A Proven Solution to the A&P Shortage

There are two types of people in the world: those who merely complain about problems and those who do something to address them. The team at Duncan Aviation falls in the latter group.

After experiencing difficulty finding qualified A&Ps, they initiated an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) technician apprentice program at their three full-service MRO locations certified by the U.S. Department of Labor.

“Having an A&P license opens many doors on the technical side of the business,” explains Jennifer Monroe, Duncan Aviation’s Human Resources and Recruiting Supervisor. “The A&P can also assist team members interested in transferring to other departments, including airframe, engines, and our Rapid Response [AOG] teams.”

The only prerequisite to joining the 24-month apprenticeship program is that the applicant must have worked for Duncan Aviation for at least 90 days and be in good standing.

The program represents a sizable investment by the company. Duncan Aviation estimates it costs about $32,000 to train each apprentice through FAA testing. So far, the company has had 96 tech helpers enroll in the program.

While there is no cost to the enrollee, Monroe says, everyone must sign an agreement to pay back an identified portion of the training cost should they elect to leave Duncan Aviation within two years of completing the program and earning their A&P.

“They work full-time, take classes, and are responsible for a considerable amount of studying on their own,” adds Darwin Godemann, Enterprise Team Leader for Duncan Aviation’s Technical Education Center. “Once they’ve finished all the coursework and achieved the work-experience requirements, the FAA certification testing begins.”

All classes are in person, and webcasts are available for anyone who has missed a session. The company supplies an iPad to all registered apprentices, and when they earn their A&P certificates, the tablets are theirs to keep.

As an added incentive, the apprenticeship program has been structured to provide pay adjustments to participants and graduates when they reach identified intervals and benchmarks.

Just like any other A&P applicant, Duncan Aviation apprentices must pass a series of proctored written, oral, and practical tests administered by the FAA. As Godemann explains, the FAA’s vetting, testing, and practical experience requirements are rigorous for a good reason.

“The requirements are why today’s air travel is the safest mode of transportation in the world,” he says. “Regardless of your work or military experience, the FAA requires every technician to pass the exams.”

Getting Full Credit for Prior Experience

Of course, any military or past work experience has value. Duncan Aviation offers a Legacy/AMT (Aviation Maintenance Technician) Test Prep program for employees who have experience but have not earned their FAA A&P certification. This, like the A&P apprentice program, is approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“We provide books and the required testing supplies, as well as two week-long test prep classes,” says Jeff Dale, Technical Training Coordinator at Duncan Aviation’s Provo, Utah facility. “It’s been a popular program. Since its inception, we’ve had 73 technicians, most of whom came from the military, take advantage of the opportunity.

“Technicians who don’t pass the tests or receive their certifications are not terminated,” Dale adds. “They can reapply to take the tests at a later date.”

The chance to earn a virtual zero-cost FAA A&P certificate represents a tremendous opportunity for Duncan Aviation’s apprentice-program participants. “The appeal of learning a trade, achieving a transferable certificate, and getting into a growing organization is driving applicants to us,” Monroe says. “It opens the door for those who think an aviation career is unattainable or where a post-secondary education is not a viable option.”