Training of aviation maintenance personnel is a complicated operation that requires knowledge of aircraft system. Additionally, technicians should possess a comprehensive understanding of theoretical information concerning aircraft operations. The students should ensure a high value of test equipment, aircraft, as well as tools used in their work routines. Moreover, developing a sense of technical honesty, responsibility, and integrity is vital to aviation safety. Following graduation, students are expected to meet minimum levels of abilities, knowledge, and skills. This is essential in graduate certification.
They should attain a minimum of one thousand nine hundred instructional hours as stated in their curriculum. The curriculum has nine units, which assist in assessing students (Federal Aviation Administration, 2016). Every instructional unit has objectives related to the theoretical and practical content. The performance goals have further sub-divisions into modules. These modules offer manipulative skills, application, and knowledge. It is essential to ensure that students get a holistic approach to various aviation processes.
The Federal Aviation Administration is mandated to regulate licensing of maintenance personnel. It issues the Airframe and Power plant (A& P) certificates upon approval of individuals seeking to carry out aviation maintenance. Personnel can also obtain licenses through civil or military experience coupled with on job training (Johnson, 2012). Individuals must attain a minimum of thirty months of experience as aircraft maintenance technicians. This solid experience is required for certification.
Any individual applying for certification should present a valid certificate of completion from certified aviation maintenance school (AMS). Documentary evidence submitted should be satisfactory to the administrator (Kinnison & Siddiqui, 2012). Additionally, the applicant should have a minimum of eighteen months experience with practices, machine tools, materials, as well as equipment. These are used in altering airframes, maintaining, constructing, or power plants with appropriate ratings.
Upon application, tests are administered by designated officers. The minimum test score is seventy percent. These tests have rules barring cheating or other unauthorized conducts from applicants. Cases of fraud results into a suspension of one year before another application. Additionally, it may lead to revocation of current ratings held by the individual. Applicants are expected to be at least eighteen years old (Federal Aviation Administration, 2016). Moreover, they should pass all the required written, practical, and oral tests within preceding twenty-four months. Technicians must also demonstrate knowledge and skills in aircraft operations. This can allow the administrator to gauge his or her training level.
Oral, as well as practical tests, are utilized in determining the applicant's core competencies. His or her knowledge on maintenance of aircraft can also be identified through these tests. Minor alterations and repairs to propellers are needed as a way of demonstrating power plant rating. Once a technician receives his or her certificate, it should be displayed at the place of work. When requested, s/he should produce the original document. Certification can be requested by FAA, representative of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Federal, or law enforcement officer.
In conclusion, the requirements for certifications ensure technicians have minimum qualifications. Certified technicians have a responsibility to the United States citizens and government. The maintenance personnel are often required to adhere to a code of conduct provided by Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA). They should understand that the safety of individuals is heavily dependent on their skills, judgment, and knowledge (Halford, Goglia, & Stolzer, 2012).
References
Federal Aviation Administration. (2016). The Mechanic Certificate. Retrieved from Federal Aviation Administration. Retrieved from: https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aircraft/amt_handbook/media/FAA-8083-30_Ch13.pdf
Halford, C. D., Goglia, J. J., & Stolzer, A. (2012). Safety Management Systems in Aviation. Farnham: Ashgate Publishing.
Johnson, L. (2012). Working in Aircraft Maintenance. Cengage Learning: Boston.
Kinnison, H., & Siddiqui, T. (2012). Aviation Maintenance Management. New York, NY: McGraw Hill Professional
