From big jets and military fighter jets to small general aviation aircraft, the one thing they all have in common is these aircraft have to be maintained. Aircraft airframes need to be inspected for wear and tear, engines need to be inspected for safe operation. An aircraft mechanic with an Inspection Authorization can “authorize” a plane to be returned to service. Starting salaries as high as $120k with signing bonuses of up to $75k with only 2 years of schooling are some reasons why students may want to consider a career in the aircraft maintenance field.

This past week Tom Cunningham of TC’s Aircare (an aircraft maintenance facility located at the Baraboo-Dells airport) spoke with SIA students on the vast opportunities available to young high school graduates. Tom has run his business for over 30 years and will be retiring soon.

We’d like to thank Tom for coming to share with the students. He has been a great A&P IA mechanic for midwest plane owners. We would also like to wish him well as he gets ready to retire and hope he gets to spend a lot more time with the grand kids!!

A female engineer is seen working on an jet engine. She is standing between enigine parts, surrounded by wires and cables.

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