AAR, a provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, has launched its 2023 mid skills gap report.

The report warns that the aircraft mechanic shortage has reached a critical point and urges employers to break down silos and collaborate with high schools, colleges, non-profits, and elected officials to expand early access to aviation maintenance curriculum and training.

The term ‘mid skills’ describes careers that require industry certifications but not a college degree, including aviation mechanics.

Recognising the importance of gathering information on the state of mid skills talent development efforts and providing tangible recommendations for collaboration, AAR launched its first mid skills gap report in 2011.

AAR has now become a trusted source for this information and thought leadership on innovative solutions, launching subsequent editions of the report in 2018 and 2023.

AAR’s 2023 report includes case studies and opportunities to attract talent under the updated FAA Part 147, which removes a seat time requirement that measures competency based on hours and paves the way for more collaboration and additional training locations.

The company has partnered with Choose Aerospace, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, to release a general aviation curriculum based upon the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airman Certification Standards into high schools and colleges.

Choose Aerospace is aligned with the FAA’s Part 147 certification standards that went into effect last year.

AAR recommends the FAA further update regulations to allow AMT candidates who complete a general aviation curriculum in high school, like Choose Aerospace, to take the FAA general exam to become certified.

It also calls on lawmakers to pass immigration policies that allow aviation companies to recruit talent from abroad to meet demand.

John M. Holmes, AAR’s chairman, president and chief executive, said: “Workforce development is a team effort across industry, education, and government.

“Given the forecasted demand for aviation maintenance technicians, these efforts could not come at a better time.”

Ryan Goertzen, AAR’s vice president of workforce development, said: “We have the facilities to grow. We just need the talent. Companies that invest in training must look to solve the issue not only for themselves but for the industry.”

The 2023 mid skills gap report is available on AAR’s website.

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