Meeting the Demand for Skilled Aircraft Maintenance
The maintenance and restoration of historic warbirds is crucial to preserving our aviation heritage, especially at specialized facilities like the Warbird Factory in Albany, NY. As demand for serviceable vintage aircraft grows, the industry faces a pressing shortage of skilled mechanics, particularly FAA-certified Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) technicians. The broader Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector continues to expand, but relatively few organizations train and hire new A&P mechanics making the role of workforce development more important than ever.
The Prescott Foundation: Protecting a Living Legacy
The Prescott Foundation’s mission uniquely bridges generations by operating, demonstrating, and flying a fleet of WWII aircraft for public inspiration and education. The loss of the B-25 Mitchell Bomber, Old Glory, in September 2020, highlighted the urgent need to preserve and pass down specialized restoration skills that are essential for keeping these historic aircraft airborne and inspiring future aviation experts.
Workforce Development is Training Tomorrow’s Aviation Experts
To meet this challenge, the Warbird Factory and Prescott Foundation launched a Workforce Development Program designed to:
- Introduce individuals from all backgrounds to the aviation field, even those with no prior experience.
- Inspire participants to pursue FAA A&P certification by providing real-world, hands-on training and mentorship.
- Foster a supportive team atmosphere enriched by veteran knowledge, helping participants develop meaningful skills and chart new career paths.
- Bridge the generational knowledge gap by partnering experienced mechanics with newcomers to ensure authentic knowledge transfer.
Industry sponsors, including Hoffman Carwash and the Kenneth Ellis Family Trust, help fuel this initiative, ensuring that these vital education and preservation efforts remain sustainable and impactful.
Wings and Wheels Fundraiser | September 13, 2025
We invite you to support the future of aviation at our upcoming Wings and Wheels Fundraiser on September 13th, 2025! This exciting event will feature an impressive display of classic cars and historic aircraft showcasing the very machines that our program helps preserve.
- Enjoy a family-friendly day viewing restored warbirds and vintage automobiles.
- Meet the passionate team behind the program and learn about their work.
- All proceeds directly support our workforce development initiative, ensuring that new generations of A&P mechanics are trained to keep aviation history alive.
Tickets are available here.
The Importance of Community and Industry Support
- The skills needed for historic aircraft maintenance are at risk without dedicated training and mentorship programs.
- Community-driven initiatives like the Wings and Wheels Fundraiser make a direct impact by supporting education, hands-on experience, and the transfer of essential knowledge.
- Your involvement as a participant, donor, or sponsor helps secure the future of both aviation heritage and the professionals who will carry it forward.
By investing in programs like these and participating in events that celebrate our history, every supporter plays a crucial part in keeping the legacy of American aviation vibrant and accessible for generations to come.
Interested in sponsorship? Contact Patti@Prescottholdings.com
