Bombardier Launches FastTrack A&P Program in Hartford

Bombardier is rolling out a FastTrack program to help develop a pipeline of qualified airframe and powerplant technicians for its U.S. facilities. Developed in collaboration with Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology, the program was debuted by Bombardier at its Hartford, Connecticut service center in collaboration with CT Aero Tech, a part of the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System. The Montreal-headquartered manufacturer plans to establish the program at its other service locations in the U.S.

The program is designed to provide an accelerated training pathway for maintenance technicians in support of its growing fleets. Through FastTrack, candidates with at least 18 months of hands‑on airframe or powerplant experience, or 30 months of combined experience, can pursue FAA certification. Participants will take a two‑ to four‑week accelerated classroom refresher to prepare for the FAA General, Airframe, and Powerplant examinations. Then they will receive two weeks of hands-on instruction in preparation for the practical evaluation.

“The FastTrack program reflects Bombardier’s continued investment in building a highly skilled maintenance workforce to support our growing service operations,” said Paul Thompson, Bombardier v-p of service centers. “This initiative not only supports experienced professionals who want to advance their careers but also helps strengthen our capacity to deliver exceptional OEM maintenance services to our customers around the world.”

Bombardier noted that the program highlights its collaboration with CT Aero Tech, as well as with state collaborator AdvanceCT. 

“Bombardier’s decision to bring its FastTrack program to Hartford is a strong vote of confidence in Connecticut’s aerospace workforce and training ecosystem,” said AdvanceCT president and CEO John Bourdeaux. “By partnering with CT Aero Tech to expand pathways to FAA certification, this initiative will help more residents access high-quality aviation careers while ensuring Bombardier can continue to access the skilled talent they need to grow and compete.”