The ABC’s of Maintenance: Technicians & Workshops
Servicing an airplane generator isn’t like simply pulling a car off the road into the nearest repair shop. There are many considerations to keep in mind. Some airports and fixed base operators offer maintenance repair shops, but these ALL must be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. Both maintenance shops and the employees who perform certain functions on the airplane are accountable to the FAA. They are governed by the FAR Part 145. In addition, for certain types of aircraft, shops, and techs must be specially certified and authorized to work on the specific aircraft type. At Aircraft Electric Motors we have invested millions of dollars in machinery and infrastructure to ensure that all repairs are performed in accordance with exacting specifications. Our modern, state-of-the-art 60,000 square foot facility is equipped to handle any electrical sub-component repair.
Mechanics who work on airplanes are regulated under FAR Part 65. They are called either aircraft mechanics or maintenance technicians (AMTs) and must undergo specialized training before they are permitted to perform maintenance. In the United States, they are subject to alcohol and drug testing. Some gain experience in the military or through an apprenticeship; other techs start in the classroom. The process can take anywhere between 18 and 30 months and involves on the job training, testing, and becoming familiar with many different types of parts. Many AMT’s specialize in various areas of an aircraft, such as its power plant, avionics, or airframe.
A successfully licensed, FAA-sanctioned airplane mechanic or maintenance technician is very detail oriented and able to diagnose issues quickly. AEM repair technicians have decades of rewind experience. They are knowledgeable in working with all the various wound electrical sub-components and fluent with the many repair techniques used to return the article to its original condition.
