How to Become an Aviation Mechanic
Todd B. Gruel
From maintaining F-16s in the military to teaching at a university, College of Aviation Associate Professor of the Practice Mark A. Kanitz shares insights about navigating a career in the aviation maintenance industry.
With 25 years of military service in the U.S. Air Force, the adventure continues for Mark A. Kanitz, assistant professor of the practice and program coordinator for the A.S. in Aviation Maintenance and B.S. in Aviation Maintenance at Embry-Riddle. In July 2012, Mark moved from Buena Park, California, to Europe to work as the director of academics for the Aviano and Incirlik locations for Embry-Riddle Worldwide.
Since then, Mark has transitioned into a role as an assistant professor of the practice in the College of Aviation. He currently lives in Northern Italy with his wife and daughter, where he combines his passion for aircraft maintenance and management with remotely teaching a diverse student body, including military personnel, located across the world.
In addition to his extensive military service, Mark has earned several degrees from Embry-Riddle, including a Master of Applied Science in Aeronautical Science with a concentration in Management and a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics with a minor in Aviation Safety. His credentials are reinforced by a Federal Aviation Administration Airframe & Powerplant license.
As a testament to the care he takes in his teaching, Mark received a College of Aeronautics Faculty of the Year award in 2016-2017 — and with plenty of fuel left in his tank, he continues to impact the lives of his students daily.
Laying the Foundation for an Enduring Career
From boot camp to academia, Mark has built a professional background that endures. “Before teaching at Embry Riddle, I held the position of Maintenance Flight Chief. My responsibilities primarily centered around heavy maintenance on the F-16, handling North Atlantic Trade Organization transit aircraft of 40 different types, serving as Crash Team Chief and overseeing tire maintenance.”
Mark owes his interest in vehicular maintenance to his auto shop classes in high school. “I developed an interest in auto mechanics during my early years in high school,” he said, “and subsequently, when I joined the military, I immediately delved into aviation maintenance.” He wasted no time, rising to the responsibility of working on the F-16 fighter jet.
The insights gained from Mark's history illustrate the value of understanding the nuances of an industry from within. Equipped with an array of experience with safety, crash recovery, aircraft emergencies, maintenance and general aviation, he explains, “I have been involved in various facets of aviation, ranging from serving as a technician on aircraft for flight operations and overseeing the scheduled maintenance and operations of more than 50 aircraft to managing heavy maintenance for over 100 aircraft during peacetime and conflicts.” This wealth of experience has added a lot of valuable mileage to his career.
His experience extends to working with more than 40 types of NATO aircraft and covering all aspects of backshop maintenance, including engaging in crash recovery of aircraft. “In the last 30 years,” he said, “I’ve basically touched every part of aircraft maintenance in some way.”
For people who are less technically inclined, backshops are specialized workshops where a variety of aircraft maintenance and repairs are performed, including:
- Calibration: Verifying that aircraft systems are accurately adjusted
- Heat treatments: Subjecting aircraft components to controlled heat processes
- Inspection: Examining aircraft components to confirm they are operating correctly
- Maintenance: Performing routine service on aircraft components to maintain optimal function
- Repair: Restoring damaged aircraft parts or systems
- Testing: Utilizing test equipment to assess the performance of aircraft systems
- Welding: Joining aircraft parts through welding techniques
It’s clear that there’s a great deal more to the field of aviation than piloting aircraft. The industry owes a resounding thank you to all the people on the ground who are keeping the aircraft running smoothly in the air.
Navigating the Tradewinds of a Growing Field
An aviation mechanic is responsible for much more than checking tire pressure and fuel levels, such as electrical systems, communication, navigation instruments and numerous other components. Although flying has become increasingly safe over the years, human lives are still at stake. As Mark makes clear, “Employment in the aviation maintenance industry carries substantial responsibility, as the safety of passengers, crew and aircraft relies heavily on those in the profession.”
In addition to having a comprehensive understanding of how machines work, aviation mechanics also require attention to detail when interpreting guidance from technical manuals or verbal feedback. “Effective communication skills are crucial,” Mark reinforces, “and individuals must be adept at listening to and addressing problems.”
In other words, he explains, aviation mechanics serve as innovative troubleshooting experts, “The essence of aviation maintenance lies in problem-solving, and each day presents unique challenges, making it a dynamic and engaging profession.”
For future job seekers wondering how to land a position in the industry, Mark offers an actionable list of what you’ll need:
- A degree
- An A&P license
- Experience
Rather than seeing the challenges involved in getting into the industry, he sees the enduring opportunities for applicants who can demonstrate that they are “exceptionally qualified professionals.” He continues with encouragement, “The range of influential/impactful companies that one can work for in the field is extensive, including:
- Aircraft manufacturers like The Boeing Company, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, General Atomics and Northrop Grumman
- Commercial airlines like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines
- Component manufacturers like BAE Systems and Honeywell International
- Governmental agencies like the military and the Federal Aviation Administration
- Maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) providers like AAR Corp., TIMCO, ST Engineering Aerospace and Lufthansa Technik
To summarize, the aviation industry is resilient and is anticipated to continue indefinitely. With projected job growth in aviation mechanics of 5% and an average annual salary of $75,000, Mark echos the positive occupational outlook by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Well-paying job opportunities are abundant and are projected to remain so for the foreseeable future.”
Achieve Your Dreams at Embry-Riddle
If you are excited by the prospect of solving aviation challenges with your hands while helping unite people, companies and economies around the world, you might be wondering why Embry-Riddle?
Mark offers a simple breakdown, “Embry-Riddle is widely recognized as the top aviation university globally. Currently, our placement rate stands at over 96%.” More than boastful copy, Embry-Riddle’s reputation is highlighted by numerous accolades by the “U.S. News & World Report,” including continually ranking high in categories like Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs, Best Colleges for Veterans and Most Innovative Schools.
If he could pick his favorite aspect of teaching at Embry-Riddle, it would be collaborating with top professionals across the global aviation industry.
“We are consistently at the forefront of technology, aiming to stay on the cutting edge,” Mark says.
As a university ever dedicated to improving itself, Embry-Riddle continues to expand its network with key partners within the industry, a benefit for both students and alumni. As Mark explains, “Our reputation extends across all sectors within the field, and notably, the U.S. Naval Community College has established a partnership with Embry-Riddle, incorporating the Associate of Science in Aviation Maintenance as one of the degrees offered.”
Offering some parting advice for aviation maintenance students who would like an edge in the industry, he recommends specializing in aviation safety with a minor in management. “This approach ensures that upon obtaining their degree, they have a well-rounded skill set encompassing both safety and management — qualities highly sought after in the industry.”
Lastly, he suggests getting involved in and out of the classroom, “Engage actively and aim to acquire diverse aviation maintenance experience through different roles. Volunteer and absorb knowledge about every aspect of the aviation maintenance industry. When you start your degree program, anticipate working and studying diligently, ensuring that you graduate with a valuable degree that will have lasting benefits throughout your lifetime.”