Assistant Director of Aviation Maintenance Training

A&P Mechanic Institute (APMI)•Lakeland, FL

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Aviation Maintenance Training oversees the operations of A&P Mechanics Institute, a Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS), ensuring compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations under 14 CFR Part 147. This role is responsible for managing curriculum development, instructor qualifications, student outcomes, and facility standards to produce competent aviation maintenance technicians who meet FAA certification standards (14 CFR Part 65). The Director ensures a high-quality training environment, maintains FAA certification, and drives continuous improvement to achieve a minimum 70% passage rate for students testing within 60 days of graduation.

Requirements

In-depth understanding of FAA regulations (14 CFR Parts 65, 147), advisory circulars (e.g., AC 147-3C), and ACS requirements.
Ability to lead a team of instructors, manage budgets, and oversee operational compliance in a training environment.
Expertise in designing and updating competency-based training programs that meet FAA standards and industry needs.
Commitment to modeling and enforcing safety practices in all training activities, ensuring a culture of safety awareness.
Strong ability to communicate with FAA officials, instructors, students, and industry partners, adapting to diverse audiences.
Proficiency in analyzing student performance data, addressing compliance issues, and implementing corrective actions.
Dedication to staying current with aviation maintenance technologies, FAA policies, and instructional methodologies.
Bachelor's degree in aviation, education, or a related field.
FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic Certificate with both ratings.
Demonstrated knowledge of FAA regulations (14 CFR Parts 65, 147) and experience with FAA certification processes.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in aviation, education, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in aviation maintenance, including leadership roles in a Part 147 school.
Experience implementing competency-based training (CBT) programs under §147.22.
Proven ability to manage curriculum development and instructor teams in a regulatory environment.
Formal training in instructional techniques (e.g., FAA Aviation Instructor's).
Active membership in aviation industry associations (e.g., Professional Aviation Maintenance Association).

Responsibilities

Assist with the development, implementation, and revision of the FAA-approved curriculum per §147.17, ensuring alignment with Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for general, airframe, and powerplant subjects.
Ensure compliance with FAA regulations (§147.5, §147.19, §147.21) and operations specifications (OpSpecs), including facility maintenance, instructor-to-student ratios (max 25:1 in shop classes), and record keeping.
Monitor student progress and outcomes, ensuring competency-based training (CBT) programs (§147.22) are effectively delivered and students achieve mastery of required skills and knowledge.
Assist in developing and maintaining safety protocols, ensuring all training activities adhere to FAA safety standards and industry best practices.
Coordinate facility and equipment maintenance to meet §147.13 standards, ensuring tools, materials, and instructional aides are current and functional.
Implement continuous improvement strategies based on FAA feedback, student performance data, and industry trends.
Directly supervise aviation maintenance instructors, ensuring compliance with §147.19 qualification and training requirements.
Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, and facilitate professional development for instructional staff.
Approve instructor schedules, lesson plans, and teaching methods to align with FAA-approved curriculum and OpSpecs.
Delegate tasks to administrative staff for record keeping, reporting, and facility management.