Bridging the Gap in Aviation Maintenance Education: Identifying Emerging Technologies and Workforce Needs

Abstract

Technological innovations such as electric propulsion, digital systems, and advanced manufacturing methods are transforming the aviation maintenance landscape. Despite these developments, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 147 programs and existing certification standards remain focused on legacy systems, leading to a misalignment of training and industry needs. This qualitative study identifies the skills needed to maintain the current and next-generation aircraft and examines how new technologies impact workforce development needs. Interview insights from instructors, industry professionals, and regulatory stakeholders highlight systemic barriers to curriculum reform, including regulatory delays, limited resources, and the lack of standardized training pathways. The results highlight the pressing need for updated curricula, better access to new equipment to provide training and stronger industry academia collaborations. Addressing these gaps is essential to preparing a workforce capable of maintaining the increasingly complex systems found in today's and tomorrow's aircraft.

Keywords

aviation maintenance technician curriculum development Airman Certification Standards (ACS)Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)qualitative analysis

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Braun

Clarke

(2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101.

Kabashkin

Misnevs

Zervina

(2023). Artificial intelligence in aviation: New professionals for new technologies. Applied Sciences, 13(21), 11660.

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2020). Advancing aerial mobility: A national blueprint. National Academies Press.

Ramoso

M. G. D.

Ortega-Dela Cruz

R. A.

(2025). Contributing factors to aircraft maintenance technology students’ readiness for the aviation industry. Collegiate Aviation Review International, 43(1), 65–81.