PLATTSBURGH -- Josh Manor admits an infatuation with airplanes.

It started at age 5 as he played with toy airplanes and wondered what got them off the ground and kept them soaring across the sky.

"I wondered if I could actually build one," said the Northern Adirondack Central School junior.

He can't believe he'll be able to turn dream into reality right here in Clinton County once Plattsburgh Aeronautical Institute opens.

Students who complete the articulated program through Clinton Community College and CV-TEC will be trained to enter a career as a Part 147 airframe and power-plant technician.

"My plans are to go to PAI and get an associate's degree and then go on and work as an airframe and power-plant technician," said Manor.

He hopes to land a job with Laurentian Aerospace Corp. if it establishes a plane-refurbishing operation at PARC's flight line. Representatives for the Canadian-based company have said they would be interested in employing graduates from Plattsburgh Aeronautical Institute in jobs that could earn around $49,000 yearly.

"I'd like to be able to work close to home," Manor said.

He has always been fascinated with planes, has spent countless hours perusing books and combing the Internet for information about them and will never forget being 6 years old and visiting his grandfather where he worked at Flying Nunn's Aviation, a former Clinton County Airport tenant.

Last year, he heard about Plattsburgh Aeronautical Institute through NACS Guidance Counselor Tim McAfee

GREAT OPPORTUNITY

"It's a pretty unique program," said McAfee. "The training is marketable and in demand, and you can't just go anywhere to do it.

"Having that opportunity close to home is pretty amazing for the kids, and it helps change the nature of what technical school has to offer. I think the myth is you are a kid who can't do something else, but you have to be able to handle the rigors with this program."

When Manor heard about the program, he thought, "Sweet."

"To actually be able to get my hands on airplanes and get experience with engines and airframes would be awesome. If I could go out there right now, I would."