Five Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) from Team DTW placed 36th out of 74 teams in the Aerospace Maintenance Competition (AMC) on the heels of the 2022 MRO Americas conference in Dallas. After AMT Pete Adzema discovered the competition in the Aviation Weekly magazine, fellow AMTs John Fauth, Steve Wahlers, Matt Stotz and Wade Rogers had just 47 days to research the 27 different event categories, put together a competition strategy and practice their maintenance skills best suited to each AMT to compete.

“It was such a great time spending the week at the AMC competition and it was a really eye-opening experience for our DTW team,” said John Fauth, AMT 2, Line Maintenance, DTW. “Going toe to toe with all the teams from across the industry who put months and months of training in challenged us to be better than our best. Typically, this type of work is done mostly behind the scenes in our day-to-days, so it was unique to see all the people competing to put our craft onto the center stage and in the spotlight.”

Teams competed in event categories varying from Aircraft Damage Inspection to Engine Fan Blade Removal to Electrical Troubleshooting and Cable Rigging, along with much more, that each had 15-minute time limits to complete. Our team competed against teams made up of everyone from college students to Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) specialists to military members and general and commercial aviation professionals from across the globe.
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“I was excited to see the initiative this group took to enter the competition,” said Mike McBride – VP, Operations, Delta TechOps Services Group (DTSG). “Historically TechOps hasn’t entered, but after seeing the energy this team brought, the leadership team and I are fully behind them and encourage others to get involved next year. It’s a fun time and a great opportunity to learn.”

​John, Steve, Matt, Pete and Wade look forward to sticking together to compete at next year’s conference at MRO Americas 2023 in mid-April in Atlanta.

​“The competitive spirit displayed from our DTW AMTs during this competition was electric, and we will absolutely encourage more participation next year at the conference in Atlanta,” said Don Mitacek – SVP, Delta TechOps, and President, DTSG. “Each day, our team members play critical roles to maintain our status as the best operator in the aviation industry. So, watching our folks showcase that at a large platform like MRO Americas makes me super proud to be part of this award-winning team!”

​The Aerospace Maintenance Competition showcases the talent required of aviation maintenance technicians to maintain aircraft and spacecraft in safe, airworthy condition. To further support of our future mechanics, AMC is proud to provide scholarships in recognition of Phoebe Jane Fairgrave Omlie, the first female to receive an FAA aircraft mechanic’s license in 1927. Phoebe helped show the world that women were just as capable as men in repairing and maintaining aircraft.
 
The award recipients are as follows:

• Joshua Schilinski is pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Technology, Flight & Maintenance at Liberty University, School of Aeronautics in Lynchburg, Virginia where he is completing his third year.  He grew up in Cameroon, Africa where he saw firsthand the importance of aviation in the developing world.  That experience led him to work with an aviation humanitarian organization before attending college.  His references site his exemplary character, integrity and leadership skills, as well as his work ethic.  He is noted for his ability to work well with others, including as a competitor on the AMC team. Mr. Schilinski’s goal after college is to use his skills as an aircraft mechanic to promote aviation safety in the developing world while working with an aviation humanitarian organization. Mr. Schilinski was awarded a $5000 scholarship provided by the Aerospace Maintenance Council, as well the Jim and Alice Rice FAA Testing Fees Grant provided by the Northrop Rice Foundation.
• Rebecca Waring is a first-year student at the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania where she has already distinguished herself by being elected class president and being selected for her school’s AMC competition team, the only one to have ever been selected in her first semester.  She grew up going to airshows and being fascinated by aviation but never considered a career in aviation until recently. After a career change brought on by the impacts of the pandemic, she began working in the automobile industry.  Finding that work interesting and challenging, she began looking for other mechanic opportunities and came upon an ad for PIA. She decided to meld her love for aviation with her love of maintenance.  Her references commented on what an exceptional student she is, how she has maintained an A average in her theory classes and is also doing excellent hands-on work in the shop.  Ms. Waring is looking forward to a bright future in aviation maintenance. Ms. Waring was awarded a $5000 scholarship provided by the Aerospace Maintenance Council, as well the Jim and Alice Rice FAA Testing Fees Grant provided by the Northrop Rice Foundation.​
• Penelope Wood is a student at George T. Baker Aviation Technical College in Miami, Florida.  Ms. Wood is pursuing her studies with distinction, maintaining an almost straight A average in her courses, and is lauded by her professors for her excellence in her schoolwork and in her mechanical abilities.  They also note her outstanding teamwork and her willingness to help others.  Ms. Wood plans to continue her maintenance education after acquiring her Airframe &Powerplant certificate by studying avionics.  Her professional goal is to become a Maintenance Director and one day open her own engine shop.  Ms. Wood hopes to inspire other women to consider aviation maintenance as a career. Ms. Wood was awarded a $1000 scholarship provided by TechForce Foundation.
• Shelby Quillinan is a rising senior at Embry-Riddle University in Daytona Beach, Florida where she is majoring in Aviation Maintenance Science, with a concentration in Maintenance Management.  She was inspired to go into aviation be her parents who both worked in the airline industry.   Ms. Quillinan ‘s professors note both her academic and technical skills, stating that she demonstrates the high-level of leadership, attitude, integrity and fortitude needed to excel in the aviation industry. She plans to further her knowledge of avionics and serve as a role model to others in the aviation maintenance field. Ms. Quilinan was awarded a $1000 scholarship provided by TechForce Foundation.

The scholarship is supported through the generous contributions of AMC participants and sponsors. During the 2022 competition, Snap-on donated 500 screwdrivers that were originally meant for the cancelled 2020 event. Those screwdrivers were given out in exchange for donations to the scholarship fund where over $11k was raised. For more information and to apply, visit www.aerospacecompetition.com/scholarship.

Applications for next year's award will open in January 2023.

On Tuesday April 26, United is hosting a Recruitment Mixer where jobseekers will have the opportunity to meet and speak with reps from United Airlines, learn about the company and the many job opportunities they have to offer. 

Tuesday, April 26 5:00-7:00pm
Courtyard Dallas Downtown/Reunion District
310 South Houston Street
Dallas, TX 75202

To attend, please register at:  https://forms.gle/8cHbLpD3jNZYEA5z8 

Buffalo, New York, April 4 - After a two-year hiatus, the crew at AireXpert is excited to announce that the 2022 Aerospace Maintenance Competition held in Dallas will be livestreamed to viewers across the world starting on April 26 at 09:30 (CT).

The AMC has become an important and hugely successful part of Aviation Week’s MRO Americas Conference and brings over eighty dream teams of aircraft maintenance professionals together in one venue to compete in more than 25 technically demanding challenges.

The competitors take this competition very seriously and they have a ton of support from family, friends and coworkers” stated Andy Hakes, CEO of AireXpert. “I’m excited that our crew is able to do our part to shine a light on the amazing work that most often happens behind the scenes. This event truly represents the best of the best and that’s a really high bar in this profession”.

Presented by Snap-on and supported by the generosity of the aviation community, the Aerospace Maintenance Competition celebrates the depth and application of knowledge across current and future professionals who support airlines, educational institutions, defense & military and the emerging space ecosystems.

Fans can sign up to view the livestream at mroamc.live

Contact:
AireXpert
Dave Farley
716-550-9098
dave.farley@airexpert.net

Nominations for the 20 Twenties class of 2022 are in full swing and Aviation Week Network would like to ask for your assistance.

Do you have or know of any students or interns who are on course to change the face of the aerospace and defense industry? We're looking for those rising stars — the young innovators, passionate believers, and future A&D leaders. 


The 20 Twenties program was established by Aviation Week Network in 2013 to recognize talented individuals with a bright future in Aerospace & Defense.


To nominate a student, please complete this form and then share it with other deans or faculty members who have exceptional students.
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For general information on the 20 Twenties program, click here. 
All submissions must be received by April 29, 2022.
Have questions? Feel free to contact Anna Dariotis at anna.dariotis@avationweek.com

Now in its ninth season, the competition attracts professional and collegiate maintenance teams from around the world to come together in friendly competition, test their skills, and give a loud shout-out of their presence in the industry. This year’s event will take place April 25-28, 2022, in conjunction with Aviation Week’s MRO Americas in Dallas.
 
The council is overseen by an executive committee led by The Honorable John Goglia, the only FAA certificated mechanic to receive a presidential appointment to the National Transportation Safety Board.
 
“We are very proud of the team brought together to help usher this organization to the next level,” said Council President John Goglia. “The high caliber of council leadership is testament to the respect paid to current and future aviation professionals, and industry’s support of students that will soon enter the profession.”
 
The executive committee welcomes the following newly elected directors:

• Aaron Anderson, Global Segment Manager Transparencies Repair Services, PPG Industries
• Victor Bontorno, Director – Distribution & Ground Support Test Equipment, Barfield Inc.
• Kevin Brickner, Senior Vice President, Technical Operations, American Airlines
• Bill Cade, Vice President Technical Operations, JetBlue
• Stewart D’Leon, Director, Environmental & Technical Operations, National Business Aviation Association
• Tom Doxey, Senior Vice President, Technical Operations, United Airlines
• Les Frank, Managing Director of Aircraft Maintenance, FedEx Express
• John Gowey, Vice President, North America-Critical Industries, Snap-on Incorporated
• Andy Hakes, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, AireXpert
• Kurt Kinder, Vice President, Maintenance Operations, Southwest Airlines
• Alan Stolzer, Dean, College of Aviation, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Joseph A. Sylvestro, Senior Vice President, Aftermarket & Sustainment Operations, Pratt & Whitney
• Don Wright, Vice President, Maintenance & Engineering, Alaska Airlines

 
In addition to Goglia, new directors will join Vice President and Ken MacTiernan—who also serves as the competition’s chairman and aviation maintenance technician at American Airlines—and Secretary/Treasurer Todd Curtis.
 
This year’s AMC is likely to eclipse more than 80 teams. The deadline for teams to enter the 2022 AMC is April 1. To register a team, visit https://www.aerospacecompetition.com/team-registration.html.
 
Learn more about the board of directors at aerospacecompetition.com/leadership.

Download the full press release at amc-boardannouncement-20220317.pdf

In support the FAA’s Youth Access to American Jobs in Aviation Task Force, AMC is asking its members help distribute an educator survey developed by the Task Force’s Trends Subcommittee. If your organization is, and/or has relationships with K-12 institutions or programs, please forward the following request in support of the group’s objective to encourage high school students to pursue careers in aviation:


Dear Educator,
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The Youth Access to American Jobs in Aviation Task Force (YIATF) needs your help. YIATF is an advisory group established to provide the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with recommendations that will encourage students to pursue in-demand careers in aviation. The group is examining trends that directly or indirectly encourage or discourage young people from pursuing aviation careers. To assist the Task Force in understanding the role of the educator and what recommendations would best support the goal, the group would like your input.
 
To participate in the survey, visit: https://forms.gle/NfH3AHY3U8Doe1An9
 
We greatly appreciate your assistance on this important effort.
 
While responses from post-secondary education is welcome, the Task Force is especially interested in feedback from the K-12 community. We certainly appreciate our members passing the request along to their local partners in education.