviation maintenance professionals, and access to American’s maintenance facilities. The airline also guarantees interviews for top candidates from AIM’s Chicago campus. Currently, aviation maintenance professionals from American’s Chicago Technical Operations team are also mentoring a five-student team for the upcoming Aerospace Maintenance Competition which will be held in Atlanta from April 18th through 20th.
The Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) is based in Virginia Beach, Virginia and operates a coast-to-coast network of aviation maintenance schools. AIM graduates have opportunities to obtain certifications with the FAA, American Welding Society, the EPA and OSHA. AIM operates campuses in or near Atlanta, Chicago, Charlotte, Newark/New York, Philadelphia, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Washington D.C., Kansas City, San Francisco, Orlando and Norfolk. AIM is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
Source: American Airlines