Aviation students from the Houston campus of MIAT College of Technology, a wholly owned subsidiary of Universal Technical Institute, Inc., recently took top honors at the annual Aerospace Maintenance Competition (AMC). The MIAT Mustangs Team 1 and MIAT Lady Mustangs were sponsored by United Airlines and presented by Snap-on Inc., a global manufacturer of tools, diagnostics, and repair solutions, in Atlanta, Georgia.
This Aerospace Maintenance Council event recognizes aviation maintenance professionals and raises awareness of the knowledge and skills required to maintain safe, airworthy aircraft.
“We are committed to nurturing the future generation of aviation professionals. These competitions give our aircraft maintenance mechanics an opportunity to showcase their problem-solving, communication and teamwork skills, all of which are critical in the field. At United, we are committed to creating a workplace that is as diverse as the communities and customers we serve,” commented Jason Rodger, United aircraft maintenance supervisor and United Airlines Team Houston coach.
Eighty-four teams from around the world participated in the competition which is held in conjunction with Aviation Week Network’s MRO Americas at the Georgia World Congress Center. This flagship event of the Aerospace Maintenance Council recognizes and celebrates aviation maintenance professionals and raises awareness of the knowledge and skills required to maintain safe, airworthy aircraft.
This event also provides an opportunity for professionals and students in the aerospace maintenance sector to compete in a series of timed events highlighting various tasks found in the field.
The MIAT Mustangs and Lady Mustangs teams, which are comprised of five students and one alternate, are currently enrolled in the school’s Part 147 FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) programs. All of the MIAT Houston competitors earned $1,000 each in cash prizes, Snap-On tools valued at $5,000, Sonic Tool backpacks valued at $3,300, scholarships and many other awards. The total cash value of all prizes awarded to MIAT team members amounted to $20,000.
“Our MIAT College of Technology Houston aviation maintenance students have once again proven their excellence by winning several events at the 2023 Aerospace Maintenance Competition. We are incredibly proud of our students’ hard work and dedication. These awards are a great reflection of the quality of instruction that these students receive at MIAT College of Technology,” said Michael Riccardelli, MIAT College of Technology aviation instructor, skills team head coach, and mentor.
Riccardelli coached the award-winning MIAT Mustangs and Lady Mustangs. “It is especially inspiring to see an all-female team succeed in such a male-dominated industry. This achievement not only showcases the talent and skills of our students, but also highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in the aviation field,” he added.
Sulia Guajardo, MIAT College of Technology aviation student and Lady Mustangs team member, commented: “I feel incredibly honored to be a part of the first all-female team from MIAT College of Technology to participate and win at the Aerospace Maintenance Competition. Being a woman in the skilled trades industry can be challenging. I’m so proud to show that we can do. It’s important for more women to enter the field, and I hope to inspire others to pursue their passion for aviation.”
The results
- MIAT Mustangs Team 1 – 2nd place overall schools, 1st place United Airlines Fuel Tank Entry Precautions, 1st place National Business Aviation Association and Standard Aero Engine Fan Blade Removal, 1st place Barfield Fault Test, 2nd place United Airlines Cable Rigging, 2nd place FedEx Express Safety Wiring, 3rd place Perfect Point E-Drill Fastener Removal, 3rd place Barfield Air Data Test, 3rd place Airforce Flex Fluid Line.
- MIAT Lady Mustangs Team – 1st place overall Competing with Professionalism, 1st place United Airlines Cable Rigging, 2nd place United Airlines Fuel Tank Entry Precautions, 3rd place 8Tree and Alaska Airlines Airframe Damage Inspection
UTI’s Airframe and Powerplant Training and Aviation Maintenance Technology programs are currently offered at its MIAT-Houston and MIAT-Canton campuses. Pending FAA approvals, UTI’s Airframe and Powerplant Training programs will be offered at UTI-Avondale, UTI-Long Beach, and UTI-Miramar.
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