Challenges Faced by FAA CFR Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Instructors

Abstract

There is frequent discussion on the shortage of aviation maintenance technicians, but less frequent is the discussion on the instructors who will train these technicians. Most aviation maintenance technicians are trained at FAA-certified Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools (AMTS) at the college or university level. What is less understood are the challenges faced by aviation technician instructors. What are some of the factors that make teaching difficult? How did those challenges change the instructor’s approach to their career? The purpose of this study is to identify challenges faced by current aviation maintenance instructors and identify how those challenges affected the instructors’ approach to their careers. This study surveyed instructors from FAA Part 147 AMTS on their background, the challenges they face, and their effect on the approach to their careers. The survey was sent to 172 programs with n = 44 respondents. Participants identified COVID, instructor shortage, incoming experience and knowledge of students, and lack of qualified instructors as common issues.