Aviation Maintenance Technology SkillBridge Program for Transitioning Military

The DoD SkillBridge program is an opportunity for service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships or internships during the last 180 days of service. DoD SkillBridge connects transitioning service members with industry partners in real-world job experiences.

Three times a year, every January, May and September. Reach out to our SkillBridge Site Directors for specific dates.

The 18-credit hour Aviation Maintenance Technology Certificate provides broad academic knowledge of general aeronautics, airframe systems and power plant systems. The curriculum consists of six courses that can be transferred into the AS/BS Aviation Maintenance or AS/BS Aeronautics degree programs.

If you have satisfied the experience requirements established by FAA Part 65.77 to qualify for the Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certificate, then this program will provide you with foundational knowledge necessary to take the FAA written, oral and practical examination. Select industry partners want candidates to be as close as possible to obtaining the A&P Certificate.

If you have not satisfied the 18-30 months of practical experience necessary to qualify for the A&P Certificate, then select industry partners are committed to hiring and will provide you with the necessary practical experience.

AMNT 240 General Aeronautics and Applications - 3 Credits (3,0)

This course is an introduction to general aeronautics. It includes the study of physical mathematics, weight and balance, government regulations regarding aircraft maintenance, common and special tools and measuring devices, fluid lines, hardware, aircraft servicing and documentation.

AMNT 260 Aircraft Electrical Systems Theory - 3 Credits (3,0)

This course is an introduction to aircraft electrical systems. The study of the principles and concepts of basic DC and AC electrical theory, magnetism, batteries, generators, motors, voltage regulators, circuit protection and electrical component installations are included in this course.

AMNT 270 Airframe Structures and Applications - 3 Credits (3,0)

This course is an introduction to airframe structures, appropriate applications and repairs. The study of aircraft wood, dope, fabric, sheet metal, welding theory and methods of fabrication are included in this course.

AMNT 271 Airframe Systems and Applications - 3 Credits (3,0)

This course is an introduction to airframe systems and applications. The study of airframe systems such as aircraft electrical system, fuel systems, cabin atmosphere control systems, instrument systems, communication and navigation systems, ice and rain control systems, fire protection systems, and aircraft inspection are included in this course.

AMNT 280 Reciprocating Engine Theory and Applications - 3 Credits (3,0)

This course is an introduction into the characteristics of the reciprocating engine. Topics of study include theory, construction, propeller systems, fuel metering, lubrication, exhaust, engine installation and overhaul, and operational maintenance procedures.

AMNT 281 Turbine Engine Theory and Applications - 3 Credits (3,0)

This course is an introduction into aircraft propulsion systems and applications. Theory, principles of operation, and controls and systems for propellers and turbine engines are analyzed in this course.

If you have satisfied the experience requirements established by FAA Part 65.77 to qualify for the Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certificate, then this program will provide you with foundational knowledge necessary to take the FAA written, oral, and practical examination. Select industry partners want candidates to be as close as possible to obtaining the A&P Certificate. 

If you have not satisfied the 18-30 months of practical experience necessary to qualify for the A&P Certificate, this program will prepare you academically for the FAA tests, and select industry partners are committed to hiring and will provide you with the necessary practical experience to get you eligible.

Transitioning service members, honorably discharged veterans and eligible military spouses. Service members are eligible to attend the program within their last 180 days of military service.

Active Duty

• Must be within 180 days or less left in the military when to program begins. (Please check with your local SkillBridge advisor for your branch of service requirements.)
• Command approval.
• Motivated to seek employment through this program.
• Mechanical aptitude (you do not need to have hands on aircraft experience to pursue this program).

Veterans

• Honorably discharged (must submit DD214)
• Mechanical aptitude (you do not need to have hands on aircraft experience to pursue this program).
• Motivated to seek employment through this program.

Spouses

• Spouse of an active duty service ,ember; must be able to show appropriate documentation (i.e., service member's most recent LES, marriage certificate).
• Mechanical aptitude (you do not need to have hands on aircraft experience to pursue this program).
• Motivated to seek employment through this program.

If travel is not authorized, then participants can attend our virtual cohort.

Service members must contact their installation SkillBridge point of contact for details about service specific requirements. Generally, members may be authorized to participate at locations/installations other than where they are currently assigned; however, the member is responsible for his/her own travel to and from home installation and lodging during the cohort.

According to Boeing’s Pilot and Technician Outlook 2023-2042, long-term demand for newly qualified aviation personnel remains strong, as 649,000 new pilots, 690,000 new maintenance technicians and 938,000 new cabin crew members will be needed to fly and maintain the global commercial fleet over the next 20 years.

Additional information can be found at:

• https://www.boeing.com/commercial/market/pilot-technician-outlook/
• https://www.oliverwyman.com/our-expertise/insights/2023/jan/not-enough-aviation-mechanics.html
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/aircraft-and-avionics-equipment-mechanics-and-technicians.htm#:~:text=in%20the%20military.-,Pay,was%20%2469%2C280%20in%20May%202021

• It is an FAA certificate that is required for certain aircraft maintenance operations.
• You can obtain either A, P or both.
• Learn more about becoming an Aviation Mechanic

• Simply put, the A&P opens doors to opportunities, offers job security and can increase earning potential.
• Some positions require an A&P based on FAA regulations (used to perform and document maintenance, etc.).
• Some companies view it as proof of experience beyond years in positions, as it shows a breadth of documented experience.
• There are certain aircraft maintenance positions that do not require an A&P, however, adding one often increases salary for the same position.
• While this is most beneficial for maintenance positions, it also enhances secondary career transitions (safety, maintenance management, aerospace engineering, unmanned systems, training, etc.)

AAR

AAR is an independent provider of aviation services to commercial and government customers around the globe. The company was incorporated in 1955 and today has revenues of approximately $1.8 billion with more than 6,000 employees in 20 countries. AAR’s aftermarket expertise and award-winning market solutions, which can be integrated or leveraged separately, help customers increase efficiency and reduce costs while maintaining high levels of quality, service and safety. AAR is a trusted partner to airlines, militaries and OEMs delivering competitiveness so they can focus on transporting passengers, cargo and parts around the world.

Additional information can be found at AAR's website or by watching this video.

Amentum

Amentum is a premier leader in global engineering, project management and solutions integration, modernizing the most critical missions anywhere in the world today and in the future. Their customers rely on them to successfully manage and execute the most complex programs of scale and provide them with the solutions they need for an unpredictable world.

They are recognized as a top military and veteran employer by Military Friendly, U.S. Veterans Magazine, Military.com and Disabled American Veterans.

For more information, visit Amentum's website.

The Boeing Company

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Veterans represent 15% of Boeing’s workforce, accounting for roughly 20,000 employees.

Headquartered in Virginia, commercial airplane production takes place in three major facilities: Everett, WA; Renton, WA; and North Charleston, SC.

For more information, visit Boeing’s website.

HAECO Americas

HAECO Americas supports aircraft carriers around the world through a broad array of aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and engineering services, as well as comprehensive cabin interiors products and services through its Cabin Solutions division.

Headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, HAECO Americas employs over 2,000 individuals across four locations, including two multi-hangar facilities in Greensboro, North Carolina and Lake City, Florida, as well as the HAECO Cabin Solutions facilities in High Point and Wallburg, North Carolina in the U.S.

For more information, visit Haeco's website.

Hawaiian Airlines

At Hawaiian Airlines, over 7,000 employees throughout the Islands and across all travel destinations are honored to serve guests and community with a passion for air travel, a commitment to world-class service and the unique desire to introduce authentic Hawaiian hospitality to the rest of the world.

For more information, visit Hawaiian Airlines' website.

Honeywell

Honeywell helps organizations solve the world's most complex challenges in automation, the future of aviation and energy transition. As a trusted partner, we provide actionable solutions and innovation through our Aerospace Technologies, Building Automation, Energy and Sustainability Solutions, and Industrial Automation business segments — powered by our Honeywell Forge software — that help make the world smarter, safer and more sustainable.

For more information, visit Honeywell’s website.

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 110,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

For more information, visit Lockheed Martin's website.

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a pioneering technology company that brings the unique perspectives of ambitious, curious people together. They work to solve the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Their 95,000 employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems in air and space that impact people’s lives around the world. Approximately 25% of Northrop Grumman’s team are veterans or active reservists.

For more information, visit Northrop Grumman's website.

StandardAero

StandardAero offers extensive maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services and custom solutions for business aviation, commercial aviation, military and industrial power customers. About 6,000 professional, administrative and technical employees work in 38 major facilities around the world, with additional strategically located regional service and support centers all across the globe. Services include MRO for aircraft and rotorcraft engines, auxiliary power units and components; airframe services including major alterations; FAA authorized avionics capabilities; comprehensive engineering services; and custom exterior and interior design, completion and paint. We provide these capabilities through our network of specialized facilities and mobile service teams.

For more information, visit StandardAero's website.

• Company introductions and employment opportunities.
• Direct contact with the hiring recruiters.
• Interview preparation specific for the aviation industry.
• Resume assistance towards careers in the aviation industry.
• Participants are guaranteed at least one interview with an industry partner.

Our industry hiring partners have numerous locations and open positions. Starting salaries depend on experience and location, and vary among industry hiring partners.

Average wages and other employment data can be found on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

Costs

There is no out-of-pocket cost to participate in the program. However, associated costs must be covered by third-party funding such as VA Education Benefits, Scholarships or Grants. We can help you find funding options.

The total amount that will need to be funded includes the following:

Tuition and Fees

• The program consists of 18 semester credit hours.
• Visit our Tuition Rates webpage for a breakdown of current tuition rates.

Books and Supplies

• Most courseware is provided free of charge or available for download from the FAA Website.
• Courseware not available free of charge will need to be funded.
• Additionally, participants are required to bring their own laptops to class.
• If a participant does not own a sufficient laptop, one may be provided on loan. Contact your location’s Site Director before the cohort begins to discuss your options.

Funding Sources

The following funding sources are approved:

• All Veteran Affairs Education Benefit options: Contact your VA Counselor for more information and to discuss what you qualify for at www.VA.gov. 
• 3rd Party Scholarships
• 3rd Party Grants
• ERAU Scholarships
• Financial Aid: Federal Financial Aid may be an option if you are a degree-seeking student, and the courses taken in the AMT SkillBridge program also apply to your degree program.
• Local funding sources: Discuss possible local funding opportunities with your location’s Site Director.

Please contact our SkillBridge Site Directors at AMTSkillBridge@erau.edu for additional information.