Two brothers, one career path to the hangar

One conversation can be the catalyst to change the course of someone’s life. Or in this case, two lives.

Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) Ben Zuvich was unsure of his career path after high school until a friend told him about Piedmont’s Tuition Payment Program (TPP). Geared to aspiring aviation maintenance technicians, the TPP pays tuition for selected aviation maintenance students at a partner school that would guarantee students a job as an AMT at a Piedmont maintenance base upon graduation. With the promise of a job near his home and tuition assistance, Ben applied and was accepted into the program. He shared his education experience with his brother Matthew and encouraged him to apply too. Both brothers successfully graduated and earned their airframe and powerplant licenses from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) and work as certified AMTs at Piedmont’s base in Middletown, Pennsylvania.

“A friend of mine who attended PIA told me that there was a promising career in aviation maintenance and that everyone in his class received job offers,” shared Ben. An admitted hands-on learner seeking an opportunity in a career where he could find success, Ben decided to apply to PIA. “The program was only 16 months, and I thought it would be cool to work on airplanes.” After being accepted at PIA, he learned about Piedmont’s TPP. Piedmont’s maintenance base in Middletown was close to his home and offered him a career opportunity to work in his own backyard.

Finding ways to pay for higher education can take focus away from the learning experience. “Having my school tuition paid by Piedmont took a lot of stress off me and I could focus on my education instead of finding ways to afford it.” Ben began working at Piedmont’s Middletown base in February 2023.

“Everyone is familiar with the jobs of pilots and flight attendants, but I never thought about people working on planes,” shares Ben’s brother Matt. He didn’t want to work behind a desk and wanted a job where he would stay busy. He became curious about maintaining airplanes and asked Ben questions about his experience at PIA. After talking with Ben, Matthew decided to apply and was accepted into the TPP program where he began school in 2023.

“I liked the benefit of having a connection with my brother who completed the same program. I could ask him questions, and it made going through school less stressful.” Matthew shares that aviation maintenance is intriguing, and that the industry as a whole is interesting. He earned his airframe and powerplant licenses and joined his brother in the hangar in June 2024.

“Anytime there was a project, I would teach Matthew,” shares Ben. “The Embraer 145 is a good plane to start working on. You have the opportunity to work on everything from nose to tail which can sharpen all of your skills.” Ben shares that being an AMT is rewarding and says it’s cool to fix something and watch it take off in the morning. Both brothers enjoy the challenge of working on engines and take pride in keeping planes safe with their work.

“The Middletown hangar is a close-knit community where we are more than just a number and the base manager knows us,” shares Ben. With only school experience, both brothers value learning from veteran mechanics who are always willing to help. They appreciate that it’s easy to ask for help and the mechanics who have been around for a while are open to sharing their knowledge with the new AMTs.

Ben and Matthew worked together on night shift for four months before Ben began working day shift. They see each other occasionally in passing at work but always chat about aviation at home. Not only do the brothers share the same career, they live together and travel together outside of work. “Matthew is my best friend. I’m proud of what he has accomplished and proud to work alongside him.”

Piedmont is gearing up for an exciting future with the addition of the Embraer 175 to our fleet in 2028. Your new career is on the horizon, and we look forward to having you join the Piedmont team as an aviation maintenance technician. Learn more about our Aircraft Maintenance Technician Tuition Payment Program.