Duncan Aviation maintains three Technical Education Centers, or TECs, one at each of our fullservice facilities in Lincoln, Nebraska; Battle Creek, Michigan; and Provo, Utah. The Lincoln TEC is the base of operations for our Department of Labor (DOL) approved Airframe and Powerplant Apprenticeship programs and serves as an enterprise-wide resource to help team members navigate their pathways to AMT (Aviation Maintenance Technician) certification. Our Battle Creek and Provo facilities each support their own TECs and are staffed by experienced Technical Training Coordinators who are able to assess and advise employees. Our Provo location is prepared to assist team members at our other service locations. Since establishment of the TECs in 2019-2020, they have helped more than 70 Duncan Aviation technicians receive FAA Mechanic’s certifications.
The TECs offer three primary products. The Nebraska-based DOL (Department of Labor) Apprenticeship Program, the AMT Test Prep Program, and the O&P (Oral and Practical) Test Prep program. Team members have access to any of our apprentice classes on a “space available” basis. Most classroom lectures are webcast during their scheduled offerings and available enterprise-wide. None of this would be possible without the support of many subject matter experts willing to coach and mentor those who follow them.
Duncan Aviation’s Technical Education Center Jarrek Renshaw (pictured above) earned his Powerplant certification while working at our Lincoln, Nebraska, facility in Turbine Engine Services. “I decided to get my Powerplant license because my father has his and told me about all the opportunities that having my license will allow,” Jarrek said. “Participating in this program will allow me to become a QI (Qualified Inspector) at the very least, and will open the door to me becoming a Tech III or Lead Tech, and hopefully, a Team Leader.”
The DOL Apprenticeship Program is a 24-month program that provides a structured approach to on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Those accepted into the program work under the supervision of experienced Duncan Aviation technicians and assist with daily technical tasks while gaining the hands-on experience necessary to fulfill the FAA’s experience requirements outlined in the current FAA Airman Certification Standards.
Through daily exposure on the job, supplemental classroom training, and practical application in classroom lab experiences, apprentices develop into well-rounded and competent airframe and engine maintenance technicians. Technicians must learn flight theory, aircraft structural make-up and repair, aircraft systems design, operation and repair, aircraft inspections, and FAA regulations, airman privileges and paperwork required for aircraft maintenance.
This Nebraska-based program is also registered with the US Department of Labor and the US Department of Education, allowing US military veterans the opportunity to take advantage of their GI Bill education benefits. It is available at all three fullservice facilities.
The program has a value of $32,000 and is free for team members who complete it and earn an FAA Airframe or Powerplant certificate. Each apprentice is provided textbooks, study materials, and required testing.
“They work full-time with paid wages, draw full benefits, attend classes, and are responsible for a considerable amount of studying on their own,” says Darwin Godemann, Enterprise Team Leader for the TEC. “Once they’ve finished the coursework and achieved the experience requirements, the FAA certification testing begins.”
There are a series of proctored written, oral, and practical tests that are administered by representatives of the FAA. Apprentices must take and pass these tests within a 24-month period to receive their certification as an FAA Airframe or Powerplant mechanic.
Each TEC offers an AMT Test Prep program designed for industry or military technicians who have experience but lack FAA certification. It provides for study and prep opportunities for those who may have attended and completed a Part 147 FAA-approved curriculum and never completed testing. This is a concentrated, self-study program allowing for preparation of FAA written exams. The program provides materials, resources, and exam structure.
“We realized there are hundreds of team members who may have served in the military, been with the company building experience, or who completed an FAA-approved curriculum, but never completed their certification,” says Darwin. “This provides a variety of pathways to become certificated.”
After team members successfully complete written tests, they have an oral and practical (O&P) exam with a DME (Designated Mechanic Examiner). The TEC offers O&P Test Prep assistance.
Subject Matter Experts sit down with team members to coach them on the oral and practical questions, and how to give proper responses. The oral portion requires verbal answers to a series of questions from memory based on the results of the written test score. Once the oral test is passed, the individual is given a series of assigned practical projects. When both the oral and practical exams are passed, the DME provides a temporary Airman’s certificate on the spot.
“It’s all about helping to make sure they know what to expect, and are confident and comfortable when the time comes,” explains Darwin.
Many of our programs are primarily supported by our own Technical Training Coordinators, but with the wide scope of our offerings and the FAA knowledge requirements, we also rely on Subject Matter Experts to teach specific topics. For example, the O&P prep utilizes Duncan Aviation team members who are certificated A&Ps with years of experience.
Bob Tooker started working at Duncan Aviation in 1974 as an aircraft mechanic. In 2018, he received the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award from the FAA. Bob has since retired, but helps with O&P test prep a few times a month.
“I tell our team members that you’re getting help from a master mechanic who has 50+ years of experience,” says Darwin. “He is helping to bring up the younger generation.”
Sharing knowledge and coaching new employees in their careers is at the heart of Duncan Aviation.
“Those who help either take time out of their work day or come back from retirement to help the next generation of technicians,” says Darwin. “That shows a dedication not only to Duncan Aviation, but to the industry. None of what we do in the TEC would be possible without them.”
“Educating up-and-coming techs is a passion of mine,” explains Darwin. “It is a labor of love for most of us, and something we enjoy doing. We enjoy seeing people succeed.”