Airplane mechanics school coming to Horry County

The Horry County Council tonight will cast the first of three votes on a 10-year-lease with Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics to open an airplane maintenance school at the Myrtle Beach International Airport.

The school would teach students how to perform engine and aircraft maintenance, a field that offers higher pay than many industries in the area.

Mike Hill, president of Avcraft, said a new graduate can expect to earn between $15 and $17 an hour, with plenty of opportunities to specialize or branch out into inspection work or management -- jobs that will offer increased pay.

Airport Executive Director Michael LaPier said PIA intends to open its school in September, and the building the school will occupy will be ready in time. The county is casting the final vote tonight on investing $600,000 in renovations to what is known as Building 325, including roofing, asbestos removal, some remodeling inside, electrical work and landscaping.

He said the work should be finished by Aug. 1.