Major airlines are scrambling to hire more aircraft mechanics and schools across the country are coming up with new training programs to help meet this demand.
Schools across the US are starting new training programs to meet the needs of major airlines seeking qualified aircraft mechanics.
Aviation mechanics are recognized for working at airports at an alarming rate. United Airlines said it has hired nearly 900 aircraft mechanics this year. American Airlines created more than 500 flight maintenance jobs this fall.
One program in Centennial, Colorado teaches students how to inspect and repair airplanes. The Cherry Creek Innovation Campus is a career preparation center for high school students. The Powerplant class at the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus is the newest addition to its three-year aviation mechanic training program.
Starting salaries for aircraft maintenance technicians are around $75,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. ((Kennedy Hayes/FOX News))
During the class, students gain in-depth knowledge by studying the engines of helicopters and airplanes. Students practice problem solving in the hangar after school, such as learning to check cables on airplanes that might indicate a fault in their system.
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The ultimate goal is to pass the Federal Aviation Administration’s certification exam to get a job as an aircraft mechanic.
David Williamson, a teacher in the program, helps train the students. Williamson said the new Powerplant class gives students the tools they need to succeed in the industry, and it already has a waiting list.
Schools across the country are expanding with new aircraft mechanic training programs.
“We started mainly with aircraft mechanics getting their airframe certification. And recently we added a power plant certification to that,” Williamson said. “Now those students can leave our school with full A&P and it allows them to go wherever they want.”
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Colleges in more than a dozen states such as New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Maine, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Texas also offer aviation maintenance technician programs.
The ultimate goal of the Powerplant class is passing the FAA certification exam to get a job as an aircraft mechanic. ((Kennedy Hayes/Fox News)
Brandon Sanders, director of aviation at Texarkana College, said their program begins in January.
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“You have this huge industry. And you have this one critical skill that doesn’t have a training infrastructure built for it,” Sanders said. “That creates a dynamic situation where you have very low inventory, very high demand and wages are going through the roof and you have a situation where employers are foaming at the mouth for any amp technicians to come in.”
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Starting salaries for aircraft maintenance technicians are around $75,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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