How to Be Aerospace Technician Instructor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 13, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Aerospace Technician Instructors play an integral role in the aerospace industry, as they are responsible for teaching the necessary skills and knowledge required by technicians to perform their duties. The instructor's role is particularly important because the success of an aerospace technician depends on their technical expertise, which can only be acquired through proper instruction. As such, when an instructor provides quality instruction, it can lead to positive outcomes such as increased safety, improved performance, and greater customer satisfaction.

Furthermore, when an instructor provides inadequate instruction, it can cause a decrease in the quality of workmanship and a decrease in customer satisfaction. Therefore, it is essential for Aerospace Technician Instructors to ensure that they are providing quality instruction in order for the aerospace industry to remain competitive and successful.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a four-year degree in aerospace engineering or a related field, such as mechanical engineering. Some employers may accept a two-year degree in engineering technology or related fields.
Obtain a license or certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This includes passing an FAA-specified written test and obtaining an airframe and power plant (A&P) license.
Obtain several years of experience in the aerospace field. This experience can be in the form of working in aircraft maintenance, repair or manufacturing.
Pursue additional certifications or credentials in aerospace technology. This can be done through a program offered by the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA).
Apply for positions as an aerospace technician instructor. These positions can often be found at technical schools, colleges and universities, as well as private aviation schools and corporate training centers.
Upon being hired, complete any required orientation and training programs.
Prepare lesson plans and materials for each course you will teach.
Teach courses in aerospace technology that are relevant to your field of expertise.
Monitor student progress and provide feedback on their performance.
Maintain accurate records of student grades and attendance.

Aerospace Technician Instructors must be reliable and capable in order to effectively teach students the necessary skills to be successful in the field. To be reliable, instructors need to have a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and have the discipline to stick to a lesson plan and curriculum. They must also be able to problem solve and troubleshoot any issues that may arise during the teaching process.

To be capable, instructors must have strong communication skills, be able to adapt to different learning styles, and be patient with students who are having difficulty understanding a concept. By taking these steps, an Aerospace Technician Instructor can ensure that their students get the most out of the course, setting them up for success in the aerospace industry.

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Job Description

Develop and deliver aerospace technician training courses for students.
Assess student progress via examinations, quizzes and other methods.
Monitor and evaluate student performance.
Prepare course materials, including syllabus, lecture notes, and lesson plans.
Implement safety procedures in the classroom environment.
Demonstrate and explain complex concepts using visual aids, diagrams and other teaching tools.
Maintain records of student attendance, progress and behaviour.
Research current industry trends and incorporate them into course content.
Provide feedback to students and parents on student progress.
Perform administrative tasks such as scheduling classes and grading exams.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of aircraft safety standards, regulations, and practices.
Knowledge of aircraft parts, systems, and components.
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.
Ability to perform inspections and troubleshooting of aircraft systems.
Ability to use tools and equipment necessary to maintain aircraft.
Knowledge of aircraft maintenance documentation and software systems.
Knowledge of aircraft systems and their function.
Ability to teach and mentor students in aircraft maintenance.
Ability to appropriately respond to emergency situations.
Ability to maintain a safe working environment.

Having strong technical skills is essential for Aerospace Technician Instructors. They must have a comprehensive understanding of aerospace engineering in order to effectively teach students and prepare them for a successful career. This includes having the ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and schematics, using specialist software and understanding the principles of aerodynamics, thermodynamics and propulsion.

they need to be able to work with aircraft components, understand their characteristics and be able to diagnose faults. The ability to problem solve, troubleshoot and think critically are also key skills for Aerospace Technician Instructors. Without these skills, they would not be able to properly guide their students towards a successful career in the field.

All of these skills are required in order for Aerospace Technician Instructors to successfully prepare their students to become successful technicians.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in teaching Aerospace Technician courses?
How do you stay up to date with the latest developments in the Aerospace Technician field?
What strategies do you use for engaging students and keeping them motivated in their studies?
How do you handle difficult students or situations in the classroom?
What methods do you use to assess student performance in your courses?
How do you ensure that safety protocols are followed in your Aerospace Technician classroom?
How do you promote an environment of collaboration among your students?
What techniques do you use to help students develop problem-solving skills?
Describe a lesson plan you have developed for teaching Aerospace Technician topics.
What are your thoughts on mentoring new instructors in the Aerospace Technician field?

Common Tools in Industry

Soldering Iron. Used to join two pieces of metal together by melting a filler material between them. (eg: joining two circuit boards together).
Torque Wrench. Used to apply a specific amount of torque to a fastener or nut. (eg: fastening a bolt with a specific torque).
Multimeter. A device used to measure voltage, current, and resistance in electrical circuits. (eg: testing the current draw of a motor).
Power Supply. Used to provide electrical power to a system. (eg: providing power to a flight simulator).
Oscilloscope. A device used to measure and analyze electrical signals. (eg: troubleshooting an electronic circuit).
Crimping Tool. Used to join two pieces of metal together by crimping them together. (eg: making electrical connections).
Drill Press. Used to make holes in metal, wood, and other materials. (eg: drilling holes in sheet metal).
Heat Gun. Used to heat materials for bending, welding, and other applications. (eg: heating plastic for forming parts).
Welder. Used to join two pieces of metal together by melting a filler material between them. (eg: welding airframe components).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS)
International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences (ICAS)
Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
The International Astronautical Federation (IAF)
The Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA)
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
National Aeronautic Association (NAA)
Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

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Common Important Terms

Aeronautics. The science of designing, building, and operating aircraft and spacecraft.
Avionics. The science and technology of electronics used in aircraft and spacecraft.
Propulsion Systems. Systems designed to move an aircraft or spacecraft forward.
Flight Test. Testing of aircraft and spacecraft in flight to determine performance.
Structural Design. The design of the airframe and other components of aircraft and spacecraft.
Maintenance. The periodic inspection, repair, and servicing of aircraft and spacecraft.
Navigation. The use of instruments and systems to determine the position, direction, and speed of an aircraft or spacecraft.
Regulations and Procedures. The laws and regulations governing the operation of aircraft and spacecraft.
System Safety. The assessment and mitigation of risks associated with the operation of aircraft and spacecraft.
Flight Simulation. The use of computer programs to simulate flight conditions for training and testing purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to become an Aerospace Technician Instructor?

A bachelor's degree in a related field such as aviation, aerospace engineering, or aircraft maintenance is typically required to become an Aerospace Technician Instructor. Additional qualifications may include experience in the aviation industry, FAA certifications, and a teaching certification.

What are the primary duties of an Aerospace Technician Instructor?

The primary duties of an Aerospace Technician Instructor include designing and delivering instruction to students on aircraft systems and components, providing hands-on training on aircraft maintenance and repair, and evaluating students progress.

How much does an Aerospace Technician Instructor make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for an Aerospace Technician Instructor is $47,990 per year.

What type of environment do Aerospace Technician Instructors work in?

Aerospace Technician Instructors typically work in classrooms, laboratories, and other educational settings. They may also work in aircraft hangars and related facilities to provide hands-on training.

What type of tasks do Aerospace Technician Instructors perform?

Aerospace Technician Instructors perform tasks such as developing lesson plans, delivering lectures and demonstrations, grading tests and assignments, and providing feedback and support to students. They may also monitor student progress and provide guidance on career paths.