Naval Aviation Maintenance Programs

Naval aviation maintenance officers support naval operations through the upkeep of military aircraft to the assigned level of maintenance. This support means inspecting both internal and external systems of the aircraft like engine systems, propellers, and other components in order to ensure aircraft’s mission-readiness and crew’s safety.

Aviation maintenance specialists’ duties are also to support operability of hydraulic and steam catapults which are used to launch aircraft, and landing gear and brakes which provide safe landing of aircraft.

There are different types and levels of maintenance. First of all it can be scheduled and unscheduled. Scheduled maintenance provides timely inspections in order to discover and correct defects. These inspections and servicing are done on hours, landings or mileage basis.

Unscheduled maintenance is one that is performed if deficiencies are found during operations. This type of maintenance is aimed at actual faults isolating and troubleshooting, equipment testing, replacement, repair and calibration.

To ensure aircraft proper performance maintenance officers use complex equipment and diverse computer software. All the activities performed by aviation maintenance officers are standardized. For regulation of the process of naval aircraft maintenance there is the Naval Aviation Maintenance Program, which handles operations of any naval aviation command.

What will be taught during the course of studies?

All naval aviation maintenance programs include studying of basics of aeronautics, engineering and other sciences closely related to aircraft maintenance. Students are required to be competent in the mechanics of aircraft, i.e. airframes and powerplants, electrical, navigation systems, aviation electronics and other components.

Training in naval aviation maintenance as a rule combines hands-on practice and classroom study. Students are taught to perform quality maintenance of aircraft, which means acquiring such skills as detection and troubleshooting of technical failures, performing mechanical repairs, providing routine inspections and services to all systems of the aircraft, supporting functionality of vessel systems which are designed for usage of aviation in the Navy etc.

Those who are studying maintenance management are taught to supervise the work of maintenance technicians in order to ensure that inspections are performed correctly, to work out strategies of simplifying of the process, to provide theoretical and practical support to the personnel.

Where can I enroll for a course in naval aviation maintenance?

Naval aircraft maintenance can be studied at specialized schools as well as within general aviation maintenance programs, offered at schools which provide general education in aeronautics.

1.    Aviation Maintenance School

This school is located in Pensacola, Florida. It offers an Aviation Maintenance Officer Course, which provides students with the necessary knowledge to perform naval aviation maintenance. It trains students in carrying out aircraft inspections, administering safety programs, which ensure Marine Corps aircraft’s readiness to support any mission.

2.    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

One of the ways to get involved into naval aviation maintenance is gaining an AS or BS degree in Aviation Maintenance at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. One of the areas of concentration offered is Maintenance Management, which helps to quickly advance from position of maintenance technician to a managing one.

3.    George T. Baker Aviation School

It is located in Miami, Florida, and offers Aircraft Maintenance Technician programs with concentration in general maintenance, airframes and powerplants as well as supplementary training for people who already work or used to work in aviation industry. All courses provided by the school are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration.

4.    Lewis University

This university offers programs in Aviation Maintenance at different levels. Aviation Maintenance Technology may be studied as a minor, for a certificate or for an Associate’s degree. The university also provides a BS degree in Aviation Maintenance management.