Alpha Aviation Mission Outreach Center, Training Programs

Mechanic Training Programs
PHASE I
Aircraft Maintenance Technician
Prerequisites: High School Diploma or GED

The aircraft mechanic course is conducted over a three-year period and is an intense, hands-on, full-time aviation maintenance apprenticeship program. All training takes place under the supervision of a FAA licensed mechanic. The trainee requires a natural interest in how mechanical things work (and why they don’t, when they won’t), as well as mechanical aptitude in order to succeed.

This program consists of on-the-job training, independent study and supplemental classroom instruction. The trainee is prepared to pass both the knowledge and practical exams.

Tuition fee is $300 per month. There are additional fees for books, uniforms, tools and testing. Top students may be hired to work as apprentice mechanics until receiving their FAA mechanic’s certificate.

Upon completion of training and passing all tests, trainees will obtain a FAA Mechanic certificate with both Airframe and Powerplant ratings. Trainees will have also accumulated three years work experience as an aircraft mechanic.

PHASE II
Director of Maintenance
Prerequisites: Phase I completed, or hold a valid A&P Certificate.

Consist of three years on-the-job training in the oversight, scheduling, performance and supervision of all required maintenance in an aircraft maintenance facility.

PHASE III
Inspection Authorization
Prerequisites: Phases I and II must be completed before taking the exam for this certificate; or the student must have held a mechanic’s certificate with both Airframe andPowerplant ratings for a minimum of three years, and worked as an aircraftmechanic for the immediate preceding two years.

The IA certificate authorizes a mechanic to perform required annual inspections of aircraft, as well as approve aircraft for return-to-service after major repairs and/or alterations.

A total of 40 hours of classroom instruction must be completed in preparation to pass the IA exam.

We are able to prepare only those men and women who demonstrate the desire, ability and dedication necessary to serve within mission aviation. This may involve sacrifice and possible hardship to realize God-given objectives.

WHAT IS THE MECHANIC TRAINING LIKE?
Alpha Aviation is primarily a working aviation repair shop. Aircraft maintenance theory is learned through personal study and individual instruction from Alpha Aviation personnel.

Each day is spent repairing and rebuilding aircraft. The apprentices do most of the repair work with the instructor assisting and directing the work. Good work habits are taught and the standard of workmanship is high.

When apprentices have mastered certain technical abilities, they may be utilized to train other apprentices in need of those abilities. This helps develop training skills in our apprentices which will benefit them and others throughout their career of mission service.

Along with the 40 hours of weekly maintenance training received in the hangar, apprentices are required to study the FAA General, Airframe and Powerplant Handbooks at home. Each apprentices is expected to complete one chapter of study every two weeks, for approximately 18 months. Chapter quizzes are given and progress is monitored. This is a challenging course of study.

Upon successful completion of Aviation Maintenance Technician training, a letter of completion is given showing eligibility for taking the FAA examinations for certifications as an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic.

Core Christian Values
Three core Christian values are important in each Alpha Aviation staff member, apprentice and trainee: spiritual maturity and the continued desire to spiritually mature; the possession of a servant’s heart and teachability – a strong desire to learn.

Spiritual Maturity
We expect all personnel to begin service with a strong base of spiritual maturity and have a continual desire to mature in the Lord.

Servant’s Heart
We expect each of our personnel to possess a servant’s heart. Without a servant’s heart it is nearly impossible to complete Alpha Aviation’s training programs. Without a servant’s heart it is impossible to serve effectively in missions.

Teachability
Without a strong desire to learn, a person will not be trainable in an apprenticeship situation. It is impossible to train those who do not wish to be trained. A willingness to learn and perform as taught is critical to our program and the success of those in it.

Personal Qualities
Alpha Aviation recognizes three personal qualities as being necessary for training success:

Self-Starter
In an apprenticeship, having the quality of a self-starter and being self-motivated is very important. While we do motivate, we expect personnel in our program to function effectively without being under constant direct supervision.

Adaptability
Our program, by its very nature, stresses adaptability. Alpha Aviation personnel must be able to rapidly adapt to a fluid and changing aviation maintenance environment as required by specific mission situation, project demands and training needs.

Team Orientation
Our programs are based around four training teams. “Lone Rangers” do not fit within our team structure. Organizational compliance, submission to authority and the respect of established procedures all play a part in success at Alpha Aviation.

Alpha Aviation is an IRS recognized non-profit, tax-exempt, ministry and school.