Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Day

Aviation Maintenance Technician Day is important to Erickson and the aircraft industry

Published May 23, 2022

May 24 is Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Day in the United States. Erickson takes this opportunity to recognize the professionalism and safety efforts of our aviation maintenance professionals everywhere.

The day recognizes the achievements of maintenance technicians who maintain and repair aircraft – their role is mission-critical to keep people safe. The date of May 24 was chosen to honor the birthday of Charles Edward Taylor, who was involved with engine creation for the Wright Brothers aircraft.

On May 24, 2007, a United States House of Representatives resolution was proposed for a National Aviation Maintenance Technician Day. It was passed in 2008 to create AMT Day.

Erickson Inc. employs AMTs and supporting roles across the organization. Our AMTs work both at our facilities and around the world, supporting our mission.

In this post, we are celebrating Aviation Maintenance Technicians at Erickson Inc., and at companies and military installations worldwide. There is a great need for more AMTs in the United States, in fact, it is projected that 192,000 AMTs are needed over the next 20 years. Many AMTs are retiring, leaving a gap in the industry.  

There are AMT programs across the United States and around the world that allow students to graduate at the technician level or proceed to higher education in the management of aviation maintenance. Military service is another place where AMTs are trained for this work.

Erickson participates in an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Apprenticeship Program through Rogue Community College (RCC). Apprentices in the program attend relevant courses at RCC while learning AMT skills through on-the-job training at our facilities in Southern Oregon. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program and required FAA exams, participants obtain an A&P License.   

AMTs learn in-depth knowledge of the aircraft and can specialize in certain aircraft models and functional areas – such as, for example, engine, hydraulic and electrical systems, or structures, etc. In some organizations, like Erickson, AMTs travel to field locations in the U.S. and in different countries on assignment.

On this important day in aviation, we recognize and honor Erickson’s aviation maintenance professionals everywhere for their dedication and commitment to keeping our aircraft flying safely.

If you’re interested in learning more about Aviation Maintenance Technician positions at Erickson, visit our careers page: ericksoninc.com/careers/


2022 AMT FEATURED EMPLOYEE

Hector Torres Beltran
Structure Cell Lead at Erickson Incorporated

Briefly describe your job:
I oversee and direct all structure mechanics for the repairs in heavy maintenance, aircraft conversions, and modifications. 

How long have you been with Erickson?
I’ve worked at Erickson for 27 years.

What do you like about working for Erickson, or doing this type of work?
I’m proud to see these machines flying and proud of the work we have done as a team here in the Central Point hanger. The S-64 Air Crane is so unique.

Where did you receive training?
I learned how to work on these machines with the help of many great mechanics who are now retired. I was very fortunate to be around them. They were the ones who taught me to build my career and expand my knowledge of what I do now. It all happened here.

What can you say about the work that Erickson does in the United States and around the world?
I love seeing these incredible machines all over the world — whether it’s firefighting, a construction project, a rescue mission, or whatever the mission is. It’s a great honor to be a part of something that helps many areas, people, and the environment. The covenant and commitment we have to our customers and the citizens of all over the world, that’s what Erickson is all about.


2021 AMT FEATURED EMPLOYEE

Jim Day
Field Mechanic II S-64 Special Skills at Erickson Incorporated

Briefly describe your job:
Currently, I’m a field mechanic with an electrical specialty so I travel between Greece and Australia helping to maintain one of our E model aircraft, primarily used in firefighting.

How long have you been with Erickson?
I’ve worked at Erickson for 27 years.

What do you like about working for Erickson, or doing this type of work?
The best part of the job is that it’s non-typical when people ask me what I do and where I work. I love the look on their face when I tell them I work on a big orange helicopter in Greece, Australia, or wherever.

Where did you receive training?
I spent 12 years in the Navy troubleshooting and repairing aircraft.

What can you say about the work that Erickson does in the United States and around the world?
In my opinion, the S-64 Air Crane® Helicopter is the best firefighting aircraft ever designed; but the relief and gratitude of the people whose property was under threat when the aircraft shows up speaks volumes of the reputation we’ve built worldwide for saving lives and property.