Air Traffic Controllers Aircraft Mechanics Aircraft Maintenance Air Traffic Controllers After the FAA hires them an intensive training process begins. Controllers begin training as an air traffic assistant. This part is known as the A-Side of the process. As the assistant, training consists of two weeks of preparatory class and on-the-job-training. Controllers then begin three to six months of "seasoning", which is performing the duties they were trained for. After successful completion, controllers go to D-School. This schooling entails classroom and simulator training for eight weeks and on-the-job-training for three to nine months, followed by certification and seasoning. Once certified on the D-side, controllers season for as long as a year before proceeding to R-School. Now enrolled in R-School, the controllers attend classroom and simulator training for eight weeks. After finishing of all of the training, controllers are certified, but only for the area of specialization in the facility where they were trained. En route control centers have four to eight areas of specialty. If a controller wishes to transfer to a different location this process begins again, which takes nine to 18 months. After graduating from the academy, controllers are assigned to different towers and centers around the nation. (Close window) Aircraft Mechanics The FAA requires at least 30 months of experience working with both engines and airframes. Completion of a program at an FAA certificated mechanic school can substitute for some of the work experience. Applicants for all mechanic certificates also must pass written and oral tests and demonstrate that they can do the work authorized by the certificate. To obtain an inspector’s authorization, a mechanic must have held an Aircraft Mechanics certificate for at least 3 years. FAA standards require that certificated mechanic schools offer students a minimum of 1,900 actual class hours. Courses in these trade schools normally last from 24 to 30 months and provide training with the tools and equipment used on the job. (Close window) Aircraft Maintenance There are basically four maintenance schedules used by every airline. Specifics vary with the type and age of the airplane. The schedules, referred to as A, B, C, and D checks, are determined by a combination of the number of flight hours, takeoff and landings, and air-worthiness directives (AD's). AD's are manufacturer and airline notations of problems that arise over the life of a particular type of plane. These periodic inspections by airline mechanics are according to detailed manufacturer recommendations. Each step of the periodic inspection must be signed off by an FAA maintenance inspector. "The A Check" is a visual inspection of an aircraft performed by mechanics and signed off by an FAA inspector. The mechanics look for problems such as stress cracks in the aluminum "skin" of the plane, tire and brake wear, and other routine things. These checks are performed at very frequent intervals. "The B Check" is similar to the A Check, but with a more intensive search. At this point, inspectors also begin watching for ADs requiring mandatory inspection and, if necessary, repair. "The C Check" occurs after about a year. This involves a detailed inspection using dye penetrants and X rays to detect unseen cracks in the air frame. The FAA may also require supplemental testing of specific plane or engine parts. "The D Check" can take place every three to five years, depending on takeoff and landing cycles, hours, and age. This check requires a complete tear-down of the aircraft and involves close examination of the internal components. (Close window)