Photo: Mary Hale and Daniel Eagle of Big Bend Community College complete the electrical troubleshooting project at the first annual Northwest Aviation Maintenance Competition
Pre-competition excitement filled the Spokane Community College (SCC) hangar at Felts Field on May 30 as students from Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake, Everett Community College, and Spokane Community College prepared to test their skills in real world aviation airframe and powerplant maintenance scenarios.
This first annual Northwest Aviation Maintenance Competition was organized almost entirely by SCC Aviation Maintenance students. At the end of the day, SCC claimed first place, followed by Big Bend Community College in second and Everett Community College in third.
"This is the kickoff for what will hopefully be an annual competition," student organizer Dillon Diering told competitors before the event got underway.
“At 1:30, the most exciting thing we're all looking forward to is the CFR test, which we'll all take as one big group," Diering joked, acknowledging that while written tests on federal aviation laws may not be as fun as hands-on work, they would form an important part of this competition, which mixed fun and competition with real-world stress and precision.
Throughout the day, students rotated through hands-on maintenance challenges judged by professional aircraft mechanics from Horizon Air. Competitors were evaluated not only on the quality and outcomes of their hands-on work, but also on their understanding of procedures and safety standards.
As SCC students worked through a magneto timing exercise on a four-cylinder Lycoming engine, Horizon Air judge Julius observed their process closely.
"How do you know you're not on the exhaust stroke?" he asked SCC team member Bryce Rosequist, as Rosequist slowly rotated the propeller bolted to the engine. "If the exhaust was open you wouldn't feel the compression," Rosequist replied to small nods and a note on Julius's clipboard.
The competition tested a broad sample of the skills students develop through Spokane Community College's Aviation Maintenance program, a two-year, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved program located at Felts Field Airport in Spokane. Students receive training in aircraft structures, reciprocating and turbine engines, electrical systems, hydraulics, avionics fundamentals and aircraft inspections while preparing for FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification. For students searching for an aviation maintenance program in Washington state or the Pacific Northwest, SCC offers direct preparation for careers maintaining commercial, general aviation and corporate aircraft.
For many students, the event also provided an opportunity to connect with industry professionals.
"I came from India to Spokane specifically to become an aviation mechanic," said second-year student Abishek Thekkemannil, who volunteered to help run the event. "I started at the Moody Aviation program here at Felts Field, but I moved to the SCC program because it is more affordable and focused on maintenance. The Horizon Air mechanics are judging the competition today, and this is a great opportunity for us to network or get some mentorship from them."
Thekkemannil hopes to become a bush pilot performing humanitarian aid work and plans to work as an aviation mechanic in Spokane after graduation. Bush pilots often benefit from maintenance credentials that allow them to better understand and maintain aircraft operating in remote locations.
Demand for skilled aviation maintenance technicians continues to grow nationwide. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of aircraft and avionics mechanics is projected to grow faster than average through 2034, with thousands of job openings expected annually. Industry leaders note the workforce has a high average age, with many experienced aviation maintenance technicians expected to retire in the coming years, creating opportunities for newly trained mechanics to enter the field.
The competition itself reflected the industry's emphasis on technical knowledge and attention to detail. In the rigid tubing challenge, Big Bend Community College were tasked with identifying damage on a section of rigid tubing and fabricating a replacement.
"What damages did you identify?" their Horizon Air judge asked.
"Right there, on the heel there's some," student Daniel Eagle replied.
Their judge also quizzed Big Bend on what the standard flare angle is for rigid tubing flanges. "I'm pretty sure it's 37 degrees," said Brighton Roylance. "But we'll look it up. We don't rely on memory in case it changes," he said, demonstrating the principles of following procedures and not cutting corners.
By midafternoon, SCC Aviation Maintenance instructor Duane Hille was already looking ahead.
"It's going well, exceptionally well," Hille said. "I'm already thinking about next year and how we can expand."
Spokane Colleges Vice President of Workforce Development Julie Parks said the event demonstrated both the technical skills and leadership abilities of SCC students. "This was all organized by students," Parks said. "They raised the money, they organized the sponsors, and planned all of this. We're very impressed and proud of them."
For prospective students interested in aviation mechanic training, FAA A&P certification, or aviation maintenance programs in the Pacific Northwest, the competition offered a glimpse into both the hands-on nature of the profession and the opportunities available in a growing industry. If the enthusiasm of competitors and organizers is any indication, the Northwest Aviation Maintenance Competition may soon become an annual fixture for the next generation of aviation maintenance professionals.
Get in touch with Duane Hill and the Aviation Maintenance faculty and learn more about SCC's Aviation Maintenance programs.