Author: Greg Gaspard
SCHRIEVER, LA — Thanks to a donation from ConocoPhillips, Fletcher Technical Community College’s classroom has expanded to the sea. On Thursday, September 19, 2019, executives from ConocoPhillips delivered a 15’ Ronnie’s Aluminum Airboat to Fletcher’s BP Integrated Production Technologies Building in Schriever. The boat will be used in Fletcher’s upcoming Airboat Training class.
“We would like to thank ConocoPhillips for generously providing an airboat to Fletcher Technical Community College,” commented Chancellor Dr. Kristine Strickland. “This new asset will allow us to provide training and certifications in airboat operations. We know that this is critical training for individuals who work in our region, and we are excited and grateful for the opportunity to move this program forward through the generosity of ConocoPhillips.”
Airboat Training is a 5-day 40-hour course that will cover the nomenclature, safety concerns, common malfunctions, and basic operations of airboats. Weather considerations, operational hazards, dangers, night operations, as well as maintenance, field repairs, and safety (including First Aid/CPR certification) will also be covered.
Applicants for Airboat Training must be at least 18 years of age and have a boating license with no violations in the last 12 months. They must also have some experience operating an outboard boat and be willing to work in adverse and inclement weather conditions.