Expert: David A. NewMyer - 4/6/2006

Question
Hello,

I am in a rather confused state of mind right now. I have graduated recently from University of Pune, India. My major specialization being Computer Science. However, after four years of studying softwares, I now want a career switch to Aviation industry. Due to lack of good training institutes, and due to the rigid academic structure in Indian Universities, I have not been able to pursue my passion for aviation related stuff so far.

Is there any scope for students like me, with no  mechanical/aeronautical academic background to get into aircraft maintenance? If not maintenance, atleast Airport Management?

If yes, where should I begin from? Where should I apply? I am 23 already. Will a consistently decent performance in such courses, (if they exist for students like me), guarantee a placement in next 2 years for graduates like me?

I am prepared to spend next 2 years in USA, Canada, Singapore, Australia, Europe.

Looking forward for your reply eagerly. Thanking you in anticipation.

Sujay Mayur.

Answer
Hi, Sujay:

Very nice to hear from you.  I will try to assist.

First of all, aviation maintenance:  This career field will truly "take off" in the next few years, especially in India and China due to all of the aircraft orders placed by airlines in India such as Kingfisher Airlines, Spicejet and others.  There are some excellent two year and even one year "Airframe and Power Plant" training programs (called "Aircraft Engineering in some nations) here in the USA.  The result of such training would be the certification of the individuals completing the training as a Federal Aviation Administration "Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic."  Some of the schools to check for admissions would be Spartan School of Aeronautics (Tulsa, OK), Western Michigan University and Purdue University....although I am not sure if the last two have two year programs or not.  There are others:  Just use  Google or some other search engine to look for "Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic Programs" or some similar wording.

My thought is that, the combination of your current computer background with an Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic License would give you skills that many airline employers would find attractive.  Or, you might be able to go to work for one of the manufacturers such as Boeing or Airbus as a "Technical Representative" on their aircraft sold to airline customers in India.

On the airport side of things, I would suggest pursuing a Master's degree, which normally takes two years.  The following schools offfer something related to airport management and planning at the master's level:

Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida

Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

University of Nebraska at Omaha, Nebraska

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

I hope that this information is of help to you.

Best wishes,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
http://www.aviation.siu.edu