Hagerstown aviation technology students show their skills at industry gathering in Chicago

HAGERSTOWN, Md. ( DC News Now ) — A team of aerospace maintenance students in Hagerstown returned from a national aviation conference where they put their skills to the test.

The students competed in, what is referred to as, the Olympics for aircraft technology skills.

“We learned all the different components manufactured, little things that add up to thousands of products for wheel assemblies and propellers,” said aviation technician Cameron Weaber. “It was almost overwhelming.”

Nick Powell, an aircraft maintenance technician at the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics said it was “mind boggling.”

“There was so much to see and do, so many connections to be made,” Powell said.

For aviation technology student, Jake Luo, the experience was inspiring.

“I look forward to the industry’s fast-paced environment and being all over the world,” Luo said. “That sounds pretty exciting to me.”

One team member already has his sights set on a job with a leading manufacturer of private jet aircraft.

“I’ve got a contingent offer with Gulfstream in Savannah,” says Caleb Wanner, aviation technician. “So in a week or, so I’ll be going to Savannah to look at apartments and settle into a new life.”

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