vanThe Advanced Composites, Fabrication, Repair and Test Centre is now open at the Aviation Technology Campus of Canadore College, as part of Phase 1 of the Hammer Expansion.

Canadore Aviation professor Chris O’Conner says the new facility has two parts.

The first one is an advanced composite area, which he says is used for training students to repair and create parts for aircraft.

O’Conner says the second part of the facility is about testing.

He says the second area is a non-destructive inspection lab, which is designed to test parts that the students created and/or aircraft parts that are damaged.

O’Connor says with improved equipment and the training that the professors have received, he believes this will give Canadore a leg up in the Aviation industry.

President and CEO of Canadore College George Burton say this Centre is not only for the students.

People in the industry are invited to use the facility as well.

He says the centre cost $4.25-million and he sees the student number climbing from just over 200 to 260 after its opening.

Burton says planning will begin in the fall for Phase 2 of the Hammer Expansion, and it should be completed by the end of 2017.