Episode
How to Build a Career in Aircraft Maintenance (FAA Certified, In-Demand)
- Published
- Jan 6, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2667
- Processing state
not_requested
Actions
POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-lost-art-of-the-skilled-trades-6923648/episodes/how-to-build-a-career-in-aircraft-maintenance-faa-certified-in-demand/transcription-requests
Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode.GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-lost-art-of-the-skilled-trades-6923648/how-to-build-a-career-in-aircraft-maintenance-faa-certified-in-demand.md
Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource.
Summary
Aircraft maintenance is the backbone of aviation safety. Andrew Brown and Jason Pfaff break down the aircraft maintenance technician shortage, FAA A&P certification, and aviation careers. Host Andrew Brown sits down with Jason Pfaff, CEO of the Aviation Institute of Maintenance, to explore the unseen world of aircraft maintenance and why the growing aircraft maintenance technician shortage is becoming a serious issue across the aviation industry. They unpack what goes into keeping planes airworthy, why FAA A&P certification is one of the most rigorous credentials in the skilled trades, and how aviation maintenance school serves Gen Z, career changers, and hands-on problem solvers alike. The conversation also maps the long-term aviation mechanic career path, including pay progression, mobility, and opportunities beyond commercial airlines. This episode is essential listening for anyone curious about Skilled Trades, the Trades Industry, or high-impact careers built on craftsmanship, precision, and responsibility. IN THIS EPISODE (00:00) – Aircraft Maintenance Explained: What the public doesn’t see behind every flight (01:27) – The Aircraft Maintenance Technician Shortage: Why aviation is facing a workforce gap (08:17) – FAA A&P Certification: Why aviation mechanics are held to a higher standard (13:40) – Aviation Maintenance School: Program length, structure, and return on investment (18:56) – Career Placement & Mobility: Airlines, MROs, space, and advanced aerospace roles (26:05) – The Aviation Mechanic Career Path: Earnings, leadership tracks, and long-term growth Key Takeaways Aircraft maintenance is a highly coordinated, safety-critical system that most passengers never notice—until something goes wrong. The aircraft maintenance technician shortage is…