Global Aviation Technicians Showcase Skills at 2023 Aerospace Maintenance Competition

The 2023 Aerospace Maintenance Competition (AMC) took place in Atlanta alongside Aviation Week's MRO Americas. Sponsored by Snap-on and organized by the Aerospace Maintenance Council, the event welcomed 90 teams of aviation maintenance technicians from around the world to compete in six divisions.

After taking part in an event, Kaden Edyburn, a first-time competitor from Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, Myrtle Beach, said, "There's a lot of steps. You've got to be really cautious of what you're doing. You’ve got to make sure you read the directions, follow the steps, and if you get overwhelmed, just take a deep breath and calm down." He received on-the-spot advice and encouragement from the judge after his event was over.

Paola Castellon, a competitor from West Los Angeles College, shared her journey into aviation, having switched careers multiple times before discovering her passion for the industry. "I was working at the airport. I love this dynamic. I love it here. I started looking into jobs, started talking, networking more and talking to maintenance, and they're like, 'Why don't you try this?'"

Brian Mayhall, a judge at the AMC and an American Airlines employee, explained that the competition is judged on time and mistakes. Participants range from students to seasoned professionals. Mayhall, a former competitor, enjoys judging as it allows him to get to know the participants and their stories.

The annual Aerospace Maintenance Competition fosters education, mentorship and workforce development, providing a platform for professionals and students to showcase their skills and learn from one another.