Urgent Need for Aviation Mechanics Highlighted at Kentucky Gala

The Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame presented Epic Flight Academy with the 2024 Aviation Achievement Award for the opening of Epic’s new aircraft mechanic school at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport located in Erlanger, Kentucky. The Aviation Museum of Kentucky hosted the gala event on 19 October. Kentucky Department of Aviation Deputy Commissioner Brad Schwandt presented the award to Epic founder and CEO Danny Perna.

In making the presentation, Schwandt described the shortage of FAA-certified aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) around the country. He shared there are currently 54 students attending Epic's Kentucky aviation school and added, “The current output from aviation maintenance training facilities like Epic’s is falling about 30% short of what is needed to meet the demand. In other words, help us spread the word that Epic Flight Academy is open for business at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and ready to train the next generation of FAA-certified mechanics. The school can accommodate 250 students, so there is capacity to welcome more.”

Perna, who began his career as an aircraft mechanic, acknowledged the encouragement of FEAM Aero to establish the school there and his first meeting with CVG Airport CEO Candace McGraw. He explained how these positive events led to the school’s opening just one year after breaking ground. Perna thanked the state of Kentucky for its hospitality. He also thanked the CVG Workforce Development program for bringing student tours to the facility on a regular basis.

Epic’s FAA-certified aircraft mechanic program takes 19 months to complete. The next class begins on 9 December 2024. Epic Flight Academy is based in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and has been in operation since 1999.