With an innate human desire to explore the unknown, aviation is an exciting career prospect for many. Fortunately, there are several promising aerospace and defense career paths. The various jobs in the aviation sector require different domains of knowledge and degrees, ranging from experience in manufacturing, materials science, air regulation, mathematics, engineering, electrical work, and aerodynamics to intimate knowledge of…
Aviation training group CAE predicts an industry need for around 402,000 skilled aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul technicians over the next decade. In a newly published white paper, the company has made the case for a new approach to training that it said will both attract a younger generation of recruits and accelerate their training.…
Thank you to Kroil and Kano Labs for the amazing donation of supplies for our Aviation Maintenance programs. Having our students use top notch products during their educational time with us sure helps them know what right is when they are working in the Aviation Maintenance Technician field, we appreciate your dedication to the educational…
If you’re considering a career in aviation maintenance, you’ll find that there is a wide variety of aviation mechanic jobs available to those with the proper training and certification. We will explore the different types of jobs you can pursue after completing your aviation maintenance technician training, including the essential A&P certification. A&P Certification Before…
Enrolling in an Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) School is a great way to gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the aviation industry. These schools offer comprehensive training programs that prepare students for entry-level positions in aircraft maintenance and repair. Some of the benefits of enrolling in an AMT School include: Hands-On Learning…
Although most industries took a hit because of COVID-19, the world is starting to bounce back. Those industries that were already experiencing shortages before the pandemic began are still looking for legions of employees to add to their ranks. One of these industries, as you’d expect, is the aviation industry. We hear about pilot shortages…
While many people are fascinated by airplanes and helicopters, they think a job in aviation is out of their reach. While it may take years of experience and a small fortune to become a pilot, this is not your only career option. If you’ve always wanted to learn more about how airplanes work or how…
One of the most important tools an aviation maintenance technician uses doesn’t fit in a toolbox. From drills and screwdrivers, and even magnets, there’s a lot of tools an AMT uses regularly. But there’s one in particular that’s integral for just about every job: a ladder. No matter the size of the aircraft, there’s going…
As long as there have been aircraft, there have been people working on and fixing them. Like any machine they need regular maintenance to stay up and running. Before building the engine that would power the Wright Brothers’ first successful flight in 1903, Charles Taylor worked on bicycles. Often considered the father of aviation maintenance,…
If you’ve ever had to suffer through a delayed or even cancelled flight, you know how frustrating it can be. However, as a passenger, you’re not the only one that’s being affected by a delayed flight. Whether your flight was delayed ahead of time or even after your board, there’s likely a good reason. Here…
February is Black History Month, and to celebrate this year, we are recognizing the Tuskegee Airmen. Although you may know that they were the first Black aviators in the US military, there is a lot people don’t know about this heroic group.
Like with any job, there are specific tools you need to get it done. Whether you are just starting out or have been an AMT for a while, here are some of the most commonly used tools. Speed Handle One of the most essential tools in any aviation maintenance technician’s toolkit is a speed handle.…
As winter starts to finally settle in, there are some tasks you should be performing to ensure your aircraft is ready to withstand the cold weather. Along with the regular maintenance you’re already doing, the change in temperature means that there are some extra steps you should be taking. Whether your aircraft is remaining active…
Although there can be vast differences in the various types of airplanes, they all have the same general components. These parts all working together is what allows airplanes to not only get into the air but stay in the air. Each of their individual functions will be explored below. Fuselage When you look at an…
Every year since 1994, December 7th has been celebrated as International Civil Aviation Day. First established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)- a specialist organization within the United Nations- this day is recognized all over the world. It’s true purpose is to generate and reinforce worldwide awareness of the important of civil aviation both…
Like aircraft themselves, the aviation industry is made up of many different moving parts. From pilots and air traffic control to aviation maintenance technicians and ground crew, there are hundreds of different careers available to you. Regardless of the career path you choose in aviation, there will be different oversights and regulations that are determined…
Every November we recognize Aviation History Month and the beginnings of controlled flight. While humans have looked to the skies for centuries and dreamt of flying, aviation did not truly begin until November 1782 when French brothers Joseph Michel and Jacques Etienne Montgolfier began the first aeronautical experiments that would lead to the invention of…
From the wingtips (the ends of the wings) to the wing roots (where the wings connect to the fuselage) there’s more to an airplane wing than you can see from your seat. If you’ve ever wondered about the different parts of an airplane wing, you’re in luck! Keep reading to learn everything you need to…
Just like with any sort of transportation, aviation accidents happen. Whether it is a fatal crash or not, these can be extremely scary occurrences. In some cases, there is no way that these crashes could have been avoided. However, there are often times when they could have been avoided with the proper maintenance. Japan Air…
Although the only aircraft breaking the sound barrier these days are fighter jets, regular passengers were once traveling supersonically too. Supersonic flight takes place when you are traveling through the air at a speed that is greater than the velocity of sound. Although the speed of sound can vary based on the atmospheric pressure and…
When you start your journey to become an aviation maintenance technician (AMT), there is a lot of new terminology you’ll need to learn. One of the most prevalent terms you’ll hear is ‘airframe’. It is the ‘A’ in ‘A&P Certification’. But what is airframe? Airframe refers to the body and structure of an aircraft. Just…
If you’ve driven a car, you know that being able to go in reverse is just as important as being able to go forward. In a car, you simply need to switch gears to change the direction you’re traveling in. For an airplane however, going in reverse is a little bit different of an operation.…
Walk into any home and the majority of windows you see are square. There may be a decorative one that is completely circular or have an arched top, but most will be square. However, if you’ve ever sat on an airplane and looked out the window, that window was round. It may surprise you to…
Aircraft are some of the largest and most complex pieces of machinery that humans use every day. From traveling for pleasure to transporting goods all over the world, we could not survive without them. However, to make sure they are running properly, we need aviation maintenance technicians. AMTs are the ones keeping us safe in…
Aviator sunglasses: a classic look that goes with anything from a three piece suit to a swimsuit. They may even be a part of your summer style. Like many things we use day to day (like Kleenex and Duct Tape) aviator sunglasses were invented by the military. Now aviators are used by both military personnel…
Planning a family vacation this summer but don’t know what to do? Museums are always a great choice. Although there are aviation museums all over the country- and the world- here are the top 5 best aviation museums in the US. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum If you plan on visiting our nation’s capital…
If you’ve flown anywhere in the last decade or so, you’ve likely been asked to switch your cellphone or other electronic devices to “airplane mode”. Unfortunately, this doesn’t turn them into an airplane. While most of us will simply follow the instructions to switch to airplane mode without a second thought, other may have questions.…
Although pilots and flight attendants are most often credited with the success of flights, it is the people we don’t see behind the scenes that make air travel possible. Without aviation maintenance technicians, airplanes wouldn’t even be able to get up off the ground. Every May 24th we take the time to honor these individuals…
At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the airline industry was one of the hardest hit. While the world ground to a halt, millions of flights were cancelled. With all of those grounded flights, many airlines were forced to put their planes into storage. Why they were put in storage Whether it was because airlines…
From recycling to electric cars, everyone is trying to be more ecofriendly these days. But did you know that flying is responsible for almost 3% of the world’s emissions? There was a decrease in emissions at the height of the pandemic when people either weren’t flying or flights were being cancelled. However, as the aviation…
Airplanes undergo a lot of stress. From takeoff to landing and the times in between, there’s stress everywhere. Luckily, there are safety measures in place to ensure an airplane can do its job flight after flight. One such safety measure is small but mighty: safety wire. Also known as locking wire, it is an integral…
If you’re new to the aviation industry, especially as an aircraft maintenance technician (AMT), you’re bound to hear a lot of new acronyms. While you may already know some of them, one you might not is FOD. FOD is a constant struggle for both airports and the AMTs that work at them. So, what is…
Chances are you would recognize the presidential plane if you saw it. The famous blue exterior makes it one of the most well-know planes today. It helps that it also has the presidential seal on the side and an American flag on the tale. But what do we really know about the aircraft that carries…
Like many careers out there, hiring requirements have been changing. In January 2022, Delta Airlines dropped their degree requirement for pilots looking to be hired. Where in the past the airline, like others, required a four-year bachelor’s degree, they have gotten rid of this. While Delta is only now making this change, Southwest, United, and…
Chances are, if you’ve bought a new cell phone in the past few years, it is equipped with 5G. Even if you don’t know what 5G is yet, you’ve probably seen it mentioned in the news lately. After agreeing to delays twice, Verizon and AT&T will be rolling out the new technology for cellphone owners…
The Covid-19 Pandemic brought a lot of changes to the world, and some of those changes are here to stay. Thousands of employees had to switch to working from home during this time, and there are many who still are. In fact, working isn’t the only thing people are doing from home now. Over the…
Although not necessary to get a job as an aviation maintenance technician, getting a college degree may be something you’ve considered. While all it takes is a FAA certified trade school to start out your career in aviation maintenance, there are certain steps you can take afterwards to further your education. One of these things…
No matter how long you’ve loved aviation, there’s always something new to discover. If you want to learn some fun facts about airplanes and airplane maintenance to impress your friends and family, keep reading! Airplanes Are Lightning Proof You read that right. The giant metal contraption in the sky is actually lightning proof! If you…
Every year, new advancements in technology are being released. From the newest iPhone to developments in the aviation industry, technology is on the up and up. Want to learn more about the improvements being made to the aviation industry? Here are some technology trends to keep on your radar. Autonomous Flight Systems Usually when you…
There are qualities- both ones you can learn and ones you already have- that will make you a good aviation maintenance technician (AMT). It will take more than just a love of working with your hands to help you succeed in this industry. So, what are the top 7 qualities of a good AMT? 1)…
When you first think of careers in aviation, you most likely think of the ones you see when you fly somewhere on a trip. You see pilots walking through the airport in their uniforms or once you board your flight. You are greeted by the flight attendant when you first board the plane or while…
If you’ve been looking into becoming an aviation mechanic, chances are you’ve seen the acronyms AMT and AME- among many others- floating around. These stand for Aviation Maintenance Technician and Aviation Maintenance Engineer. One of the most popular questions aviation mechanics get asked is if there’s a difference between them. In fact, based off name…
For many industries, the integration of technology and digitization have brought countless advantages. But with an increased use of technology, there is also an increased risk of something going wrong. If you don’t have the right security measures in place, hackers can easily access your information. It’s important to have your data properly encrypted, and…
One cannot begin a discussion about the beginnings of flight without mentioning the Wright Brothers. Without their contributions to successful, powered flight, there would be no need for the myriad of regulations and laws that have since come into effect to keep both pilots and passengers safe. The largest transportation agency in the United States…
Although Howard Hughes is now most remembered for his eccentric behavior and reclusive lifestyle, he first gained notoriety as a Hollywood producer and director in the 1920s. His films often ran over budget and were delayed by censors for sequences of violence. He was also known as a business magnate, investor, skilled engineer, philanthropist, and…
In the last century, thousands of commercial aircraft have taken to the skies. But do you know which ones are the most produced and most widely sold? It may not come as a surprise to you that most of them are made by Boeing and Airbus. Douglas DC-3 Although no longer in production, we couldn’t…
Every month we get closer to a world with drone infested skies, whether they’re from hobbyists or it’s your latest Amazon order. In order to keep everyone safe, restrictions must be put in place for both recreational and commercial drones. No matter what type of drone it is, it’s flying in the national airspace. This…
For a lot of people, the most important aspect of flying doesn’t even have anything to do with the plane itself. In fact, as long as they get their preferred aisle or window seat on the plane, most people don’t give it another thought. But there’s somewhere else travelers spend the same, or even more…
When you look back through history, even all the way back to the ancient Greek, you will find instances of humans trying to achieve flight. From the story of Icarus flying too close to the sun, to Leonardo Da Vinci’s notebooks full of sketches of flying machines, flight has always been a human fascination. First,…
Although it’s easy to think about what a day in the life of a pilot or a cabin crew member might be like, most of us don’t know what life is like as an aviation maintenance technician. When we travel, we see pilots striding through the airport with their suitcases. When we board the plane,…
Fear of flying- or aviophobia- is one of the most common fears you can have. Many things can cause this fear, from claustrophobia to a fear of heights. However, one of the most common causes of aviophobia is a fear that the plane will crash. Statistically, you are more likely to be struck by lightning…
If you’ve been paying attention to the news lately, you’ve probably seen a lot of updates from NASA. Not only did their newest rover, Perseverance, land on Mars in February, it was carrying some precious cargo: a helicopter. With this helicopter, NASA will attempt the first powered flight not on Earth. Although its first flight…
Because of the global pandemic, there have been changes happening in all sorts of different industries. And even though the world hopes to one day go back to “normal”, there are going to be lasting impacts from our time battling Covid. One of the biggest impacts Covid has had, has been on our jobs. Many…
Although there has always been a kind of rivalry between pilots and aircraft mechanics, one cannot exist without the other. Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) did not actually exist yet when the Wright Brothers made their first flight, they had Charles Taylor. Charles Taylor worked in their bike shop and built the first aircraft engine, which…
If you have entered or are thinking of entering the aircraft maintenance field, you may be wondering what type of certifications there are available to you to help you further your career. When looking into certifications, there’s a good chance that you stumbled upon the A&P Certification, or license. The Airframe and Powerplant Certification, often…
Long thought to be a male dominated field, there are also hundreds of women who have had ground-breaking firsts in the field of aviation. From pilots to engineers, women have been an integral part of getting planes off the ground from the very beginning. Since the Wright Brothers first took flight in 1903, both men…
Behind every great institution is an individual who provided the dream and the drive to make that business a success. For North Central Institute (NCI), that driving force was Dr. John D. McCurdy. It is with great sorrow, we announce that he took his last flight, Sunday morning, March 14, 2021. Use this link to…
We all know what a crazy year 2020 was, and the affect it had on all levels of education. With schools embracing a more virtual approach, you may be wondering what the point of attending a traditional brick and mortar school is. High schools often focus on four-year colleges when preparing their students for graduation.…
Did you know that the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) was making changes to its Safety 1st Professional Line Service Training Program? NATA first announced that they would be making these updates in 2019. However, with how crazy 2020 was, you may not have been keeping up with all the exciting new features being introduced.…
Just because you aren’t a pilot, doesn’t mean you have to be grounded. Sometimes the work of an aviation maintenance technician will bring you to new heights! You may be wondering what I mean. Although much of your training will be on the ground, you may also need to work on aircraft at a height.…
The only constant in life is change. Because transitions are inevitable, the best thing that anyone can do is to be prepared for change when it comes. For active-duty service members, the day will come when it’s time to take off the uniform and transition to civilian life. You’re still serving your country, but you’re…
Whether you’re looking to start your first career or considering a change, take a minute to think outside the standard office routine. Have you ever thought about being an aircraft mechanic? This is a fun and rewarding career that can take you as far as you want to go. Read on for the 5 best…
COVID-19 has changed virtually every aspect of our lives, and air travel has been affected more than most industries. In the United States, all air transportation is overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Read on to discover how the FAA has adapted to the realities of this global pandemic. SFAR 118 The impact of…
There’s a worldwide shortage of aviation maintenance technicians, and it’s nothing new. For years, the aviation industry has been aware of the growing problem. According to a 2017 report by the Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA), this shortage could be costing the aircraft repair industry as much as 2 billion dollars per year. Although many…
From the Wright Brothers’ first airplane to today’s Boeing 737, aviation has come a long way in the past 100 years. Where once there was wood and fabric to keep them aloft, aluminum and fiberglass are now the predominant materials, and the only fabric you’ll find is your seat. However, the building materials aren’t the…
Do you love airplanes and helicopters? Many people are fascinated by the way they work, by the technology which keeps them in the air when the rest of us are stuck on the ground. Maybe you’re drawn by their aerodynamic shapes or by the sheer power they create. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to know more…
The average altitude for a helicopter to fly at ranges around 12,000 to 15,000 feet. However, the highest recorded flight occurred in 1972 when a pilot took their craft up to 40,820 feet. NCI offers programs for individuals with and without experience, under the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR part 65 and FAR part 147). Our…
