The sky’s the limit when it comes to career opportunities in the field of aviation technology – the study of aircraft structures, aircraft power plants and other systems that keep the massive birds flying and a plump paycheck in the wallets of the educated.

The message was shared at Nashua Community College during Express Admissions night, an event on July 26 drawing nearly two dozen career explorers to learn more about NCC’s Aviation Technology two-year associate’s degree program.

Thomas Larvia, aviation professor and Merrimack resident, greeted the curious and welcomed guest presenters. On hand: Gary Bell, director of maintenance at Wiggins Airways in Manchester, Jamie McCarthy, director of FBO (Fixed Base) Operations at Port City Air in Portsmouth, and SSgt. Nicholas Reynolds, of the New Hampshire Air National Guard. Alumnus Quinn O’Toole, of Andover, Massachusetts, offered his take on the course.

Larvia stressed that as aging aviation personnel retire, newly credentialed grads “get hired the minute they walk out the door.” Bell added, “There is plenty of training, oversight and opportunity to be on the forefront of the industry.”

Nashua Community College aviation training is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Students earn an Associate of Science Degree upon mastering a multitude of aviation applications. The program’s high rating emboldens most grads to take FAA exams leading to an Airframe and Powerplant Technicians License.

Ssgt. Reynolds reinforced the scope of studies — turbines, turbo props, fabrication and fuel systems, plus electrical, ignition, hydraulic systems and more.

McCarthy, however, was the speaker who best underscored Larvia’s urgency in expressing the need for aviation mechanics, hands-on men and women armed with knowledge and confidence.

“We are so desperate for mechanics,” McCarthy said. “A plane is never going to be able to change its own wheels.”

More information on the Aviation Technology program at NCC can be had by email: nccauto@ccsnh.edu. In addition, a roster of courses and details about the Aviation Technology degree program is accessible online: nashuacc.edu/program/aviation-technology.