Aviation Maintenance Technician

Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMT) are an enlisted rating of the United States Coast Guard. They inspect, service, maintain, troubleshoot and repair aircraft engines, auxiliary power units, propellers, rotor systems, power train systems, and associated airframe and systems-specific electrical components. They service, maintain and repair aircraft fuselages; wings; rotor blades; fixed and movable flight control surfaces; and also bleed aircraft air, hydraulic and fuel systems. AMTs fill aircrew positions such as flight engineer, flight mechanic, loadmaster, dropmaster, sensor-systems operator and basic aircrewman.

Duties

AMTs are stationed at Coast Guard Air Stations throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, and can be assigned to the Polar Operations Division in Mobile, Alabama, in support of ice-breaking operations. AMTs maintain HC-130H (Hercules), HU-25A (Falcon), HH-60J (Jayhawk) and HH-65A (Dolphin) aircraft.

Training

The five-month course covers basic aircraft-maintenance fundamentals. Other advanced courses cover specific aircraft systems and provide troubleshooting skills. The courses are taught at the Aviation Technical Training Center in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, for all but the HC-130 aircraft. The Coast Guard also uses commercial training for advanced courses. An AMT may apply for the Aviation Maintenance Technology Program, which provides personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to fill billets requiring a high level of technical expertise. The program provides up to two years of full-time college attendance to achieve a minimum of an associate's degree in aeronautical technology.

Qualifications

Algebra, geometry, electronics and machine shop are typical courses for those seeking a rating as an AMT. Candidates must pass a flight physical and qualify for a security clearance.