Also called: Maintenance Operations Control (MOC) Controller, Maintenance Control Technician
Coordinates repairs on an airline's planes in real time so flights leave on time and safely.
From a control room, the controller gets a call that a plane in Denver has a broken sensor, finds a mechanic and part, checks the rules for flying with deferred items, and works with dispatch to keep the schedule moving.
Certificate, about 4 years after high school. FAA A&P license and years of line maintenance experience.
Ways in: Certification, On-the-job training. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Aviation Maintenance Technology.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 49-1011: Average (3% to 4%).
Medium risk for 10 years. AI tools suggest fixes and reroute aircraft; controllers still make the go or no-go calls, with fewer per shift.
Classes: Algebra II, Physics, Computer applications.
Official data: O*NET occupation 49-1011.
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