ABSTRACT
This chapter identifies several categories of aircraft. It outlines the basic process that enables aircraft to fly and to be controlled while airborne. The chapter explains how international regulations impact the design and airworthiness of aircraft. It describes the training, roles, and work environments of aviation maintenance professionals. Original equipment manufacturer (OEMs) employ a variety of aviation professionals including aerospace engineers, management teams, manufacturing trades people, sales and marketing personnel, and test pilots among others. Maintenance engineers can be considered the first aviation professionals as industry pioneers had to first design and build an aircraft before anyone had the opportunity to become a pilot! The task of maintaining airworthiness falls on aircraft maintenance mechanics, technicians, and engineers (AMMTEs). The licensed certifying AMMTE has the most authority on the maintenance team–he or she is responsible for signing the maintenance release.
