Takeoff with a Career in Aviation Maintenance

by Alex Russel
alex.russel@hqpublications.com
Technician Programs Coulmnist

For many, working in aviation was a childhood dream - a distant possibility - like being an astronaut or a major league baseball player. But of all the dream jobs, aviation jobs are surprisingly attainable.

In fact, if you have a high school diploma, all you need is about a year and a half at a FAA licensed aviation school and you can join an industry that the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts will only expand in the foreseeable future.

Aviation maintenance is a good example of an aviation job whose career potential is only rising. With the possible exception of jobs at major airlines, aviation jobs of all types are proliferating. And, if you enroll in the Airframe & Powerplant, you will be well prepared to start a long and fruitful aviation career.

Aviation Maintenance Jobs Outlook

Opportunities in aviation maintenance abound. According to the US Bureau of Labor statistics, jobs for aircraft mechanics of every stripe are expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2012. Large numbers of additional job openings should arise from the need to replace experienced mechanics who are retiring.

And there are a lot of aviation mechanics retiring. As the major airlines run into financial difficulties, many of their employees are retiring at the first opportunity. Despite the fact that major airlines are in financial difficulty, though, doesn't mean that the airline industry itself is shrinking - quite the opposite.

Up and coming companies like Jet Blue, Southwest, and other low cost or regional airlines have expanded exponentially. Even though a majority of these companies are non-unionized, one out of five aviation mechanics is still in a union, with all the benefits and job security it entails.

Aviation Maintenance: From Advanced Electronics (Avionics) to Airframe & Powerplant Training

Although some aviation maintenance careers are obtainable through on-the-job training, most learn their job in 1 of about 200 trade schools certified by the FAA. Westwood College of Aviation Technology's Denver campus offers excellent Advanced Electronics (Avionics) and Airframe & Powerplant training. Westwood's LA and Houston campuses offer the Airframe & Powerplant program.

Advanced Electronics (Avionics) Training and the Rocky Mountains

Situated in the foothills of the Rockies, the Denver campus helps graduates from its aviation technology program find aviation jobs shortly after graduation. Companies hiring from its student body include not only the great airline companies, like American Airlines and United Airlines, but also well-known companies, such as Dyncorp, Boeing, and Hewlett Packard. In fact, in 2002, Dyncorp interviewed nine Westwood students at the Denver campus and offered jobs to every one of them.

More importantly, FAA standards require that certified mechanic schools offer students a minimum of 1,900 actual class hours. Westwood provides each student at least 2,100 hours before graduation. Westwood graduates have surpassed FAA requirements and are fully prepared for career demands.

Interestingly, coursework in most aviation schools normally lasts from 24 to 30 months. For the programs at Westwood, 2,100 hours of aviation mechanic training is scheduled into 17-18 months without sacrificing quality or depth of training. Westwood's Advanced Electronics (Avionics) Technology program is specifically designed to prepare its students to begin rewarding careers, as quickly and efficiently as possible .

Airframe & Powerplant Training: Where do You Want to Go?

Westwood's Airframe & Powerplant program can be completed in as little as 17 ½ months and is taught in three U.S. Locations. The job of the Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic is to maintain, repair, or overhaul major aircraft components. An Airframe & Powerplant program can begin in the city of your choice:

Denver. Located in the third fastest growing state in the U.S., Colorado is an ideal place to begin your studies. With growth in population, there is sure to be growth in air travel. which may mean growth in aircraft maintenance jobs.
Houston. Centrally located in the Southwest and abounding in recreational opportunities, Houston is U.S. nexus for travel. Upon graduation from an aviation program in Texas, you'll have your pick of numerous aircraft maintenance careers.
Los Angeles. The birthplace of some of the earliest innovators in the airline industry, including Lockheed and McDonnell-Douglas.

Financing an Aircraft Education

Westwood strives to offer its students other services as well. At Westwood College, financial aid is available to those who qualify and Westwood maintains a full-service financial aid department. Talk to a financial aid advisor about VA loans, alternative loans, and scholarships are available to you if you qualify. Westwood actively seeks to make the program affordable to its applicants.

Sources

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2004-05 Edition, Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos179.htm, 2004.
Brandenburg, Susan. "Education: The Key Ingredient To Success." Women's Digest. 1 Nov. 2004. http://www.womensdigest.net/departments/career/car0804c.html.
Rather, Dan. "Jet Blue: Flying Higher?" CBS News.com. 1 Nov. 2004. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/10/16/60II/main525810.shtml.

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