Piedmont Career Programs Frequently Asked Questions

A&P refers to Airframe and Powerplant mechanic certification issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). A&P mechanics are also referred to as Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMT). An A&P technician inspects aircraft as well as performs, supervises and conducts maintenance.

A&P students study electricity, weight and balance, hydraulics, pneumatics, ground operation of aircraft, cleaning and corrosion control, sheet metal, composites, cabin atmosphere control systems, instrument systems, communication and navigation systems, fuel systems, reciprocating and turbine engine theory and repair, colling systems, exhaust and reverser systems, auxiliary power units and propellers. All aviation mechanics are responsible for staying up to date with technological advances in the industry.

Aviation mechanics are responsible for inspecting the entire aircraft including engines, instruments, gauges, landing gear, pressurized areas, brakes, air conditioning, pumps, valves, and more. Mechanics fix, maintain and replace aircraft parts to the highest standards. They also conduct detailed inspections between take-offs and landings. Aircraft mechanics and technicians are required to document repairs and maintain aircraft records including the number of hours an aircraft has been in flight, the number of days since the last inspection, different operation cycles and other aspects. They are responsible for addressing and divulging problems or discrepancies reported by flight crews. Click here for an inside look at what our AMTs do!

Piedmont AMTs earn $28.40/hr their first year, or an average of $60,000, with pay differentials in select locations, as well as a night shift differential. All AMTs will receive annual pay increases, per their collective bargaining agreement.

Piedmont employs more than 540 mechanics in seven locations in the eastern United States. Our maintenance bases are located in Albany, New York (ALB), Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT),  Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (MDT), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PHL), Salisbury, Maryland (SBY), Richmond, Virginia (RIC), and Roanoke, Virginia (ROA).

Piedmont’s Aircraft Maintenance Technician Tuition Payment Program is designed to secure a sustainable workforce near our maintenance bases and help the most promising students make a smooth transition to a full-time stable career as an AMT. Candidates selected will receive a conditional offer of employment and payment coverage of tuition and testing through select educational institutions’ aviation maintenance programs. 

Piedmont will cover the cost of tuition, testing, and some cost of fees depending on the selected school. Students cover the cost of books and nominal fees. Piedmont does not cover housing costs. 

To apply for the TPP, students must have proof of submission for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), completed TPP application, and a letter of recommendation. 

With this program, you can attend any of the following schools to put you on the path to becoming and A&P Mechanic with Piedmont: 

• Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) – Rome, New York 

• Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) – Hagerstown, Maryland 

• Liberty University – Lynchburg, Virginia

• Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) – Norfolk, Virginia

• Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Applicants must download and answer the information in the application provided. Once the application is complete, please email the application to PDTmtcrecruiting@aa.com with the subject line: Application for the AMT Tuition Payment Program. 

Piedmont’s Cadet Program offers financial support for students and instructors with 500 hours who are building their time to become a First Officer. 

Piedmont offers the most flexible cadet program in the industry. Cadets may build hours how and where they want, no partner school required. Along the way, cadets enjoy industry perks, as well as mentorship and networking opportunities. 

To apply for Piedmont’s Cadet Program, you must meet the following requirements: 

• Commercial Multi-engine with instrument rating 

• 500 hours total time 

• No closer than 200 hours away from reaching ATP/Restricted ATP minimums 

• Valid First Class Medical 

• No Criminal Record 

• No FAA Violations 

Applications for the Cadet Program should be completed via AirlineApps.com after you complete your Commercial Multi-engine with Instrument Rating and 400 hours of total flight time. New cadets can be admitted into the program with 500 hours of total time. 

No. Applicants can build their time anywhere, any way they want, if they are gaining a minimum of 60 hours a month. 

Being a cadet provides you with an opportunity to network with Piedmont pilots, Piedmont pilot recruiters and other cadets. Cadets are also invited to various exclusive cadet events. Read more: Five Questions to Ask in Your Pilot Interview. 

As a Piedmont Cadet you are guaranteed a seat in First Officer class with no additional interview.  How long it takes a cadet to transition to First Officer depends on how many hours are being built each month towards ATP minimums. 

Yes. Once ATP minimums are reached as a cadet, Piedmont will pay for the ATP/CTP course, including the FAA ATP written exam. 

No, we are currently hiring a small number of cadets and have a high volume of cadet applications. Recruiters are continuing to process cadet applications. 

Piedmont Cadets are considered Contingent Workers and do not receive company benefits. However, Cadets will receive financial assistance as they build time. In addition, Cadets will receive travel perks and will be invited to exclusive Piedmont events. 

Piedmont has an active Cadet Ambassador Program that requires no minimum number of hours to join. The program was established for future cadet applicants interested in networking and attending events alongside pilot recruiters to spread awareness about flying for Piedmont. Ambassadors will have the opportunity to network with other aviation professionals around the country and will receive invitations to exclusive Piedmont events. 

Interested in becoming a Cadet but still working on your 500-hour minimum? Join Piedmont’s Ambassador program to network with aviation professionals, attend events alongside our recruiters, and gain insight into a career at Piedmont. 

If you’re looking for financial support on your journey from 0 to 500 hours, look no further than the American Airlines Cadet Academy. 

Dispatchers at Piedmont are responsible for planning and monitoring the journeys of our aircraft, and for advising the flight crew of any circumstances that might affect flight safety. This important position requires an FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate and excellent communication and computer skills. 

Dispatchers meticulously craft detailed flight plans, taking into account crucial factors such as aircraft performance, prevailing weather conditions, fuel requirements, and airspace restrictions. They’re responsible for diligently monitoring the progress of flights and dynamically adjusting these plans in response to evolving conditions, such as shifts in weather patterns or air traffic. Dispatchers provide flight crews with critical information, including weather updates, current airport conditions, and any necessary flight plan modifications. They share operational control with the Captain, collaboratively making critical decisions to ensure safe and efficient flights. 

Piedmont’s Dispatcher Trainee Program is a specialized training opportunity for individuals with a strong interest in aviation operations, offering paid training and a guaranteed career path for successful graduates. Jeppesen Academy will conduct the Dispatch certification course, with Piedmont covering all training and testing costs, while also paying students an hourly rate of $23.93, the starting dispatcher pay, for the duration of the class. The class is six weeks and trainees will test for their Dispatch certificate at the end of training. Once a Dispatch certificate is achieved, trainees will become full-time Piedmont Dispatchers and move forward to Piedmont’s ground school along with on-the-job training provided. 

Piedmont covers the cost of the class along with the certification.

Applicants must be 23 years of age and successfully pass a drug and alcohol test and background check. 

Keep checking our website for updates about our next Dispatcher Trainee Class and how to apply. 

Piedmont Airlines, Inc is a wholly owned subsidiary of the American Airlines Group, Inc. Piedmont operates nearly 400 daily departures to more than 80 cities in the eastern United States on Embraer 145 regional jets and also provides ground handling services for American Airlines throughout the entire country. Piedmont employs more than 11,000 aviation professionals. Click here to learn more about our history.

Full-time Piedmont team members have access to industry-leading healthcare in a Nationwide PPO network. Piedmont team members enjoy industry-best no-cost travel on the American Airlines global network (parents can take advantage of travel privileges, too). Piedmont team members can also take advantage of negotiated rates on everything from cellphone plans to car loans through American Airlines’ Deals and Discounts program.