Hillsboro Aero Academy Earns FAA's Top Aviation Training Award

The flight school's maintenance team achieved 100% completion of required annual FAA training.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Hillsboro Aero Academy, an Oregon-based flight school, has been awarded the prestigious FAA Diamond Award, the highest level of recognition presented under the FAA's Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Awards Program. This honor acknowledges the academy's outstanding commitment to aviation safety through advanced training and continued education for its maintenance technicians.

Why it matters

The FAA Diamond Award underscores Hillsboro Aero Academy's dedication to preparing the next generation of aviation professionals with high-quality training, experienced instruction, and a steadfast commitment to safety. As a Part 145 Repair Station, the academy ensures all technicians complete rigorous, ongoing training to maintain the highest standards of aircraft airworthiness and operational safety.

The details

To earn the FAA Diamond Award, 100% of Hillsboro Aero Academy's eligible maintenance technicians completed the FAA's required annual training, reinforcing a culture of safety, professionalism, and technical excellence. 'I am extremely proud of our Maintenance team for their steadfast commitment to safety. The dedication and hard work each team member put into their training made this award possible,' said Nate Vandemark, Director of Maintenance at Hillsboro Aero Academy.

  • Hillsboro Aero Academy received the FAA Diamond Award in February 2026.

The players

Hillsboro Aero Academy

An Oregon-based flight school that has trained thousands of pilots from over 75 countries for over four decades. The academy is a Part 141-approved flight school and a Part 145 Repair Station.

Nate Vandemark

The Director of Maintenance at Hillsboro Aero Academy.

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What they’re saying

“I am extremely proud of our Maintenance team for their steadfast commitment to safety. The dedication and hard work each team member put into their training made this award possible.”

— Nate Vandemark, Director of Maintenance (statenews.net)

The takeaway

Hillsboro Aero Academy's achievement of the FAA Diamond Award demonstrates its unwavering focus on aviation safety and its commitment to training the next generation of skilled aviation professionals. This recognition underscores the academy's position as a leader in the industry, providing high-quality flight training and maintenance services that prioritize safety and technical excellence.