Welcome to 'Nuts About Thrust', the podcast where we get into the exciting world of aviation maintenance and explore the stories, insights, and educational content from experts within the A&P world. Whether you're a seasoned professional, a student embarking on your aviation maintenance journey, or simply curious about the inner workings of aircraft, this is the podcast for you!
Ready to join our A&P program? If you're interested in becoming an Aviation Maintenance Technician, visit our website: ThrustInstitute.com (http://ThrustInstitute.com) and we will get you there!
Social Channels:
YouTube: @ThrustInstituteofMaintenance
Instagram: @ThrustInstitute
TikTok: @ThrustInstitute
Southwest Airlines Mechanic Shares 38 Years of Career Advice | Nuts About Thrust
What does it take to build a successful career as an airline aircraft mechanic? ✈️ In this episode of Nuts About Thrust, we welcome Robert, a Southwest Airlines maintenance professional with 38 years of aviation maintenance experience, for a live Q&A with students at Thrust Institute of Maintenance. From starting his career at an aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility to spending decades working on commercial aircraft, Robert shares firsthand insight into what it takes to succeed as an FAA-certified Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic. We discuss career opportunities in aviation maintenance, how to get hired by a major airline, the importance of hands-on experience, and the lessons Robert has learned throughout his career.
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eady to join our A& P program? If you're interested in becoming an Aviation Maintenance Technician, visit our website and we will get you there! https://www.thrustinstitute.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description (https://www.thrustinstitute.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description) Social Channels Instagram: @ThrustInstitute TikTok: @ThrustInstitute
9 Oct 2026
The Aircraft Mechanic Shortage Is Real | Nuts About Thrust
The aircraft mechanic shortage is real, and it’s about to peak. In this episode of Nuts About Thrust, host Zack sits down with Rob, a 32-year aviation veteran who has worked at Southwest Airlines since 1994 and serves as Director of Government Affairs for AMFA (Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association). If you’re thinking about becoming an aircraft maintenance technician (AMT) or earning your A&P license, this conversation is your roadmap.
25 Sept 2026
No Room for Egos: What It Takes to Become an AMT | Nuts About Thrust
Think you need a mechanical background to become an aircraft mechanic? Ben didn't have one. His background was soccer and video games. In this episode, Zach talks with Ben, an A&P instructor at Thrust Institute of Maintenance. Ben spent years in airline and charter maintenance at Spirit Airlines, Envoy, and Omni Air International, including work on the New England Patriots' charter aircraft. He shares how a bad plumbing job pushed him toward aviation, why humility matters more than experience, and what really happens when you walk onto the hangar floor with your new license. He also gives an honest breakdown of the 10-month program, the FAA exams, ways to pay for school, and realistic starting pay across the industry.
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Ready to join our A& P program? If you're interested in becoming an Aviation Maintenance Technician, visit our website: ThrustInstitute.com (http://ThrustInstitute.com) and we will get you there! Social Channels Instagram: @ThrustInstitute TikTok: @ThrustInstitute
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