Expert: Ismar Avdic, Eng. - 8/20/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I am looking into Westwood/Redstone College in Colorado to become an Avionics Maintenance Technician. Where can I find information about if this school has a good rep in the Aviation world?

ANSWER: I have located a few websites and I would suggest you to check them first and collect majority of information that you need. Also if you are in vincinity of either facility I would suggest you to visit them get an floor tour of college facilities, and expecially ask at least few students independently about their impressions of college and quality of training assets and quelity of instructors.

http://www.redstone.edu/about/
http://www.gotowestwood.com/
http://www.westwoodcollege.net/

Ismar

Hi Spancer,
Redstone and Westwood are decent and respectable school. Athought I am trying to avoid stating this as fact, because each different student has different opinions. I have graduated an avion maintenance school as a part of an community college, and I had fantastic experiences regarding an education curicula and instructors. But I really liked price for college that was always very acceptable vs private maintenance schools like Redwood that have price around 25-30K for school training. My license was really affordable (free) as well as community college. So you see that different people looking different prospective in each school. So that ismajor reason why I am hesitatnt giving recomandations to particular school.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Ismar,

I now understand your hesitation and thank you for the honest reply. It is much appreciated.

ANSWER: Thanks for understanding. In the best of my knowledge both schools Westwood and Redwood are pretty good school. However, I can tell you that all A&P schools are certified by FAA and they curicula is created with very small differences. I mean there is no difference in number of subjects that needs to be covered, because at the end of school you have to get an signed certificate from FAA before you can take practical and written exam for license.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Ismar,

One of the pulls for me was the 50% hands on training. Is that standard for the A & P program?? Whether it is a private or community college? Also, at Redwood you finish in 18 months..I assumed that was an accelerated course??

Answer
Yes that is correct. In actuality I would suggest more then 50% hands training. But each school has almost close same requirements regarding hands on training time. 18 months is respectful as an completation program, it is also little short. More time you have on hand experience you will be more prepared for an practical exam and down the road you'll have more valuebale on hand experience. It is also very imortanant that you have completed all theory practice and exercises, in order to understand what and how system works on aircraft.
I hope that this helps.

Ismar