“Just as maintenance technicians must keep up with constant changes in aircraft systems, current and aspiring managers must stay up-to-date on the skills needed to effectively direct their department and to provide the ultimate  in customer service,” said Doug Bowen, director of worldwide maintenance training sales at FlightSafety International.

The program includes two required courses and three electives. “The program, developed in conjunction with Global Jet Services, is designed to enhance the management skills of aircraft maintenance professionals and introduce management concepts to technicians aspiring to supervision levels,” Bowen said.

The required courses are Aviation Interpersonal Maintenance Management, which provides the basic skills needed for dealing with coworkers and management daily, and either an aircraft-specific update or an aircraft-specific maintenance manager course.

Electives include the repair station training program, which helps prepare managers to meet the new FAR 145; aviation customer service, corrosion control, principles of advanced composite structure repair, human factors in aircraft maintenance, maintenance resource management, and OSHA and EPA compliance practice.