AAA USA Donates Maintenance Training Aircraft to Saraland High School, Expanding Hands-On Aviation Training
Donation strengthens AAA USA’s commitment to supporting students pursuing aviation careers
Mobile, Alabama, March 20, 2025 – AAA USA, a joint venture of DRAKKAR and Daher and a leading aerospace, industrial, and ground transportation service company based in Mobile, Alabama, donates a full-scale maintenance training aircraft to Saraland High School to support its aviation program.
The donation, a retired Piper PA-28 general aviation aircraft, provides Saraland High School students with hands-on experience, allowing them to work directly on an actual airframe. This opportunity bridges the gap between classroom instruction and industry demands, preparing students for careers in aviation maintenance and related fields.
“As the aerospace industry thrives along the U.S. Central Gulf Coast—especially in Mobile—AAA USA remains committed to the local community through job creation, economic development, and education,” says Perry C. Rucker, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of AAA USA. “By investing in workforce development and partnering with Saraland High School and Coastal Alabama Community College, we aim to highlight the career opportunities available to students after graduation.”
Saraland High School, located just north of AAA USA’s headquarters in Mobile, offers an Airframe Technology program that educates students on aircraft construction and operation. This program opens career paths for students interested in becoming aircraft mechanics, technicians, and other industry professionals.
“At Saraland High School, we look at the careers and high-wage industries around our area and try to mimic that with what we teach and provide our students in the classroom,” says Brent Harrison – Superintendent at Saraland City Schools.
AAA USA and Saraland High School host a dedication ceremony today to mark the donation.
“We’re extremely fortunate to have this opportunity to partner with AAA USA, specifically to have a piece of machinery like the functioning airplane for the students to be able to physically put their hands on day in and day out, and it’s something that I feel like a lot of high school students do not have that opportunity,” says Scott Croley, Principal of Saraland High School.
In addition to donating the aircraft, AAA USA launches the “Wings of Opportunity” aviation scholarship for Saraland High School students. This initiative further supports the next generation of aerospace professionals. The scholarship is awarded annually, with applications available through Saraland High School. This year’s awards ceremony takes place on May 13 at 6:00 p.m. (Central Time) at the school’s campus.
ABOUT AAA USA, INC. (www.AAA-USAInc.com)
As a leading provider of technical workforce solutions, production engineering services and contract assembly, AAA USA, sets industry standards in aerospace, ground transportation, defense and industrial sectors across the U.S.
Committed to innovation, quality, and efficiency, the company enhances customers’ operational performance at the service of major OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and Tier 1 suppliers. AAA Group employs over 1,300 professionals across the Americas. As part of the Daher Services Group and the DRAKKAR Group of affiliates, AAA USA plays a vital role in delivering innovative and efficient industry solutions.
ABOUT DAHER (www.daher.com)
As an aircraft manufacturer, industrialist, industrial service provider and logistician, Daher today has approximately 14,000 employees for a revenue of 1.8 billion euros in 2024. With its family ownership, Daher has been focused on innovation since its creation in 1863. With locations in some 15 countries in Europe, North America and Asia, Daher designs and develops value-added solutions for its aeronautical and industrial customers and partners.
ABOUT DRAKKAR (https://drakkar.com/en)
DRAKKAR Group, in business for more than 30 years and employing approximately 2,800 people, groups together 13 affiliate companies specializing in four lines of service, including MRO & Interior Solutions, Logistics & Supply Chain, Industrial & Manufacturing, as well as Technology & MarCom in Canada, the United States and France.