 Sonya Story, student at South Georgia Tech
"Employers call every day," said Thomas Lloyd, department chair of the aerospace program at South Georgia Technical Institute. "Delta comes to our school and says, 'We will hire everyone you graduate.'" South Georgia Tech — often called the "Harvard and Yale" of aviation maintenance — has trained more than 100,000 mechanics in a rigorous course of study since 1948.
"I tell my students all the time, 'It's not like a car,'" said Lloyd. "If you leave something out of a car, you can coast to the side of the road. If you leave something out of the plane, you can't park on the nearest cloud-you're coming down."
Students spend five hours a day for two years studying 42 different subject areas of aviation maintenance technology. They will learn to service engines, propellers, lubrication systems, hydraulics, landing gear, tires, fuselage, fuel tanks and doors to become licensed.
"It takes drive to complete the course," said Lloyd. "If the student lasts 6 to 12 months, they will make it through."
After two years of study, the rigor continues as students then must take an FAA computer test in airframe and power plant. If they succeed on that test, they must pass an 8 to 10 hour oral and practical exam with an FAA examiner to get a temporary license. This qualifies them to work under the supervision of a licensed mechanic for six months, after which they can work independently.
Graduates say the hard work pays off. Not only are the jobs plentiful, but so is the pay, which can start at $30,000 to $35,000 in Georgia. New graduates usually start as junior mechanics, but can advance to lead mechanic, foreman or even management.
EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK: Expect nine percent annual increase in Georgia.
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