Category Archives: Aviation Maintenance Technician

ACP433 MRO Career Opportunities And Why Choosing The Right Culture Is Important.

With a looming shortage of qualified mechanics, how will MROs and potential employees navigate the future hiring environment. You will be surprised by what you will discover as we discuss this and more with Elliott Aviation CEO Michael Parrish. Elliott Aviation has successfully been providing aircraft solutions including sales, FBO services, and more. Today we will focus on what an MRO does, how Elliott has built a successful business, and why culture is important when choosing a future employer.

Talking Points:
Introduction
· Brief personal story: starting as a mechanic, service in the Air Force, path to Elliott Aviation President.
· Passion for aviation and why culture matters now more than ever.
Building a Culture People Want to Work For
· Getting back to basics: respect, communication, and clear expectations.
· Investing in people: training, mentorship, and creating growth opportunities.
· Giving people a chance: spotting potential beyond a résumé.
· The difference between being busy and being effective.
· Paying it forward: how leaders can shape careers through support and opportunity.
· Empowering employees to make decisions and take ownership.
· Identifying talent and nurturing it over time.
· Relating to people at every level — from hangar floor to boardroom.
· Understanding and leveraging what different geographic locations bring — talent pools, local partnerships, and community strengths.
Industry Challenges and Opportunities
· Acknowledging the projected shortfall of qualified mechanics in the aviation industry.
· Strategies for attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive market.
· How culture and opportunity make great career opportunities.
Career Opportunities at an MRO
· Aircraft mechanics and technicians.
· Crew chiefs leading projects and teams.
· Paint and interior specialists.
· Avionics technicians and installers.
· Engineers supporting modifications and upgrades.
· Support and administrative roles that keep the operation running.
Apprenticeships?
Closing Thoughts
· The role of culture in attracting and retaining the next generation of aviation professionals.
· Encouragement for anyone considering a career in aviation — there’s a place for many skills.

Links:

https://www.Elliottaviation.com

Mentorship:

https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/group-career-coaching
Use coupon code “CoachItForward” for the first month free.

One On One Coaching:
https://valeri-aviation.thinkific.com/courses/career-coaching
Special : One month free access when you sign up for 1 on 1 coaching.

Questions:

feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com

ACP260 Cassidy Moore and Her Journey to Becoming a Vintage Aircraft Mechanic

Cassidy Moore and Her Journey

Welcome to the inspirational, informational, and transparent aviation careers podcast.  Today we have a special guest to discuss how she landed a job as a vintage aircraft mechanic.

Before we begin a few announcements.

Announcements:

If you have questions, comments, inspirational stories, or announcements please write to us at feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com.  Have a special story about your career that would inspire others? Want to share your career in Aerospace, or have other information you feel would help our listeners then please consider becoming a guest on the show? Click on the be a guest tab in the show notes or on the right of the screen at AviationCareersPodcast.com.

At AviationCareersPodcast.com  You can find the Scholarships Guide, Career Coaching, and various courses online.  Don’t forget to use the coupon code “payitforward”, all one word. Through the generosity of others, you may receive the scholarships guide for free. As a matter of fact, for every $10 we raise from patrons of the podcast we give away one scholarship guide. 

If you want to make a difference in someone’s life by contributing to giving away a free scholarships guide please click on Patron. For as little as $1 a month you can make a huge impact on someone’s life and career.

The current online scholarships guide includes 36 new scholarships and 4 updates. To find out more visit AerospaceScholarships.com or click on the scholarships tab at AviationCareersPodcast.com.

April 2020 Career Coaching pricing change to $100 per session.

Today we have special guest Cassidy Moore, Vintage Aircraft Mechanic for the Heritage Flight Museum in Burlington, WA.

In This Episode We Discuss:

  • Her journey to becoming a mechanic.
  • Her journey to becoming the Lead A&P IA at Heritage Flight.
  • Challenges of being a female in a male-dominated field.
  • Advice for those looking to become a mechanic. 
  • Precautions every mechanic should consider from her experience with the FAA.
  • Responsibilities as a mechanic.
  • Advice for females looking to enter the field.
  • Living Her Dream…and so can you.

Links Mentioned in This Podcast:

https://heritageflight.org/

https://www.awam.org

https://www.instagram.com/hangar.queen12/

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/aircraft-and-avionics-equipment-mechanics-and-technicians.htm

ACP255 Aircraft Mechanic and Flight Instructor Dean Showalter

Flight Instructor Dean Showalter

Welcome to the inspirational, informational, and transparent aviation careers podcast.  Today discuss the civilian route to becoming an aviation maintenance technician. We have a special guest Dean Showalter, aviation maintenance technician, and podcaster, to help us understand the life of a civilian aviation mechanic. But first a few announcements.

Announcements:

Congratulations To Nik Schiaffo for passing his Instrument Check Ride.

If you have questions, comments, inspirational stories, or announcements please write us at feedback@aviationcareerspodcast.com.  Have a special story about your career that would inspire others? Want to share your career in Aerospace, or have other information you feel would help our listeners then please consider becoming a guest on the show? Click on the be a guest tab in the show notes or on the right ot the screen at AviationCareersPodcast.com.

At AviationCareersPodcast.com  You can find the Scholarships Guide, Career Coaching, and various courses online.  Don’t forget to use the coupon code “payitforward”, all one word. Through the generosity of others, you may receive the scholarships guide for free. As a matter of fact, for every $10 we raise from patrons of the podcast we give away one scholarship guide. 

If you want to make a difference in someone’s life by contributing to giving away a free scholarships guide please click on Patron. For as little as $1 a month you can make a huge impact on someone’s life and career.

Speaking of the scholarships guide, The current online scholarships guide includes 60 new scholarships and 3 updates

To find out more visit AerospaceScholarships.com or click on the scholarships tab at AviationCareersPodcast.com

Today I have with me Dean Showalter to help us understand the life of a civilian airplane mechanic and how to become an aviation maintenance technician.  Welcome to the show Dean.

In This Episode We Discuss:

  • What is an Aviation Maintenance Technician?
  • Airframe and Powerplant Ratings.
  • What is it like to be a mechanic?
  • The many jobs of an AMT.
  • Three ways to gain the experience required.
  • Pay and benefits.
  • Airlines vs Private Aircraft jobs.
  • Why you should consider becoming an AMT.

Links Mentioned in This Podcast:

http://airplaneownermaintenance.com

https://www.faa.gov/mechanics/become/

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/aircraft-and-avionics-equipment-mechanics-and-technicians.htm

https://www.bakersschool.com/ap

ACP216 Aircraft Mechanic Adam Sipe

Aircraft MechanicWelcome to the inspirational, informational, and transparent aviation careers podcast. Today I am with an aircraft mechanic Adam Sipe from the AirplaneIntelPodcast.com.

Announcements:

AviationCareersPodcast.com/Courses You can find the Scholarships Guide, Career Coaching, and various technical courses online. As a special thanks for listening we have specials in the right column of our website so don’t forget to visit AviationCareersPodcast.com for discount coupons before you buy.

If you or someone you know is interested in being a guest on the podcast please watch our video on how to be a guest on our podcast. You can find the video at the bottom of the show notes or on YouTube.

In This Episode We Discuss (Aircraft Mechanic Adam Sipe):

  • So you want to be an aircraft mechanic.
  • Why become an aircraft mechanic.
  • Pay and Benefits.
  • How to become a mechanic.
  • The different types of certifications.
  • Working conditions.
  • The different jobs as a mechanic from small business to large airline.
  • The challenges of being a mechanic.
  • Why Adam Likes being a mechanic.
  • Can being a mechanic help those who want to be a pilot?

Links Mentioned in This Podcast:

Bureau of Labor Statistics Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians

Become a Mechanic info by FAA

ACP062 – Aviation Writing And Listener Mail with Jamie Beckett


JamieThis week’s show was originally intended to simply be a Q&A session with my friend and fellow pilot Jamie Beckett, but as a bonus we started talking about his career in independent aviation writing. Jamie is an independent writer of non-aviation fiction and aviation related non-fiction. He has written for a number of aerospace companies including:

  • Gleim Publications
  • AOPA Flight Training
  • AOPA Flight School for Business
  • General Aviation News, where he has a regular column entitled “Politics for Pilots.”

Janie and I talk quite a bit about “General Aviation,” which is any aviation that takes place outside of the big commercial airlines that are in the business of moving lots of people or cargo in major, often international airports. General Aviation takes place at small local airports like Gilbert Field in Winterhaven, Florida where we recorded this show. At these small airports you will not usually find a ticket counter and baggage carousel, but you will find flight instructors, personal and corporate pilots, mechanics, rental car agents, travel promoters, and even office workers hired to keep the airport running, ordering fuel, and arranging flight time for students. Jamie makes a very interesting point about seeing your local GA airport like more of a mall, a hub for commerce for your community that can expand your town economically by bringing in people and goods to create jobs.

Jamie shared extensively about how he became and independent writer for airline publications and how that contributes to his passion for aviation, as well as making a living in that field. He also gave some great tips and advice on how to break into the industry.

In the second half of the show, Carl and Jamie answered some great listener questions:

  • Should I buy an airplane, and what type?
  • Is my flight review still current, do I truly need a flight review? (The answer might surprise you!)
  • Carl is NOT moving to Melbourne, Australia
  • Keep moving in your career, get your ATP written by August 1, 2014 even if you are not ready for the test.
  • How much will a checkered past prohibit you from pursuing a professional aviation career?
  • Flying in Papua, New Guinea
  • Story about switching to a career as a flight instructor
  • How to get hired in the aviation business
  • Creating an online resume through a personal website

Links:

If you would like to learn more about Jamie or get in torch with him,, you can do so at his website: JamieBeckett.com

cropped-96768-David-Gilson-Banner

FAA Regulation – Flight Review 61.56

Tom Wachowski discusses this in the Pilot Jobs book video How to Build a Web site. This video is available for free to registered users. The entire Pilot Jobs Book is available to Annual Members Of Aviation Careers Podcast.

Pilot Jobs Book Video : How To Make a Website


ACP045 – Airline Pilot – Stressful, Dangerous, and Boring?


P1010002

We Discuss:

  • ATC Contract Towers.
  • Why airline pilot is listed as the most stressful and most dangerous job.
  • Is Being an Airline Pilot Boring?

Listener Mail:

  • A listener who wants to become an astronaut asks:  Should I join the Air Force and gain flight experience and then apply to test pilot school?  Is it possible to pursue a graduate degree while learning how to fly a MWS aircraft? 
  • What would you recommend is the best place to network regarding corporate aviation & Jobs?
  • I live in Chicago, any recommendations, or any clubs I could join?
  • Would a check ride failure impact my corporate flying careers?
  • Will employers still consider me for employment with multiple failures?  
  • A 20 year old Bahamian pilot would like more information on aerial photography.  
  • A 38 year old flight attendant with a charter airline wants to be a commercial  pilot. Given the time and expense involved, am I too old to enter this profession? How long would it take me to complete my training? Once training is completed, how many years would I have in the profession before I have to retire   
  • A Canadian pilot wants to know if there are scholarships available for aviation in Canada?
  • Does the excitement of aviation continue once you actually ‘make it’?
  • Are you still as passionate about aviation as you were when you blew your tires driving off the road pointing out the 747?  

Links Mentioned In This Podcast:

SimpleFlight.net – Live Aviation Radio Show in broadcast over the internet.

Jet Upset Training Adds Big Value To Your Aviation Ventures – Pilot Jet Podcast Episode 18

Pilot Records  Information Act

Forbes Most Deadliest Jobs

Most Stressful Jobs from Salary.com

CBAA – Chicago Business Aviation Association

Linked In Chicago Business Aviation Network

Linked In Chicago Area Business Aviation Association

Linked In Business Aviation Network


ACP041 – “Don’t Let The Effort Keep You From Your Goal” Listener Mail With Eric Crump


RedBirdSimulator
Eric Crump the Aerospace Program Director at Polk State College  is an experienced pilot and has had years of experience helping people achieve success in their aviation career.

Eric and I discuss the following listener mail:

  • An aviation maintenance student wants to know job prospects for pilots and mechanics.
  • A 38 year with a family wants to know if age is a factor in choosing a career as a pilot and what his financing options are.
  • A private pilot wants to know if color blindness will keep him from becoming an airline pilot and what opportunities are available for those that are color blind.
  • Anissa has some advice for young pilots: “Don’t let the effort dissuade you from your goal!”
  • A  43 year old private pilot asks if a particular type of flying companies like to see in a pilot’s logbook?
  • Do I need to fund my own multi-engine rating to be considered for corporate or charter flying or are there opportunities for single engine pilots out there?
  • Will a  special issuance medical hurt my chances at an aviation career?
  • What is  your opinion on the future of civil aviation regarding pilotless aircraft. In the last half decade there have been huge advances in UAV technology and do you think that in say the next 30-50 years we will see the cockpit be reduced to 1 person just monitoring systems or possibly no-one?
  • Should take a semester off, and go to flight school and while instructing finish my associates online?  

 

Links Mentioned In This Podcast: 

Polk State Approved to Offer Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Sciences

Red Bird Flight Simulators

Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook

Episode 006 – Career Prospects Are Good for Both A Pilots And Mechanics, A Panel Discussion with Guests From National Aviation Academy. 

AOPA Article: Answers for Pilots: Color vision

AOPA Article: Color Vision Restriction Removal

Air Surgeon’s Medical Bulletin January 2012

PlaneSense – fractional operator of single engine aircraft.

The UAV Digest
UAVDigest

The Golden Age of Unmanned Flight


Episode 008 – Combining a Flying Career with Another Career Interview with Jamie Beckett, Publisher of Flight Monkeys

Pilots are fascinating people because they are goal oriented and have many interests. If you find you have a passion for flying but have other interests in life, a career in aviation can still be for you.

One of the wonderful things about flying for the airlines are my days off. Some months I have 20 days off which affords me the opportunity to pursue other endeavors. Can you think of a career you might enjoy part time while having a career in aviation?

I have friends with successful careers in aviation while also having a career in many other fields such as dentistry, law, real estate, accounting, and medicine just to name a few. If you have a passion for aviation and a passion for other endeavors don’t fret, flying might be the perfect career for you.

A person who has designed a lifestyle which includes a career in aviation is Jamie Beckett. Jamie is the publisher of FlightMonkeys.com, an author, flight instructor, and City Commissioner in Winter Haven, Florida. Jamie is a busy individual and you can tell by speaking with him for only a few moments that he lives life to the fullest.

Jamie Beckett and I discuss:

  • How you can define a career in aviation that fits your personality.
  • Advice for people looking towards instructing part time.
  • The advantages of being both a pilot and mechanic.
  • Melding of Politics and Aviation.
  • Jamie’s varied career path and the fears many of us have in pursuing a career in aviation.
  • FlightMonkeys.com.

Recommendations:

Jamie Beckett produced an outstanding video The Value of Aviation. Jamie eloquently describes the benefit of aviation in the lives of those at the airport but more importantly the community as a whole. This is one of those videos you should save to give to your friends when they ask you the “real” value of aviation.

Watch The Value Of Aviation:

Politics for Pilots (The Loose Cannon View – 2011) – Jamie Beckett’s Politics for Pilots is a weekly column that appears as a popular blog posting on GeneralAviationNews.com and has been used to collect the stories for The Loose Canon View. The column is described as “irreverent, casual, highly optimistic, and at least occasionally inspirational. It also tends to be uniquely insightful and written with a high degree of professionalism. It’s actually fun to read, too.”

For those wanting to read something beyond how to fly and learn how to navigate the world of politics and aviation this e-book is for you.

Thanks for listening to Aviation Careers Podcast. If you have any questions comments or suggestions please contact me at AviationCareersPodcast.com, ITunes, Twitter, Facebook, or by e-mail. Until next time please keep in mind the path to an aviation career is varied, challenging, and exciting.

Keep your eye on your aviation goal and fly safe!

Listen to Episode 008:

Listen In Itunes:



Episode 006 – Career Prospects Are Good for Both Pilots And Mechanics, A Panel Discussion with Guests From National Aviation Academy.

Do you have an interest in becoming both a pilot and a mechanic? You would be surprised how many pilots hold a mechanic’s license. There are some advantages to being both. I discuss:

  • How you can be an operational asset because you can repair items which break and a mechanic is miles from your location.
  • Certain seemingly simple repairs must be signed off by a mechanic especially if it includes a safety wire.
  • Some pilot jobs including corporate jobs require a mechanic’s license.
  • Story of a simple bird strike which grounded our plane and how having a mechanic on board saved the day.

Interview

Teresa Ferent of National Aviation Academy in Clearwater, Florida invited me to speak with a variety of employees at their Clearwater Florida facility. National Aviation Academy has a long history of training mechanics and recently has added pilot training to their curriculum. I have worked with many of the mechanics and pilots who have graduated from the National Aviation Academy and can say first hand that they provide outstanding training.

We discuss:

A special thanks to those I spoke with at National Aviation Academy Including:

Teresa Ferent, Community Resource Representative
Angie Capriotti, Director Of Career Services
Richard Rios, Director Of Student Finance
John Okenfus, Assistant Director of Admissions
Marty Carpenter, Director Of Admissions for Professional PIlot Technology.

Recommended Products and Services:

The National Aviation Academy website has one of the most extensive repositories of information concerning careers as Aviation Maintenance Technicians and Pilots. They have outstanding online presentations concerning job prospects, salary expectations, and how to get your certificates. This is the first website I tell folks to turn to for information concerning becoming an aircraft mechanic. Even if you are not planning on attending the school I highly recommend the information they provide on this website.

For those who are interested in getting a jump start on becoming an Aviation Maintenance Technician or for those who already are AMT’s there is a handy reference for the iPhone and the iPad. I use their app for pilots and think it is one of the best organized and easiest to read Aviation Regulation reference for a mobile device. For more information on what is included in this reference click below:

FAR/AMT for the IOS device.