Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) students see their career options as aviation engineers expanding after completing the required certification.
Hannah Hembree, of Acworth, recently completed coursework to earn her associate degree in aviation maintenance technology and passed the last of five exams to become Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified, including an airframe and powerplant (A&P) written exam.
“I've always been fascinated with airplanes and traveling,” Hembree said. “My dad is my inspiration. He worked for Delta Airlines as an A&P mechanic for 32 years.”
Now that she's fully certified, Hembree said she hopes to get a job with a commercial airline and wants to stay in the Atlanta metropolitan area. She enjoys working in sheet metal, electrical and avionics, but will explore all aviation-related options.
In addition to maintaining an aircraft's avionics and flight control systems, aviation technicians also perform routine tasks such as changing oil, replacing engine parts, maintaining brakes, inspecting tires, servicing air conditioning systems, and troubleshooting.
Hembree is optimistic about his future because aviation maintenance technicians are in such high demand that the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) lists aviation maintenance technology as one of the high-demand career fields in Georgia.
“High-demand career fields are those occupations that are in high demand in each of Georgia's major industries, pay above-average starting wages and are considered a strong option for pursuing a successful career in Georgia,” said GNTC President Dr. Heidi Popham. “These occupations are critical to the success of these industries and the health of Georgia's economy.”
These job fields have been identified by the state of Georgia and reflect areas of the workforce where there are more open positions than there are skilled workers to fill them, Dr. Popham explained.
John Bird, GNTC executive director of aviation and state aviation adviser to TCSG, said that since the late 1990s, workers over 60 have outnumbered those under 30 in the aviation industry.
“The pandemic and early employee retirements have exacerbated labor shortages,” Bird said. “As a result, companies are hiring two or sometimes three new employees to replace each one who leaves.”
Careers in aviation are limitless, she said, as mechanics can take on management roles, perform inspections, hold positions with the FAA or even choose to continue their education.
Citing a 2021 FAA survey, Hembree said only 2.6% of all aircraft maintenance technicians are women, and she would like to see more women in her field.
She believes women will be respected in their fields just as she was respected and treated fairly by her professors and male classmates at GNTC, adding that she was the only woman in her class.
“When Hannah wasn't performing her assigned duties, she was studying for her upcoming written and oral practical exams,” said Philip Moore, GNTC's aviation maintenance technology instructor.
Moore explained that to earn an A&P mechanic license from the FAA, an individual must pass the FAA's written exam in general, airframe and powerplant areas, as well as an oral and practical exam.
Hembree chose the university because he was confident in the quality of education and instructors in GNTC's Aviation Maintenance Technology program.
“The school offers a first-rate education with hands-on instruction and extensive textbooks. The lecturers are very good at what they do,” she said.
She said she plans to miss classes and would recommend the program to anyone interested in a career in aircraft maintenance.
Hembree said she took a test flight to make sure her interest was worth the time and expense of getting a private pilot's license. She looks forward to taking classes and saving up enough money to buy her own plane that she can maintain.
Moore praised Hembree's eagerness to learn, dedication and ability.
“Students like Hannah are why I became a teacher,” he said.
GNTC students looking to enter aviation maintenance technology or other high-demand careers in Georgia may be eligible for grants that will pay 100% of tuition fees for certain high-demand diploma and technical certificate programs. To be eligible for a HOPE Career Grant, students must first meet the qualifications and receive a HOPE Grant. The two grants will combine to cover tuition costs.
Students must meet the eligibility requirements for the HOPE Career Grant and pay the remaining balance of college tuition, books, and materials each semester. For more information about the HOPE Career Grant, please visit https://www.gntc.edu/admissions/financial-aid/state-grants/.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College provides quality workforce education to residents of Northwest Georgia. Students have the opportunity to earn an associate degree, diploma or certificate in aviation, business, health, industrial and public service career paths. Last year, 12,241 people benefited from GNTC's credit and non-credit programs. GNTC's annual credit enrollment was 8,031 with an additional 4,210 enrolled through adult education, continuing education, business and industrial training and Georgia Quick Start. For more information about GNTC, visit www.GNTC.edu. GNTC is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees. GNTC is a division of the Georgia Tech College System and, as stated in the Student Catalog, complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed or religion, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, veteran or military status, marital status or citizenship status (except in special circumstances permitted or required by law). Equity Coordinator, Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, and ADA Coordinator: Brittany Elrod, Walker County Campus, Office Admin 231, 706-764-3832, (email protected).
