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After 25 years as a licensed architect and part owner of his own firm in Maryland, David decided he was ready for something new. When his wife earned her private pilot’s license and they bought a Beechcraft, he got hooked, but the FAA wouldn’t let him work on his own plane without an A&P. So he sold his share of the firm, moved to Texas, and enrolled in Thrust Institute of Maintenance’s accelerated program. Today he maintains the Thrust Flight fleet as a full-time technician. Ready to join our A& P program? If you're interested in becoming an Aviation Maintenance Technician, visit our website: ThrustInstitute.com and we will get you there! Social Channels Instagram: @ThrustInstitute TikTok: @ThrustInstitute

What does it take to build a successful career as an airline aircraft mechanic? ✈️ In this episode of Nuts About Thrust, we welcome Robert, a Southwest Airlines maintenance professional with 38 years of aviation maintenance experience, for a live Q&A with students at Thrust Institute of Maintenance. From starting his career at an aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility to spending decades working on commercial aircraft, Robert shares firsthand insight into what it takes to succeed as an FAA-certified Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic. We discuss career opportunities in aviation maintenance, how to get hired by a major airline, the importance of hands-on experience, and the lessons Robert has learned throughout his career. ---------------------------------------------------- eady to join our A& P program? If you're interested in becoming an Aviation Maintenance Technician, visit our website and we will get you there! https://www.thrustinstitute.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description Social Channels Instagram: @ThrustInstitute TikTok: @ThrustInstitute

The aircraft mechanic shortage is real, and it’s about to peak. In this episode of Nuts About Thrust, host Zack sits down with Rob, a 32-year aviation veteran who has worked at Southwest Airlines since 1994 and serves as Director of Government Affairs for AMFA (Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association). If you’re thinking about becoming an aircraft maintenance technician (AMT) or earning your A&P license, this conversation is your roadmap.

Think you need a mechanical background to become an aircraft mechanic? Ben didn't have one. His background was soccer and video games. In this episode, Zach talks with Ben, an A&P instructor at Thrust Institute of Maintenance. Ben spent years in airline and charter maintenance at Spirit Airlines, Envoy, and Omni Air International, including work on the New England Patriots' charter aircraft. He shares how a bad plumbing job pushed him toward aviation, why humility matters more than experience, and what really happens when you walk onto the hangar floor with your new license. He also gives an honest breakdown of the 10-month program, the FAA exams, ways to pay for school, and realistic starting pay across the industry. ---------------------------------------------------- Ready to join our A& P program? If you're interested in becoming an Aviation Maintenance Technician, visit our website: ThrustInstitute.com and we will get you there! Social Channels Instagram: @ThrustInstitute TikTok: @ThrustInstitute

On this episode of Nuts About Thrust, we sit down with Jordan — a former vet clinic receptionist and helicopter private pilot who traded in customer service for a wrench. Jordan walks us through night classes at the Thrust Institute, failing (and retaking) her powerplant written exam, and landing a job at Thrust's own maintenance facility right after graduating. If you're on the fence about starting a career as an aircraft mechanic with zero experience, this one's for you. ---------------------------------------------------- Ready to join our A& P program? If you're interested in becoming an Aviation Maintenance Technician, visit our website: ThrustInstitute.com and we will get you there! Social Channels Instagram: @ThrustInstitute TikTok: @ThrustInstitute

Justin Weiman didn't set out to become an Aircraft Maintenance Technician, he wanted to fly. After a magical ride in a friend's Cherokee got him hooked on aviation, age cutoffs kept him from becoming a Navy pilot, so he became a Navy AME instead, working on F-18 ejection seats as the "last line of defense" for pilot safety. Less than a year ago, he landed his dream job as an AMT at American Airlines. In this episode, Justin shares his path from insulation salesman to fleet service clerk to Navy aviation mechanic to commercial airline AMT, plus the note-taking trick ("word throw-up") that got him through A&P school terminology, why he triple-checks everything he signs off on, and his advice for anyone nervous about taking the first step toward an A&P career. ---------------------------------------------------- Ready to join our A& P program? If you're interested in becoming an Aviation Maintenance Technician, visit our website: ThrustInstitute.com and we will get you there! Social Channels Instagram: @ThrustInstitute TikTok: @ThrustInstitute

Paul went from working on motorcycles and military aircraft to leaving aviation, working in finance and eventually returning to earn his A&P certificate. In this episode of Nuts About Thrust, Paul shares what it takes to become an A&P mechanic, what A&P school is actually like and why you don't need years of mechanical experience to start training for a career in aircraft maintenance.

He was one of only 6 students in the very first class of the Thrust Institute of Maintenance before there was even a classroom (he helped build it himself). Today, Austin works on Bombardier Challenger 350s and 650s as a Part 135 aircraft mechanic, and he's back to tell us what actually happens after A&P school. ---------------------------------------------------- Ready to join our A& P program? If you're interested in becoming an Aviation Maintenance Technician, visit our website: ThrustInstitute.com and we will get you there! Social Channels Instagram: @ThrustInstitute TikTok: @ThrustInstitute

Dan went from working on cars and small engines to building a career in aviation maintenance and eventually becoming an A&P instructor. In this episode of Nuts About Thrust, he explains what A&P training is really like, whether you need mechanical experience, the career paths available after graduation, and why hands-on learning matters.

David joins Nuts About Thrust to share his aviation maintenance journey from Raytheon and the Air Force to avionics instruction and Garmin installations. He also breaks down Thrust Institute of Maintenance’s new advanced avionics training, designed to give A&P students hands-on experience with wiring, schematics, troubleshooting, and real-world skills that can help them stand out after graduation.

Carson returns to Nuts About Thrust to talk about life after graduating from Thrust Institute of Maintenance, earning his A&P license, and starting his career as a helicopter mechanic. He shares what it’s like working on Super Puma helicopters, learning on the job, taking the O&P exam, and what new A&P mechanics should expect when they enter the industry.

Travis left Hawaii, moved to Texas, and made a major sacrifice to become an aircraft mechanic. In this episode of Nuts About Thrust, Travis shares why he chose to pursue his A&P certification, what it was like moving away from his family, how he balanced school and work, and how he passed his exams on the first try. He also talks about working on the ramp for United Airlines, preparing for his next career step, and why he believes anyone thinking about aviation maintenance should “take the leap.” If you’re considering a career change, aircraft mechanic school, or wondering what life is really like as an A&P student, this conversation is for you.

In this episode of Nuts About Thrust, John and Zach sit down with Suresh, Founder and CEO of Jets MRO, to talk about career opportunities for aircraft maintenance technicians, scholarships available through NBAA, and why business aviation can be a strong path for new and experienced mechanics.

In this episode of Nuts About Thrust, hosted by Thrust Institute of Maintenance, we sit down with Forrest Benson, one of our newest A&P instructors. Forrest shares his inspiring aviation journey—from attending Oshkosh as a kid to becoming a pilot, aircraft rebuilder, and now instructor. We discuss the realities of aviation maintenance vs. piloting, how to inspire the next generation of mechanics, and why early exposure to aviation matters. If you’re considering a career in aviation or want insights from someone who’s done it all, don’t miss this episode!

In this episode of Nuts About Thrust, hosted by Thrust Institute of Maintenance, we dive deep into the future of aviation maintenance and the urgent need to attract and train the next generation of A&Ps. Our guests from Vertical MRO join us to share actionable strategies for recruiting future aircraft mechanics, bridging the gap between fixed-wing and rotorcraft, and creating meaningful careers in aviation. From aviation high school programs to fast-track A&P training, discover how industry leaders are tackling the shortage of skilled maintainers. Whether you’re a student, mechanic, or operator, this is a must-listen for anyone passionate about aviation’s future.