How to Build a Career in Aircraft Maintenance (FAA Certified, In-Demand) скачать в хорошем качестве

How to Build a Career in Aircraft Maintenance (FAA Certified, In-Demand)

Most people think aviation safety starts in the cockpit. Pilots get the spotlight. Airlines get the headlines. But every safe flight begins long before takeoff — on the hangar floor. Aircraft maintenance technicians are the invisible backbone of aviation. And right now, the industry is facing a serious shortage of them. In this episode, host Andrew Brown sits down with Jason Pfaff, CEO of the Aviation Institute of Maintenance, to break down what aircraft mechanics actually do, why FAA A&P certification is one of the most demanding credentials in the skilled trades, and how aviation maintenance has become one of the most high-responsibility, high-mobility career paths in the trades. They unpack what it really takes to keep planes airworthy, why retirements and shrinking pipelines are creating a workforce gap, and how Gen Z, career switchers, and hands-on problem solvers can build long, stable careers in aviation — without following the traditional four-year degree route. If you’re curious about skilled trades that carry real responsibility, real standards, and real upward mobility — this conversation shows what most passengers never see. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE • What aircraft maintenance technicians actually do behind every flight • Why the aircraft maintenance technician shortage is structural — not temporary • Why FAA A&P certification is held to a higher standard than most trade credentials • How aviation maintenance school works (time, structure, and ROI) • Where aviation mechanics can work beyond commercial airlines • How pay, leadership tracks, and long-term career mobility really stack up • Why aviation attracts problem-solvers who want purpose, precision, and accountability CHAPTERS 00:00 Aircraft Maintenance Explained — What passengers never see 01:27 The Aviation Mechanic Shortage — Retirements, demand & broken pipelines 08:17 FAA A&P Certification — Why the standard is so high 13:40 Aviation Maintenance School — Program length, structure & outcomes 18:56 Career Mobility — Airlines, MROs, aerospace & beyond 26:05 Aviation Mechanic Careers — Earnings, leadership & long-term growth ABOUT JASON PFAFF Jason Pfaff is the CEO of the Aviation Institute of Maintenance, one of the nation’s largest aviation training organizations. He leads workforce development initiatives aligned with FAA standards and works closely with aviation, MRO, and aerospace employers to strengthen the skilled trades pipeline. Jason is a vocal advocate for trades education, access, and long-term career mobility in aviation. RESOURCE LINKS LinkedIn →   / jason-pfaff-210a3578   Aviation Institute of Maintenance → https://aviationmaintenance.edu/ 📱 FOLLOW ANDREW BROWN FOR MORE TikTok → /andrewbrowntrades Instagram → /andrewbrowntrades LinkedIn → /andrew-brown-b1736a5 Website → https://www.andrewbrown.net 📣 WORK WITH ANDREW Keynotes • Event Podcasting • Campaigns that actually reach Gen Z Enquiries → https://www.andrewbrown.net SUPPORT THE SHOW If this episode brought you value, consider supporting the show here → https://andrewbrowntrades.kit.com/pro... Every dollar helps us keep bringing unfiltered conversations from the trades straight to you.