(ANS – San Salvador) - The Universidad Don Bosco (UDB) of El Salvador has been recognized by the Civil Aviation Authority of the country since 2005  as a Centre for Aeronautical Maintenance, because of the significant contribution that the university gives through its specific degree course to the technical-professional training of workers in the sector. Recently, the UDB has also had the benefit  of expert advice from some U.S. specialists.

The educational programme offered by the UDB has always been to the forefront in training for aircraft maintenance. The Salesian university is also known for technological innovation in programmes and hands-on training in highly specialized laboratories. Courses are offered in propulsion, avionics, instrumentation, and physics.

Since last year, UDB has also had a Boeing 727-225 in perfect working order, donated by Federal Express (FedEx). This will eventually become an aeroplane-school. Precisely for this reason,  the Salesian University was visited at the end of February by two international experts in avionics, both teachers at Broward College in the United States, with which UDB has signed an agreement of cooperation.

Professors Emilio Lizarraga and Tomás Garrido carried out a series of theoretical and practical lessons to help in developing a programme for the maintenance, servicing and storage of the Boeing 727-225 which will see the plane become a school for specialized training.

"We want to train the teachers and staff on the ground, and to adjust the equipment and everything that is needed for the aircraft to be used in teaching,”said Edgardo Cruz Zeledon, Director of the Department of Aeronautics at UDB. At present twelve professionals (teachers at UDB, staff of the AEROMAN company and of the El Salvador Air Force) are receiving training to familiarize themselves with the aircraft.

Referring to the economic value of this initiative, Professor Lizarraga said that "one of the biggest problems is that this sector requires huge financial backing, because spare parts, tools and the support needed to run these programmes are very expensive."

The visit of two experts is the first stage of a five-year project – which may be extended – with Broward College. International student exchange programmes and an increased internationalization of UDB are foreseen. "The collaboration between the two institutions will be mutual: now we are here , but in the future the teachers of UDB will be at Broward College," added Professor  Lizarraga.

The aeroplane-school will benefit more than 300 young people from the course for Technical Universities in Aircraft Maintenance, as well as students in mechanical engineering, mechanical electronics and automation.

Published 05/03/2014