Panama City, FL — Bay District Schools has made a significant investment in career and technical education with the recent approval of a $150,000 airplane purchase for Haney Technical College's aviation maintenance program.

The district acquired a 1978 Piper Turbo Arrow aircraft using federal grant funds, marking a major milestone for the East Campus program located at Franklin County Regional Airport. This acquisition will provide students with unprecedented hands-on training opportunities in aircraft maintenance and repair.

Real-World Training Experience

The vintage Piper Turbo Arrow will serve as a living laboratory for students enrolled in Haney Technical College's aviation maintenance program. Rather than learning solely from textbooks and simulators, students will now work directly on an actual aircraft, taking apart components, performing maintenance tasks, and gaining the kind of practical experience that employers value.

"This is a game-changer for our students," said district officials. "Having access to a real aircraft means our graduates will enter the workforce with the kind of hands-on experience that sets them apart from other entry-level technicians."

Meeting Industry Demand

The aviation industry continues to face a shortage of qualified maintenance technicians, making programs like Haney Technical College increasingly vital to the regional economy. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) projects significant growth in demand for aircraft mechanics over the coming decade, driven by fleet expansions and retirements within the existing workforce.

By investing in practical training equipment, Bay District Schools is positioning its students to fill these high-demand positions while supporting the economic development of Bay County and the surrounding region.

About Haney Technical College

Haney Technical College, part of Bay District Schools, offers career and technical education programs designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce. The aviation maintenance program at the East Campus provides comprehensive training in aircraft systems, powerplant maintenance, and airframe repair.

Students who complete the program are prepared to pursue FAA certification and careers with airlines, maintenance facilities, corporate flight departments, and general aviation operators throughout Florida and beyond.

The addition of the Piper Turbo Arrow to the program's training fleet represents Bay District Schools' ongoing commitment to providing students with the resources they need to succeed in competitive technical fields.

Want more updates on local career training, aviation programs, and education news? Hit subscribe and get the next story delivered straight to your inbox.

FICA Tip Credit Recovery for Employers

RECLAIM YOUR OVERPAID TAXES.

The FICA Tip Credit allows restaurant and hospitality owners to recover a portion of the Social Security and Medicare taxes paid on employee tips.

Perfect For:

Full-Service Restaurants, Cafes, Bars & Nightclubs, Hotels & Resorts, Catering Companies, Breweries & Wineries

Who Qualifies? Food & Beverage Services:

You have employees who customarily receive tips from customers.

You paid the employer portion of Social Security and Medicare taxes on those tips.

No upfront cost — We work on contingency, you only pay if you get money

Full audit protection — We handle all IRS correspondence and defense

Limited Time: Free FICA Audit (Normally $1,500) Go back 3 years

Annual recurring credit — Claim this benefit every year, ongoing

Average Annual Recovery: $27,000 per location

Speak with an Advisor for Potential Recovery

📺 Panama City Spotlight YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@PanamaCitySpotlight

👍 Like and Follow us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/PanamaCitySpotlight

👥 Join our Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/PanamaCitySpotlight

🍴 Panhandle Fork - Like and Follow us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/PanhandleFork

🍴 Panhandle Fork - Join our Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/PanhandleFork

Have a story tip? Email us at [email protected]