AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY (AMT) December 2011 Needs Assessment Prepared by Elisa Lewis Date: December 12, 2011 Aviation Maintenance Technology 1
Scope Data compiled in this report covers San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, and Los Angeles counties. Data were drawn from external sources, including the Employment Development Department s California Labor Market Information and the U.S. Department of Education s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and Chaffey College s Colleague Administrative database. Data Sources and Calculations Educational Program Data TOP Code Program of Study 0950.10 Aviation Airframe Mechanics 0950.20 Aviation Powerplant Mechanics The Taxonomy of Programs (TOP) is a standardized system used at the state level to classify programs and courses that are intended to achieve the same outcome at California Community Colleges. The TOP titles and codes assigned to the Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program are broken down into two sub-programs, which are, Aviation Airframe Mechanics - 0950.10, and Aviation Powerplant Mechanics 0950.20. CIP Code Program of Study 47.0607 Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician 47.0608 Aircraft Powerplant Technology/Technician The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) is a standardized coding system used at the federal level to facilitate accurate tracking, assessment, and reporting of fields of study and program completion at educational institutions throughout the country. The CIP title and code associated with the Aviation Airframe Mechanics TOP Code is Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician - 47.0607, and the CIP title and code associated with the Aviation Powerplant Mechanics TOP Code is Aircraft Powerplant Technology/Technician 47.0608. All educational program data in this report are based on these TOP and CIP codes. Occupational Data SOC Code Occupational Title Aviation Airframe Mechanics 49.2091 Avionics Technicians 49.3011 Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians 51.2011 Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers Aviation Powerplant Mechanics 49.3011 Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians 51.2011 Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system is used by federal statistical agencies to classify workers into occupational categories. The SOC codes and titles associated with Aviation Airframe Mechanics are: 49.2091 Avionics Technicians, 49.3011 Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians, 2
51.2011 and Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers. The SOC codes and titles associated with Aviation Powerplant Mechanics are: 49.3011 Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians, and 51.2011 Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers. Industry Data The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is used by federal statistical agencies to classify business establishments for the purpose of conducting and reporting research on the U.S. business economy. Using the Standard Occupational Classification codes listed above, associated NAICS industries were identified. Educational Program to Occupation Crosswalk The TOP-CIP-SOC Crosswalk (Employment Development Department, 2007) was used in this report to map California Community College-specific Taxonomy of Program (TOP) codes to federal Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) and Standard Occupational Classifications (SOC) codes. This crosswalk allows the user to estimate labor market demand for California Community College program completers using SOC based projections from the Labor Market Information Division. Completions Data Degree and certificate data regarding students at Chaffey College were collected from the Colleague Administrative database. Degree and certificate data for all comparison schools were collected from the U.S. Department of Education s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). All comparison institutions included in this report are postsecondary and have provided data to the U.S. Department of Education s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). IPEDS defines postsecondary education as a formal program designed primarily for students beyond high school age. These include academic, vocational, and continuing professional education, and exclude a vocational and adult basic education programs. 3
Introduction and Contents Contents Background Information 5 Regional Job Outlook 8 Largest and Fastest Growing Industry Employers 11 Regional Graduation Summary 15 Chaffey College s Performance on Core Indicators. 17 Map of Selected Regional Employers and Competitor Institutions 18 Purpose and Goals Chaffey College currently offers two degrees and two certificate options in the Aviation Maintenance Technology program: Airframe and Powerplant. All Associate Degree and Certificates in either Airframe or Powerplant require 40 semester units. The 2011-2012 College Catalog Aviation Maintenance Technology program description reads as follows: This program provides the training needed to become an Aviation Maintenance Technician. Students who successfully complete the program will have the experience required by the Federal Aviation Administration for certification as an Airframe or Powerplant Mechanic. Airframe and Powerplant technicians are in demand by airlines and aviation maintenance providers. The Aviation Maintenance Technology program at Chaffey College is fully approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide the 1900 hours of experience required to become an Airframe or Powerplant technician. Students may earn an Associate degree and/or separate college certificates in Airframe or Powerplant. The purpose of this report is to integrate and analyze data from multiple sources to determine labor market needs for the Aviation Maintenance Technology program at Chaffey College. Regional Definitions Inland Empire includes the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) Los Angeles County includes the Los Angeles- Long Beach-Glendale Metro Division Orange County includes the Santa Ana- Anaheim-Irvine Metro Division Key Terms and Concepts Replacement Jobs: Replacement jobs refer to the number of job openings due to workers leaving an occupation. Annual Openings: Annual openings are calculated by adding the number of new jobs to the number of replacement jobs, divided by the number of years in the projection period. Projections: Projections of employment are calculated by the Employment Development Department and are based on a mathematical formula that includes historical employment and economic indicators along with national, state, and local trends. Occupation: Jobs are grouped into occupations using the federal Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system. Industry: Occupations are grouped into industries using the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). Wages: Hourly wages are reported in percentiles and averages. The 25th percentile is a useful proxy of entry-level wages and the 75th percentile of experienced-level wages. 4
Background Information Aviation Airframe Mechanics Aviation Airframe Mechanics programs prepare students to inspect, repair, service, maintain, and overhaul of airframes and aircraft systems. The program is designed to meet the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for licensing as an airframe mechanic. 1 Aviation Powerplant Mechanics Aviation Powerplant Mechanics programs prepare students to inspect, repair, service, maintain, and overhaul aircraft engines and engine systems. The program is designed to meet the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for licensing as a powerplant mechanic. 1 Avionics Technicians 2 Avionics Technicians install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles. Typical Tasks Set up and operate ground support and test equipment to perform functional flight tests of electrical and electronic systems. Test and troubleshoot instruments, components, and assemblies, using circuit testers, oscilloscopes, or voltmeters. Keep records of maintenance and repair work. Coordinate work with that of engineers, technicians, and other aircraft maintenance personnel. Interpret flight test data to diagnose malfunctions and systemic performance problems. Install electrical and electronic components, assemblies, and systems in aircraft, using hand tools, power tools, or soldering irons. Adjust, repair, or replace malfunctioning components or assemblies, using hand tools or soldering irons. Connect components to assemblies such as radio systems, instruments, magnetos, inverters, and in-flight refueling systems, using hand tools and soldering irons. Assemble components such as switches, electrical controls, and junction boxes, using hand tools or soldering irons. Fabricate parts and test aids as required. 1 California Community Colleges, Chancellor s Office, Taxonomy of Programs, Sixth Edition (Corrected Version). 2 O*Net Online: http://online.onetcenter.org/find 5
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians 2 Aircraft mechanics and service technicians diagnose, adjust, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Typical Tasks Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components. Inspect completed work to certify that maintenance meets standards and that aircraft are ready for operation. Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance. Conduct routine and special inspections as required by regulations. Examine and inspect aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and deicers to locate cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems. Inspect airframes for wear or other defects. Maintain, repair, and rebuild aircraft structures, functional components, and parts such as wings and fuselage, rigging, hydraulic units, oxygen systems, fuel systems, electrical systems, gaskets, and seals. Measure the tension of control cables. Replace or repair worn, defective, or damaged components, using hand tools, gauges, and testing equipment. Measure parts for wear, using precision instruments. 2 O*Net Online: http://online.onetcenter.org/find 6
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers 2 Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers assemble, fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles, such as tails, wings, fuselage, bulkheads, stabilizers, landing gear, rigging and control equipment, or heating and ventilating systems. Typical Tasks Align and fit structural assemblies manually, or signal crane operators to position assemblies for joining. Assemble and fit prefabricated parts to form subassemblies. Assemble, install, and connect parts, fittings, and assemblies on aircraft, using layout tools, hand tools, power tools, and fasteners such as bolts, screws, rivets, and clamps. Position and align subassemblies in jigs or fixtures, using measuring instruments and following blueprint lines and index points. Cut, trim, file, bend, and smooth parts, and verify sizes and fitting tolerances in order to ensure proper fit and clearance of parts. Read and interpret blueprints, illustrations, and specifications to determine layouts, sequences of operations, or identities and relationships of parts. Align, fit, assemble, connect, and install system components, using jigs, fixtures, measuring instruments, hand tools, and power tools. Join structural assemblies such as wings, tails, and fuselage. Layout and mark reference points and locations for installation of parts and components, using jigs, templates, and measuring and marking instruments. Adjust, repair, rework, or replace parts and assemblies to eliminate malfunctions and to ensure proper operation. 2 O*Net Online: http://online.onetcenter.org/find 7
Regional Job Outlook Projected Regional Job Outlook The table below displays 2008-2018 employment projections for Avionics Technicians, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians, and Aircraft, Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers. Job openings for Avionics Technicians are projected to have little or no change across regions of California over the next ten years. Projected job openings for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians are projected to be declining slowly in one of our four counties of interest, Los Angeles County. Meanwhile, projected job growth in the remaining three counties is considered growing slower than average. In the state of California, little or no change is projected. Job projections for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers are growing more slowly than average in Los Angeles County. Meanwhile, Orange County and the state of California projects little or no change in employment growth rate. Total Estimated 2008 Jobs Total Projected 2018 Jobs Projected Growth (%) Ave. Annual New Job Openings Ave. Annual Replacement Job Openings Ave. Annual Total Job Openings Avionics Technicians State of California 1,600 1,600 0 (0%) 0 40 40 Inland Empire -- -- -- -- -- -- Los Angeles CO 880 900 20 (2.3%) 2 15 17 Orange CO -- -- -- -- -- -- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians State of California 11,400 11,300-100 (-.9%) -10 230 220 Inland Empire 850 880 30 (3.5%) 3 16 19 Los Angeles CO 3,590 3,460-130 (-3.6%) -13 83 70 Orange CO 280 290 10 (3.6%) 1 5 6 Aircraft, Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, & Systems Assemblers State of California 3,600 3,600 0 (0%) 0 80 80 Inland Empire -- -- -- -- -- -- Los Angeles CO 2,560 2700 140 (5.5%) 14 54 68 Orange CO 110 110 0 (0%) 0 2 2 -- Indicates there are no data available. Source: Labor Market Information Division, Employment Development Department, Occupation Profile, on the Internet at: http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/ (visited December 12, 2011). 8
% Growth % Growth % Growth Projected Regional Job Growth The graphs below show the projected growth from 2008 to 2018 of Avionics Technicians, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians, and Aircraft, Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler jobs. As the mentioned above, there is little to no change in job growth for Avionics Technicians. Aircraft Mechanics and Services Technician is slowly declining in Los Angeles, experiencing little to no change in the state of California, and increasing in the Inland Empire and Orange County. Aircraft, Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler jobs are growing more slowly than average in Los Angeles County during this ten-year time period. Avionics Technicians Aircraft Mechanics and Services Technicians 50 40 30 20 10 0 California Inland Empire Los Angeles County Orange County 40 30 20 10 0-10 California Inland Empire Los Angeles County Orange County 50 40 30 20 10 0 Aircraft, Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, & Systems Assemblers California Inland Empire Los Angeles County Orange County Source: Labor Market Information Division, Employment Development Department, Occupation Profile, on the Internet at: http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/ (visited December 12, 2011). 9
Regional Hourly Wages This table displays the First Quarter 2011 hourly wage statistics for Avionics Technicians, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians, and Aircraft, Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers. While wage averages are comparable between Avionic Technicians and Aircraft mechanics and Service Technicians, wage averages are less than half the hourly rate for Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging and Systems Assemblers. Mean Hourly Rate 25 th Percentile Median Hourly Rate 75 th Percentile Avionics Technicians State of California $26.99 $23.36 $27.42 $31.54 Inland Empire $29.17 $24.63 $29.62 $34.83 Los Angeles CO $26.65 $23.16 $26.85 $30.89 Orange CO $21.22 $12.37 $22.40 $28.22 Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians State of California $28.07 $23.58 $28.77 $32.85 Inland Empire $30.32 $23.59 $31.45 $37.71 Los Angeles CO $28.37 $24.02 $28.36 $32.40 Orange CO $25.03 $19.07 $24.96 $30.12 Aircraft, Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, & Systems Assemblers State of California $20.98 $13.44 $19.06 $29.16 Inland Empire -- -- -- -- Los Angeles CO $18.31 $13.40 $16.21 $21.93 Orange CO -- -- -- -- -- Indicates there are no data available. Source: Labor Market Information Division, Employment Development Department, Occupation Profile, on the Internet at: http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/ (visited December 12, 2011). 10
Largest and Fastest Growing Industry Employers Largest Industry Employers of Aviation Maintenance Technology-Related Occupations The graphs below display the 2008 staffing patterns of the largest industries employing Avionics Technicians, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians, and Aircraft, Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers across the state of California. There are at least three industries employing each occupation with Aerospace Products & Parts Manufacturing and Electronics Instrument Manufacturing showing the most prominent numbers across occupations. Avionics Technicians 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 11
Aircraft, Structure, Surfaces, Rigging and Systems Assemblers 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 Source: Labor Market Information Division, Employment Development Department, Staffing Patterns, on the Internet at: http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/iomatrix/staffing-patterns1.asp (visited December 12, 2011). Change Over Time of the Largest Industry Employers of Aviation Maintenance Technology-Related Occupations The graphs below displays projections of staffing changes from 2008-2018 within the largest industries employing Avionics Technicians, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians, and Aircraft, Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers in the state of California. A single industry employing Avionics Technicians is expected to increase the number of positions available over the next ten years. Similarly, a single industry employer of Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians is projected to increase the number of positions available over the next ten years. Two industry employers of Aircraft, Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers project employment growth over the next ten years. 12
Avionics Technicians 100% 75% 50% 25% 0% -25% -50% Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians 100% 75% 50% 25% 0% -25% 13
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers 100% 75% 50% 25% 0% Source: Labor Market Information Division, Employment Development Department, Staffing Patterns, on the Internet at: http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/iomatrix/staffing-patterns1.asp (visited December 12, 2011). 14
Regional Graduation Summary Education and Training 3 Preparation for a career as an Avionics Technician includes training in vocational schools, related on-thejob experience or an Associate s Degree. Previous work-related skill, knowledge or experience is required. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Preparation for a career as an Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technician includes previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. This occupation may require a background in the following: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational disciplines. Preparation for a career as an Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging and Systems Assembler requires some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. These occupations usually require a high school diploma. Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. 3 O*Net Online: http://online.onetcenter.org/find. 15
Regional Completers in Aviation Maintenance Technology-Related Programs The table below displays the number of program completers in the 2009-10 academic year at regional institutions offering Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician and Aircraft Powerplant Technology/Technician programs. Besides Chaffey, there are 8 institutions offering certificates and two year degrees below the baccalaureate level in Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician. Overall, these institutions produced 4 < 1 year certificates, 93 1 to < 2 year certificates, 26 associate s degrees, and 175 2 to <4 year certificates. In addition, there are 5 institutions, besides Chaffey, offering certificates and degrees below the baccalaureate level in Aircraft Powerplant Technology/Technician. Together, these institutions produced 80 1 to < 2 year certificates and 4 associate s degrees. Institution Name < 1 year Certificate 1 to < 2 year Certificate Award Level Associate s Degree 2 to < 4 year Certificate Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician Chaffey College -- 28 2 -- Antelope Valley 3 0 2 -- Crimson Technical College -- 3 -- 167 Long Beach City -- 0 6 -- Mt. San Antonio -- 10 5 0 Orange Coast 1 4 4 8 San Bernardino Valley -- 26 2 -- Victor Valley -- 0 0 -- West Los Angeles -- 22 5 0 Total 4 93 26 175 Aircraft Powerplant Technology/Technician Chaffey College -- 37 3 -- Antelope Valley -- 3 1 -- Mt. San Antonio -- 6 -- -- Orange Coast -- 1 -- -- San Bernardino Valley -- 10 -- -- West Los Angeles -- 23 -- -- Total -- 80 4 -- 1 National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, on the Internet at: http://www.nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ (visited December 13, 2011). 16
Chaffey College s Performance on Core Indicators The Perkins IV Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 mandates that all state and local postsecondary institutions provide data on six core performance indicators for their career and technical education programs. These indicators are: 1) Technical Skill Attainment; 2) Completions; 3) Persistence and Transfer; 4) Employment; 5) Nontraditional Participation; and 6) Nontraditional Completion. Performance goals are set at the state and local levels and progress is monitored based on a comparison between the actual percentage of students who master each performance area and the negotiated levels of performance. 2011-2012 Chaffey College Performance on Core Indicators The table below displays negotiated and actual core performance indicator levels for all Chaffey College students classified under the Aviation Maintenance Technology TOP code. Chaffey students achieved below district and state negotiated levels on two core indicators and above district and state negotiated levels on 1 core indicator. Core Performance Indicators Negotiated Level State District Chaffey College Performance Percent Above or Below District Negotiated Level Aviation Airframe Mechanics Core 1 Technical Skill Attainment 88.81% 90.54% 93.75% 3.2 Core 2 Completions- Credential, Certificate, Degree, or Transfer Ready 82.05% 82.05% 100% 18.0 Core 3 Persistence and Transfer 85.96% 85.96% 81.25% -4.7 Core 4 Employment 82.21% 82.21% 88.89% 6.7 Core 5a Non-traditional Participation 20.37% 20.37% 6.25% -14.1 Core 5b Non-traditional Completions 22.10% 22.42% 4.55% -17.9 Aviation Powerplant Mechanics Core 1 Technical Skill Attainment 88.81% 90.54% 97.62% 7.1 Core 2 Completions- Credential, Certificate, Degree, or Transfer Ready 82.05% 82.05% 96.77% 14.7 Core 3 Persistence and Transfer 85.96% 85.96% 83.33% -2.6 Core 4 Employment 82.21% 82.21% 87.50% 5.3 Core 5a Non-traditional Participation 20.37% 20.37% 4.76% -15.6 Core 5b Non-traditional Completions 22.10% 22.42% 6.67% -15.8 Source: CA Community Colleges Reporting Services, Aviation Maintenance Technology, College Core Indicator Information by 6- Digit TOP (2011-2012). 17
Map of Regional Employers and Competitor Institutions The Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing industry employs all three of the occupations associated with the Chaffey College Aviation Maintenance Technology program. The map below illustrates the location of all employers in the Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing industry (133 in Los Angeles County, 57 in Orange County, 17 in San Bernardino Country, and 9 in Riverside County) across the four counties of interest. Also included in the map are the campus locations of Chaffey Community College District sites as well as competitor schools offering similar degrees or certificates. 18