Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) is preparing to send teams of students from each of its four branch campuses to compete in the annual Aerospace Maintenance Council (AMC) Competition taking place in Chicago on April 9-11.
The competition invites teams of students who are in training to become aviation maintenance mechanics to compete in 27 different problem-solving challenges that simulate real-world situations which they may face as professional mechanics.
Each event is sponsored by a leading aviation industry employer, including American Airlines, FedEx, Michelin, Pratt & Whitney, and Southwest. This year’s events include StandardAero Engine Fan Blade Removal, American Airlines Logo Light Harness Troubleshooting, U.S. Army Helicopter Main Rotor Track & Balance Adjustment, and more.
“Attending AMC gives our students a chance to see how big and diverse the aviation industry truly is, and they can bring that experience back to share with their fellow students at school,” said Michael Basara, PIA Myrtle Beach campus director. “In the competition, they will be partnered with teams from the industry or the military and get to see these professionals at their best, with plenty of chances to network, learn, be mentored, and connect with recruiters. Everyone there is willing to help others and cheer other teams on, even in the heat of competition. In the end, our students really compete against themselves to do their best.”
PIA will be sending teams to this year’s AMC competition from its Hagerstown, Myrtle Beach, Pittsburgh, and Youngstown branch campuses. PIA teams have performed well in previous AMC competitions, including PIA Hagerstown winning the 2022 Clearance Control Valve & Bleed Valve Solenoid event sponsored by Pratt & Whitney.
“When it comes to selecting our team, we don’t just pick the most senior students or those with the most experience,” said Joseph DeRamo, PIA Youngstown campus director. “We like to send a team of students from various backgrounds who have a mix of different kinds of knowledge. Each member brings a different skill set to the group. They have been practicing after school twice a week and sometimes on Saturday in order to learn how best to support each other and work together.”
The AMC competition is presented by Snap-On. It is held at the McCormick Place in Chicago, in conjunction with MRO Americas.