As the pilot shortage continues to be a focus in the media, the airline industry is facing yet another shortfall which has received less coverage: A shortage of aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) – the people who maintain, repair, inspect and overhaul aircraft every time they are grounded. Without sign-off from an AMT, a plane cannot fly. With air travel approaching pre-pandemic levels, the demand for AMTs is greater than ever before. So, how dire is the shortage?
This month, we take a closer look at the demand for aircraft mechanics and why now is the best time to train for an airframe and powerplant (A&P) certification at Vaughn.
Soaring demand
According to Boeing’s Pilot and Technician Outlook 2022-2041, the industry will need as many as 610,000 new civil maintenance technicians over course of the next 20 years. That’s an even greater demand than for new pilots (excluding business aviation), which is projected to reach a need of 602,000 during the same time frame. Adding pilots to the workforce is useless without also adding maintenance technicians. How do you capitalize on this surging demand? If becoming an aviation maintenance technician interests you, then Vaughn’s A&P certificate program can be your ticket to this futureproof career.
What is the role of an aircraft mechanic?
Essentially, aircraft mechanics oversee the operations of various types of aircraft—which include jets and helicopters—by maintaining and repairing their systems and components. Just imagine: For every flight that lands in the United States, there is a crew of aircraft mechanics who must inspect the plane and sign off on each protocol to make sure that every facet of its mechanics is working properly and efficiently before it can take flight again. Without these highly skilled professionals, planes cannot fly. Talk about an in-demand career!
How Vaughn can get you there in as little as 16 months
At Vaughn’s Aviation Training Institute (ATI) students are trained to become aircraft mechanics. Vaughn’s Aviation Maintenance (Airframe and Powerplant) certificate and Aviation Maintenance Associate in Occupational Science are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. What could this decision mean for your future? Check out these amazing benefits of a career in aviation maintenance:
- Great starting salary and overtime – AMTs in New York can earn up to $37 per hour in just their first year and have many opportunities for overtime.
- Flight benefits – AMTs can receive discounted or even free flights, depending on the employer.
- Sectors of aviation – in addition to working in commercial, general (e.g., personal, business or emergency transport) or military aviation, AMTs can also work in other sectors such as theme parks or wind turbines.
- Keeping people safe – at the end of the day, AMTs keep airplanes running smoothly which saves lives.
- Opportunities for growth, continued learning and advancement – the aviation industry is constantly evolving and expanding as new technology is developed, which creates a continuous pipeline new jobs and opportunities. There is no limit to where this career can take you, as long as you work hard and continue to hone your skills.
Want to know what it takes to become an aircraft mechanic? Check out our blog, “A Day in the Life of an Aviation Maintenance Technician.”
What’s the next step?
What are your plans for the future? As noted above, Vaughn’s ATI program can prepare you for a job in the aviation industry in as little as 16 months. Learn more about this exciting opportunity at our Aviation Maintenance Info. Session on Thursday, December 15 at 6 p.m. We hope to see you there!
Travelers are beginning to spread their wings a bit further these days as air carriers are pulling out all the stops to ease the minds and wallets of passengers who choose to fly during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Despite their eagerness to travel, some passengers may still be on the fence as far as booking their next flight is concerned. The good news is that most US airlines have created new guidelines and restructured their schedules to make travelers feel more confident.
This month, Vaughn College is highlighting five ways airlines have pivoted to make traveling a more passenger-friendly experience during the pandemic.
Ticketing
It comes as no surprise that the influx of customers seeking refunds was staggering, as travelers scrambled to cancel their existing flights that were booked prior to the pandemic striking the US in mid-March.
Here are two ways some airlines are accommodating their customers:
- Loosening restrictions on vouchers and travel credits
- Extending time frames for travelers to rebook their trips
Cleaning
Travelers want peace of mind when traveling by plane, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Airlines have upped their game by making significant changes to their cleaning procedures to minimize the risk of passengers contracting the virus.
Here are steps some airlines are taking to maintain cleanliness on their planes:
- Electrostatic spraying with disinfectant before every flight, with close attention to high-touch areas like overhead bin handles and arm rests
- Deep cleaning each plane for six-to-seven hours every night, from back-to-front
- Holding flights if airline personnel feels cabin is not clean enough prior to boarding
On the ground experience
A smooth experience in the air begins with a positive experience on the ground. Travelers have been seeing significant changes at airports as they navigate through the coronavirus pandemic. Here are safety measures some travelers may notice which could help reduce the spread of the virus:
- Plexiglass shields at check-in counters and gates
- Frequent sanitation of touch points, including kiosks
- Touch-free transit, using mobile boarding passes
- Use of electrostatic spraying in the gate areas and jet bridges to help keep pre- and post-flight process areas sanitized
- Back-to-front boarding or limited number of passengers boarding at once
- For the lounges that are open, travelers should expect a “scaled-back” experience such as limited capacity, disposable glassware and pre-packaged snacks
Onboard experience
If you haven’t flown in a while, you can expect changes to the onboard experience. Aside from the mandatory mask requirement, passengers may be noticing other significant changes including:
- Blocked middle seats on larger aircraft, and aisle seats on smaller ones
- Reduced passenger capacity
- Limited passenger and flight attendant interactions
- Refreshments may be provided in individually sealed bags only
Loyalty
Loyalty is more important now than ever before when it comes to airlines supporting their loyal fliers. Here is how some airlines with loyalty programs are supporting their members:
- Extending the elite status
- Earning bonuses via credit card spending
We hope this glimse into what airlines are doing today during the pandemic will help you prepare for your next flight.
Are you interested in a futureproof career? For over 85 years, Vaughn College has been training people from all walks of life to work in the aviation field. From pilots and air traffic controllers to aircraft maintenance mechanics and engineers, Vaughn offers the degrees that can give you a competitive edge in some of today’s hottest markets. Discover all that’s possible with an exciting career in engineering and technology, management or aviation. Apply today.
