The world of aviation maintenance is complex and unforgiving of errors; it can, however, be profoundly rewarding, both in job satisfaction and compensation, when correctly approached. The approach, then, is the key to success. So we've polled some of the most highly regarded, successful mechanics we know, whose own careers had humble beginnings and meteoric ascents into leadership positions and beyond, to equip you with the knowledge to thrive in this demanding industry. Up for a challenge? Then let's go! Licensure To the uninitiated, getting the Airframe and Powerplant license may seem like an immense hurdle to overcome when unlicensed opportunities abound at the entry-level. If you're ready to enter the workforce but don't yet have your license, these can be a great stepping stone, but the importance of becoming licensed cannot be overstated. Without a license, advancement opportunities are nearly non-existent, and licensure is a minimum requirement for many of the most sought-after jobs in the industry. Fortunately, many <a href="http://aviationjobsguy.com/jobs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">employers</a> offer programs to help you get your license while you work. This is at the top of the list for a reason! Get licensed! Learn Throughout your aviation career, whether you're an A&amp;P mechanic, structures mechanic, avionics technician, NDT technician, or inspector, learning is a constant process. You'll learn maintenance techniques, terminology, systems knowledge, different airframes and engines, <a href="http://www.faa.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FAA</a> regulations, your employer's processes and policies, and the list goes on. The key is to keep a mindset of learning, and use the experience of your peers. Prove Yourself Aviation maintenance, as an industry, is a smaller group of people than you might perceive. While the number of maintainers is staggering, you'll find that after a few years in the industry, you'll have contacts within numerous organizations, and you'll realize that your reputation begins to precede you, for better or worse. In that case, you'll want to ensure it's the former. Establish yourself as a skilled worker, with a great work ethic, a positive attitude, and a teachable disposition, and you're on the fast track to success. When you're first starting out in aviation, or starting a new job, you have something to prove, so prove it well! Know Your Value Your labor is worth money. The exact value is up to you, and the market, to decide. Don't get caught in a situation where you are undercompensated and don't know to change it. With employers struggling to hire competent talent, there's never been a better time to negotiate a fair price for your wages. Do your research and go in prepared to ask for a fair offer. The current market puts the impetus on the employer, not the laborer, so don't underplay your hand. Websites like <a href="http://www.bls.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bls.gov</a> are great jumping off points to determine fair wages in the industry. Don't Stagnate Don't be the mechanic retiring at 70 years old, never having advanced beyond entry level for your entire career. It is easy to get complacent in a position and let inertia carry you to mediocrity. Get licensed, if you aren't already, pursue some professional development certifications, and work towards replacing your boss. And then do it again. No room to grow in your current company? Look elsewhere. Your career is what you make it. This article is not intended to address job function mandates, like following tech data or company policy. You should, of course, do what it takes to keep the flying public safe, the aircraft you maintain airworthy and compliant, and your livelihood intact. But when you want to build your career and not just a paycheck, be sure to reference this article, and more, from <a href="http://www.AviationJobsGuy.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AviationJobsGuy.com</a>.

Advice from the Voice of Experience

<a href="https://flyfrompti.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Piedmont Triad International Airport</a> (KGSO) is slated to become a major hub of aviation business in the coming years, as aircraft manufacturers flock to Greensboro, NC for its advantageous business environment, infrastructure, and employee development pipeline. Recently, <a href="https://boomsupersonic.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Boom Supersonic</a> completed construction on their Superfactory facility, that will eventually house production of their Overture airframe, a commercial jet capable of supersonic flight without the eponymous "boom", due to a phenomenon called Mach cutoff. The first prototype is set to be completed in 2027, with the goal of type certification and commercial service by 2029. This will be the first supersonic passenger jet produced since the retirement of the Concorde. Boom has secured pre-orders from American Airlines, United Airlines, and Japan Airlines and will bring 1,700 jobs to Greensboro by 2030. <a href="https://www.jetzero.aero/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">JetZero</a> will begin construction on their manufacturing plant in 2026, in preparation to build their groundbreaking blended wing design, the Z4, in Greensboro. The Z4 is touted to reduce emissions by up to 50%, and has attracted financial backing from Alaska Airlines and United Airlines, with technical support from Delta Airlines. Full scale production is expected to commence in the beginning of the next decade. JetZero projects the creation of 14,500 jobs in Greensboro over the next decade. In addition to these trail-blazing newcomers, Greensboro has been home to <a href="https://www.hondajet.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HondaJet</a> for over 25 years. Initially established as an R&amp;D facility, their campus at PTI transformed into a fully fledged production facility and service center in the 2010's, where they build and maintain their 6-seater business jet. Honda has the bulk of its workforce in place, but routinely has openings. Greensboro stands to gain over 16,000 skilled, high-paying jobs within a decade, thanks to aviation business. The manufacturers are working closely with local community colleges to establish a pipeline of qualified employees to fill these positions, but they will surely try to attract talent from elsewhere. For mechanics and technicians local to North Carolina, all of these new jobs are a boon; an already strained labor market and the promise of increased competition have begun moving the needle on wage stagnation for employees at established MRO's and FBO's in Greensboro. The future for aviation professionals in Greensboro holds promise, and it isn't unreasonable to expect rising property values in the area, as the allure of high quality careers and excellent pay brings transplants to the Triad. Now is the time to position yourself for your future in aviation in Greensboro, NC. There are several established, reputable companies already doing business in Greensboro, and they are facing the same staffing challenges as the rest of the industry. Visit our <a href="https://aviationjobsguy.com/jobs/greensboro" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">careers page</a> to view and apply for available openings, and seize the opportunity of a lifetime.

Greensboro, NC: Future Aviation Epicenter

There has never been a better time to start an aviation maintenance career. Already an AMT? Even better! You're perfectly positioned to take advantage of one of the best career opportunities in an exciting technical sector, with high demand, stability, and potential for growth. It's no secret that much of the blue collar workforce is aging out of the job market. Coined "the silver tsunami", Baby Boomers are rapidly retiring from aviation maintenance careers, leaving a manpower vacuum behind, and worse yet, taking their experience with them. MRO's, OEM's, and airlines are scrambling to fill their vacancies, and struggling to attract candidates. For Millennials and Zoomers, four-year college degrees and white collar desk jobs were established as the benchmark of success at a young age. We were given the impression that our livelihoods would depend upon a $100,000 piece of paper and years of our young-adulthoods spent in a classroom. And now, the job market is flooded with indebted, overqualified professionals, who, no doubt, are very well educated in who-knows-what, fighting for crumbs in an oversaturated, competitive market, soon to be replaced by AI. A grim outlook, indeed! To wit, the solution to both of these problems is apparent. Aviation businesses are desperate for driven talent, and the workforce is ripe to fill these roles. Basic economics plays to maintainers' benefit, where the supply of qualified candidates is no match for the massive demand of the industry. Businesses have to compete for the talent in the market. The result? Rapidly rising wages, often higher than those of college graduates, better benefits, and job security. But wait, there's more. Those Boomers going out to pasture? The vacancies they are creating are in supervisory and management positions as well. Upward mobility for aircraft mechanics, avionics technicians, and NDT specialists exists throughout the industry, and all you have to do is apply. There is no better guarantee of continued employment than requirement by law. As long as commercial aviation exists, so will the need for aircraft mechanics. The FAA requires that aircraft are maintained to a standard of airworthiness to continue to legally fly, and the business of air travel demands airworthy planes. Whether you're a high school kid trying to find your path, an entry level mechanic looking to establish yourself in the exciting world of aviation maintenance, an experienced professional seeking greener pastures, or a victim of the college machine making a career change; aircraft maintenance is a proposition too compelling to ignore.

AviationJobsGuy Blog

Advice from the Voice of Experience

Greensboro, NC: Future Aviation Epicenter

Why You Should Become an Aircraft Mechanic