Our full-time staff of mechanics keep you flying for maximum training unlike any other flight school. Feel free to give props to what American Flyers does above and beyond other flight schools.
MECHANICS: THE UNSUNG HEROES OF AMERICAN FLYERS
At American Flyers, we understand that our maintenance team is at the heart of our business. Without their dedication, we would not have reached our 85th year of training professional pilots. Our team is well-versed in the specific workings of the aircraft that we operate and performs various types of maintenance, including routine inspections, troubleshooting, repairs, preventative maintenance, and upgrades. A&P mechanics are often the unsung heroes of our industry, working tirelessly behind the scenes or after hours to help our students achieve their flight training goals.
Airframe and Powerplant licenses are a prerequisite for all maintenance positions within the company. As educators in the world of flight training, it is natural for us to have a mentorship approach in our maintenance program at American Flyers. Upon hiring, all new mechanics undergo an initial 8-week maintenance training and probationary period during which senior mechanics pass down many years of experience and tribal knowledge to get the mechanics standardized in American Flyers’ systems. We continue to build on this foundation as they advance within the company. We believe that this philosophy of mentoring and education is essential for safety, efficiency, and helping mechanics grow as individuals to achieve their career goals.
Our commitment to our mechanics does not end with their initial training. We invest in continuous professional development, offering ongoing education to keep our team at the forefront of manufacturers’ advancements and regulatory changes. The aviation industry is constantly evolving, with new aircraft technologies and maintenance practices emerging regularly. By staying current with these developments, our mechanics ensure that we continue to maintain the American Flyers’ standard of excellence. Moreover, our mechanics play a critical role in our safety culture. They are often the first to identify potential safety issues and take proactive measures to address them. Our maintenance team embodies this commitment, ensuring that every aircraft they service is safe, reliable, and ready for flight.
Our maintenance team operates under strict guidelines to ensure every aircraft meets the American Flyers standard before it takes to the skies. This attention to detail is not only limited to the regulatory requirements of the industry but also self-imposed standards designed to enhance the safety of our students and instructors and the efficiency of our flight schedule. Each routine inspection involves a comprehensive check of the aircraft’s systems, including the engine, airframe, avionics, landing gear, control surfaces, and applicable ADs and manufacturers’ recommended service items. Troubleshooting mechanical issues that arise requires a thorough understanding of both mechanical and electronic systems and the ability to “shift gears” as new challenges arise.
Did you know that many of the mechanics at American Flyers are also pilots? Since 1980, American Flyers has welcomed over 400 mechanics into our Mechanic-to-Pilot sponsorship program. This program allows mechanics who are interested in becoming professional pilots to receive flight training as part of their compensation for maintaining our fleet of aircraft. Mechanics in this highly selective program can earn their pilot licenses without out-of-pocket expenses while still receiving a competitive salary. Over 18 months, these mechanics learn to fly in the same airplanes they maintain and receive training for Private, Instrument, and Commercial pilot licenses. Additional extensions are available for those interested in CFIA / CFII flight instructor ratings. Many of these mechanics go on to become flight instructors for American Flyers.
The success stories from graduates of this program highlight the versatility and breadth of opportunities available within aviation. Some of our graduates have gone on to fly for major airlines, cargo carriers, corporate aviation, and even specialized roles such as medical evacuation and missionary pilot roles in remote regions of the world. The dual expertise of being both a mechanic and a pilot is a powerful combination that enhances safety and operational efficiency. Mechanics with flight experience understand how their work impacts flight performance and safety, leading to more thorough and conscientious maintenance practices. Pilots with a background in maintenance are also better equipped to diagnose and communicate potential issues during flights, fostering a collaborative environment between the cockpit and the maintenance hangar. These skills benefit them throughout their careers. The Mechanic to Pilot sponsorship program is a testament to our commitment to career development safety through aviation education. The program’s reputation often leads mechanics to us through word of mouth, as pilots, family members, and friends who are previous graduates share their positive experiences.
We take immense pride in supporting our maintenance team and watching them soar to new heights, both in the hangar and in the skies. After your next flight, please take a minute to thank your local mechanic for all the hard work that went into making it happen. Their dedication, skill, and passion are what keep our planes flying and our skies safe. At American Flyers, we salute our mechanics—the true unsung heroes of aviation.