The Time to Learn Airplane Maintenance is Now! |
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By Alex Russel
alex.russel@hqpublications.com
Technician Programs Coulmnist
The aviation industry is going through a lot of changes. High-caliber companies, like American Airlines or Delta, are going through troubles, while newcomers like Southwest or Jet Blue, are still booming.
Because of the cutbacks in the older companies, many experienced veteran aviation maintenance technicians are leaving the older companies for other industries altogether. Therefore, there is a high demand for aviation maintenance technicians, and new and old companies alike are increasingly pushing to get women to fill the open positions, especially women who have graduated from an Advanced Electronics Technology (Avionics)
or Airframe & Powerplant program .
According to the magazine, Aviation Today, only 2.3 percent of aviation maintenance technicians are women. Companies are desperately trying to change that low, almost embarrassing number, and there are even scholarships out there for women specifically to get the training to work in aviation.
Types Of Work
There are different types of aviation maintenance work available to women.
Many aircraft mechanics specialize in preventive maintenance. They inspect engines, landing gear, instruments, pressurized sections, accessories (brakes, valves, pumps, and air-conditioning systems), and do the necessary maintenance and replacement of parts
Aviation mechanics specializing in repairs rely on the pilot's description of a problem to find and fix faulty equipment. For example, during a preflight check, a pilot may discover that the aircraft's fuel gauge does not work. To solve the problem, mechanics may troubleshoot the electrical system, using electrical test equipment to make sure that no wires are broken or shorted out, and replace any defective electrical or electronic components.
Some mechanics work on one or many different types of aircraft, such as jets, propeller-driven airplanes, and helicopters. Others specialize in one section of a particular type of aircraft, such as the engine, hydraulics, or electrical system.
Powerplant mechanics are authorized to work on engines and do limited work on propellers. Airframe mechanics are authorized to work on any part of the aircraft except the instruments, powerplants, and propellers. Combination airframe-and-powerplant mechanics - called A & P mechanics - work on all parts of the plane, except instruments. The majority of mechanics working on civilian aircraft today are A & P mechanics. Most receive their training from an FAA approved Airframe & Powerplant program.
Avionics systems are now an integral part of aircraft design and have vastly increased aircraft capability. Avionics technicians repair and maintain components used for aircraft navigation and radio communications, weather radar systems, and other instruments and computers that control flight, engine, and other primary functions. These duties may require additional licenses, such as a radiotelephone license issued by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The typical qualification for this job is a recognized Avionics training program
.
Westwood Advanced Electronics Technology (Avionics) Training in the Rockies
Although a few people become aircraft mechanics through on-the-job training, most learn their job in 1 of about 200 trade schools certified by the FAA. Westwood College's Denver campus
is an excellent example of such a program.
Located in the foothills of the Rockies, the Denver campus places over 90% of graduates from its aviation technology program into aviation jobs. Companies hiring from its student body include internationally recognized airline companies, including American Airlines and United Airlines. Graduates of Westwood Advanced Electronic (Avionics) programs
have also worked for aviation companies such as Boeing and technology giant, Hewlett Packard.
Most importantly, however, 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. Thus, 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 experience scheduled into 17-18 months, without sacrificing quality or depth of training. Westwood's programs are specifically designed to prepare its students to earn competitive salaries as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Airframe & Powerplant Training: Choose Your Destination
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.
Full-service Financial Aid Counseling
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 that could be available to you if you qualify. Westwood
actively seeks to make the program affordable to its applicants.
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