How to Become an Aviation Maintenance Technician: 5 Questions With an AMS Major

Although Aiden Cunningham (’25) started his journey at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a major in astronomy and astrophysics, he soon decided that he wanted a career where he could use his hands along with his head.

Building on his love for LEGO, the Ohio native is pursuing his B.S. in Aviation Maintenance Science in Embry-Riddle’s renowned program and serving as president of the university’s Society of Aerospace Technicians chapter. He’s also trying to convince his three younger brothers to follow him into aviation.

Aiden recently took a few minutes to discuss his Embry-Riddle experience so far.

How did you get interested in Aviation Maintenance Science?

Aviation Maintenance Science was just a good fit for me. The first thing most people picture when they hear the word “mechanic” is a big guy in coveralls with grease stains all over, but that isn’t true at all.

Aircraft technicians are troubleshooters who make safety and professionalism a top priority in every aspect of their work in order to keep people and their families safe as they use one of humanity’s greatest inventions to travel the world.

Why did you choose to transfer into the AMS program at Embry-Riddle?

This school has a great reputation for having knowledgeable and hard-working graduates working in the aviation industry and I want to be one of those graduates. This degree program doesn’t just teach you to turn wrenches and follow manuals, we are given a very solid foundation to lean on when we get out into the industry.

Part of that great foundation is the incredible professors and faculty we have. They teach material that we’ll use in our future careers and, while some of that material can be challenging, our professors are able to teach at a level that allows people with no experience to understand it.

We have professors who have worked in the airlines, corporate aviation, general aviation and even the space industry. All of this makes me feel I will be ready when I go to work in the industry.

What have been some highlights of your Embry-Riddle experience so far?

Aiden Cunningham, shown here in front of a Boeing 757 service door, is looking forward to starting his aviation career. (Photo: Embry-Riddle / Bill Fredette-Huffman))

Passing my general competency exam was a highlight. I studied for countless hours and took that first step toward becoming an FAA certified Airframe & Powerplant technician.

To become a rated technician, you must pass the FAA’s A&P written, oral and practical exams. However, Embry-Riddle requires students to pass the competency exam to better prepare us for the real thing.

Another highlight was being elected president of the Society of Aerospace Technicians. I decided to run for the position on a whim because the club had given me some amazing experiences, so I wanted to get more involved. Running the club has been great and I love being able to provide other students with new opportunities.

Club membership is also open to people who aren’t AMS majors to give them a better understanding of the aviation world through hands-on projects, industry tours and by teaching them the skills aircraft technicians use in the real world.

It is always incredible to show aeronautical engineers how their engineering works on an aircraft, why they learn the material they learn and how the practice of aviation technicians is affected by those decisions. Sometimes being provided a different perspective on your career allows you to understand it better.

I strongly believe that if pilots and engineers understood how parts of an aircraft worked together, they could become better at their respective professions.

What is your ultimate career goal and how will Embry-Riddle help you achieve it?

My goal is to become a Director of Maintenance in the corporate aviation industry after working as an avionics technician. The AMS program that Embry-Riddle provides is enough to help me achieve that goal, mostly because of the foundation we are provided.

Some of our professors have told us that they wish they knew what we will know going into the industry as aircraft technicians, so I feel that I’ll be more than prepared. Embry-Riddle has built up such a good name for itself and has so many connections. On top of that, so much of the industry always keeps an eye out for our graduates that I think that I’ll be able to land a job with a good company with no problems.

What would you say to someone considering Embry-Riddle for their AMS degree?

I would tell them to go for it. Embry-Riddle offers such a fantastic Aviation Maintenance Science program that I think it’s more than worth it.

And no one should be afraid of going into the AMS program even if they have zero experience with aviation or with tools. You are not expected to be a professional craftsmen and technician when you begin this program.

Also, at first you may think what you’re being taught in the 100 level classes of the program is a bit basic, but those are very important fundamentals that you will see again. The classes only get more interesting and challenging as you progress!

If you are ever struggling with any class material feel free to talk to me if you see me in the AMS building, or you can always ask your professors and classmates. Remember, it’s not just one person who fixes an aircraft, it’s a team working together.

Another piece of advice I’d give to someone considering going to Embry-Riddle is to get involved with whatever program you choose. If it’s AMS, come and join the Society of Aerospace Technicians and put what you learn in class to use on practical projects and come with us on industry tours.

The last thing I would tell a new student is to remember to study what you learn but also know when to give yourself a break!

Are you ready to reach the next level? Apply at Embry-Riddle today.