The Augusta Technical College Foundation has received a donation of a kit aircraft from Mr. Lawrence Budreau of Anderson, South Carolina. The plane will be used for maintenance training purposes at Augusta Tech’s Aviation Technology Center in Thomson.

Mr. Budreau is a retired Coast Guard Commander, a retired realtor and an avid aviator. While browsing through some information from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), he discovered that Augusta Technical College had an aviation maintenance program and he was in the market to donate his aircraft.

“I decided after flying the plane for sixteen years, I wanted to downsize to a smaller sport plane and I knew I didn’t need the money in the form of a sale, so I contacted Augusta Tech and made arrangements to fly it in for a possible donation,” stated Mr. Budreau.

“Mr. Budreau’s aircraft will benefit all areas of our maintenance program, general, airframe and powerplant," stated Aviation Maintenance Technology Department Chair Mike Lockaby. "It will give the students another platform to gain experience on as they go into the work force."

Augusta Tech's Aviation Maintenance programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all airframe components and powerplant systems and components. Our instructors teach courses in layout and fabrication of sheet metal, fabric, wood, and other materials into structural members, parts, and fittings, and replacement of damaged or worn parts such as control cables and hydraulic units. The curriculum also includes engine inspection and maintenance, lubrication and cooling, electrical and ignition systems, carburetion, fuels and fuel systems, propeller and fan assemblies.

Our graduates may participate in FAA powerplant and airframe examination and certification processes. Starting salaries begin at $69,000 and the program can be completed in two years.