OMES Partners with Gordon Cooper Technology Center for Aviation Maintenance Program Enhancement
Oklahoma City – The Office of Management and Enterprise Services works with the Gordon Cooper Technology Center. They join to build up the hands-on part of GCTC’s Aviation Maintenance Technology class. Students train for aircraft maintenance jobs.
New Helicopter Acquisition
GCTC now has a Bell TH-57 helicopter. They received it through OMES’ Federal Surplus program. This program gives groups in Oklahoma extra federal items at a low price. The helicopter costs about $1.2 million in value. GCTC paid $5,000 as a fee set by federal rules. This marks the second aircraft donation from the program.
Barry Bornemann, the Federal Surplus program coordinator, said, “We work with groups like GCTC. They list what they need. We then search the federal list for items that match their list.”
Support from Local Leaders
Local lawmakers welcome the move. Senator Shane Jett (R-Shawnee), who served as a Navy lieutenant and grew up with a mechanic father, said, “I am pleased to see this helicopter work for training new aircraft mechanics. It helps our future in Oklahoma.” He added that the Federal Surplus program gives groups needed gear at low cost.
Students in the FAA-certified AMT class learn to be airframe and powerplant mechanics. The TH-57 helicopter will not fly. However, its Rolls-Royce 250-C20 engine, the same type taught in class, allows students to work with real parts and understand their function.
Educational Impact
House Education Oversight Chair Representative Dell Kerbs (R-Shawnee) said, “The work here makes education stay focused on careers. When students learn real skills, we build a stronger future for Oklahoma.”
GCTC Superintendent Julie McCormick expressed her thanks. She said, “This helicopter is a big asset for our program. It is on-site to support training and help our students get ready for work as aviation maintenance technicians.”
Looking Ahead
The work between OMES and GCTC will give strong support to students and local aviation. The connection between school and field lets students gain clear skills to use in their jobs.
For more information about the State and Federal Surplus programs, please visit the OMES website.
Media Contacts:
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OMES Media Contact:
Christa Helfrey
Christa.Helfrey@omes.ok.gov -
Gordon Cooper Technology Center Media Contact:
Matt Stephens
matts@gctech.edu
405-273-7493, ext. 2313
For more information about OMES and GCTC, visit:
