Epic Flight Academy has launched a new hiring program for aircraft mechanics at its New Smyrna Beach, Florida, campus that includes sponsored training.
Those who complete the 19-month training program will become FAA-licensed A&P mechanics and continue working at Epic for two years. Epic covers $27,000 worth of training costs.
For those students accepted into the program, Epic will cover 90% of the student’s tuition, with opportunity for employment while in school, company officials said.
Students are required to pay 10% of tuition, purchase their own tools, and pay for FAA exams.
If employed by Epic while in school, Epic will pay $17 an hour with FAA Airframe certificate and then $28 an hour once both FAA A&P licenses are achieved, officials noted.
“We are excited about this new initiative,” said Josh Rawlins, COO and aircraft mechanic program director. “As our flight school fleet grows, so does the need for highly trained A&Ps. We prefer hiring graduates from our aircraft mechanic program, because we know they have been trained to the highest standards.”
Epic is filling both day and evening positions with opportunities to travel to other locations throughout the United States, company officials added.
For more information: EpicFlightAcademy.com.
I am 55, and my son is learning to be a helicopter pilot. I want to work until 70, or work on his air vehicles. Are there programs in Oregon to attend? Will this company hire older workers? Just curious.
Epic’s program requires students to attend the A&P school for 19 months. During that time, they are eligible to work part-time in Epic’s maintenance department if interested. Epic is covering 90% of their tuition. In return, when they graduate, they agree to two years of full-time employment in Epic’s maintenance department. Epic’s fleet is expanding significantly. Therefore, there is an increased need for A&P mechanics on campus.
OK. I had to dig a bit but it is a 14CFR 147 school. The two I’ve taught at (and been Dir of Ed at one) is a structured training program with an FAA min of 1820 hrs. I’ve seen this crammed into a 12 mo program but the students really had to bust ass. We ran a 15 program at ECAT/Wyotech Boston and a 20 mo at FSCJ. Many needed to earn a living while in school. Both these allowed for that. The 18/18 mo program is a true OJT apprenticeship working in a sheet metal or engine shop. Most do it in a “hangar” work environment doing some of everything so the 30 mo combined is appropriate. (Fifty something years ago that was my way to these certs as a “cheap” pilot owner) Having seen the workmanship of trainees I doubt they will be working on flight school or customer aircraft other than basic servicing (under DIRECT supervision) until they are certified.
You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s “a license to learn”. 50 years on and this old dog is still learning new tricks. But more importantly, I’m here to mentor the new guys and gals that are coming out of these “mills” to make sure they get the right attitude for the job. That’s what they don’t teach at these schools any more.
When I earned my A&P you were required to have gone to school or have 18 months experience on airframe and 18 months for Power Plant or 30 months combined. I never really understood the 30 month combined requirement but it is what it is. Is 19 months really enough to become an A&P? I’ve seen hours required for pilots in certified schools reduced in an attempt to fill positions in the industry. Is the FAA “dumbing down” the requirements with safety being the cost?
Something does not make senses here. My younger son apprenticed for three years at an MRO in North Carolina to earn his A&P. It cost him nothing – as an apprentice he earned a wage sufficient to pay all his expenses. He had his own apartment and car and was independent right after high school. He later worked at two FBOs, got hired by GE Aerospace where he built jet engines for seven years. GE sent him to ERAU and paid for his bachelors in Aeronautics, which he earned magna cum laude. He now leads QA and Certification for GE in Durham NC. Cost him nothing but hard work. Apprenticeships allow one to earn while they learn.