WOOD DALE, IL, Aug 12, 2025 – AAR CORP. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Legacy Aviation Learning Center to extend its EAGLE career pathway program to Traverse City, MI. Established in 2018, the program partners with schools to address the aviation industry’s need for aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs). The MoU with Legacy Aviation adds to AAR’s network of partner institutions, creating a link between students and career opportunities at the company’s Airframe MRO facilities.
Tom Hoferer, AAR’s senior vice president of repair & engineering, addressed Legacy Aviation’s 24 Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) program graduates, highlighting the opportunities available across the aviation industry.
“It is an honor to address this graduating class that followed a paradigm shifting program, proving what can be achieved in 11 months,” says Tom Hoferer, AAR’s senior vice president of repair & engineering. “By demonstrating a curiosity to learn, being courageous enough to innovate, caring for the team you’re on the journey with, and making connections across people and ideas, greatness is inevitable.”
“Legacy Aviation is using the new regulation to its fullest potential by implementing different pedagogies of learning to train students more efficiently and effectively for the aviation industry,” says Ryan Goertzen, AAR’s vice president of maintenance workforce development.
“Joining forces with AAR CORP., North America’s largest Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) company, emphasizes the collective importance of training future mechanics and increasing opportunities. We are proud and excited to announce this partnership to our community!” says Peter Lane, Legacy Aviation’s president and chief executive officer.
AAR also signed an EAGLE career pathway program MOU with US Aviation Academy. Under the MOU, students enrolled in US Aviation Academy’s FAA-approved A&P programs will benefit from a pipeline to career opportunities, mentoring, and leadership training with AAR at the Company’s Airframe MRO facilities.
Source: AAR
About AAR
AAR CORP., founded in 1955 and headquartered in Wood Dale, IL, is a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including parts supply, integrated solutions, repair and engineering, and expeditionary services. AAR serves industries such as aerospace and defense, providing support for both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. With operations in over 20 countries, AAR employs approximately 6,000 people globally. In fiscal year 2024, the company reported record sales of $2.3 billion.
About Legacy Aviation Learning Center
Legacy Aviation Learning Center, a nonprofit FAA Part 147–certified aircraft maintenance technician school, is based in Traverse City, MI, and serves the general aviation sector with a 12-month airframe and powerplant certification program for about 50 students each year. Founded in early 2024 with a $1.5 million investment from aviation supporters, the center operates as a community-focused nonprofit. In addition to training, it offers youth outreach through programs such as the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles and the Civil Air Patrol.