English
Nut's About Thrust
by Thrust Institute of Maintenance
Welcome to 'Nuts About Thrust', the podcast where we get into the exciting world of aviation maintenance and explore the stories, insights, and educational content from experts within the A&P world. Whether you're a seasoned professional, a student embarking on your aviation maintenance journey, or simply curious about the inner workings of aircraft, this is the podcast for you! Ready to join our A&P program? If you're interested in becoming an Aviation Maintenance Technician, visit our website: ThrustInstitute.com and we will get you there! Social Channels: YouTube:…
Episodes
Southwest Airlines Mechanic Shares 38 Years of Career Advice | Nuts About Thrust
26 Oct 2026 · 1 h 02
What does it take to build a successful career as an airline aircraft mechanic? ✈️ In this episode of Nuts About Thrust, we welcome Robert, a Southwest Airlines maintenance professional with 38 years of aviation maintenance experience, for a live Q&A with students at Thrust Institute of…
The Aircraft Mechanic Shortage Is Real | Nuts About Thrust
9 Oct 2026 · 52 min
The aircraft mechanic shortage is real, and it’s about to peak. In this episode of Nuts About Thrust, host Zack sits down with Rob, a 32-year aviation veteran who has worked at Southwest Airlines since 1994 and serves as Director of Government Affairs for AMFA (Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal…
No Room for Egos: What It Takes to Become an AMT | Nuts About Thrust
25 Sept 2026 · 41 min
Think you need a mechanical background to become an aircraft mechanic? Ben didn't have one. His background was soccer and video games. In this episode, Zach talks with Ben, an A&P instructor at Thrust Institute of Maintenance. Ben spent years in airline and charter maintenance at Spirit Airlines,…
From Vet Clinic to Aircraft Mechanic and Helicopter Pilot | Nuts About Thrust
11 Sept 2026 · 29 min
On this episode of Nuts About Thrust, we sit down with Jordan — a former vet clinic receptionist and helicopter private pilot who traded in customer service for a wrench. Jordan walks us through night classes at the Thrust Institute, failing (and retaking) her powerplant written exam, and landing…
He Almost Became a Navy Pilot, Now He's an Aircraft Mechanic | Nuts About Thrust | S2 Ep. 8
28 Aug 2026 · 41 min
Justin Weiman didn't set out to become an Aircraft Maintenance Technician, he wanted to fly. After a magical ride in a friend's Cherokee got him hooked on aviation, age cutoffs kept him from becoming a Navy pilot, so he became a Navy AME instead, working on F-18 ejection seats as the "last line of…
S2 Ep. 7 He Worked on Aircraft for 8 Years Before Getting His A&P
14 Aug 2026 · 35 min
Paul went from working on motorcycles and military aircraft to leaving aviation, working in finance and eventually returning to earn his A&P certificate. In this episode of Nuts About Thrust, Paul shares what it takes to become an A&P mechanic, what A&P school is actually like and why you don't…
S2 Ep. 6 What It's REALLY Like Working on $30 Million Private Jets
31 Jul 2026 · 42 min
He was one of only 6 students in the very first class of the Thrust Institute of Maintenance before there was even a classroom (he helped build it himself). Today, Austin works on Bombardier Challenger 350s and 650s as a Part 135 aircraft mechanic, and he's back to tell us what actually happens…
S2 Ep. 5: Why Aircraft Maintenance Is More Than Fixing Planes
17 Jul 2026 · 48 min
Dan went from working on cars and small engines to building a career in aviation maintenance and eventually becoming an A&P instructor. In this episode of Nuts About Thrust, he explains what A&P training is really like, whether you need mechanical experience, the career paths available after…
S2 Ep. 4: This Is How New A&P Mechanics Can Stand Out
10 Jul 2026 · 45 min
David joins Nuts About Thrust to share his aviation maintenance journey from Raytheon and the Air Force to avionics instruction and Garmin installations. He also breaks down Thrust Institute of Maintenance’s new advanced avionics training, designed to give A&P students hands-on experience with…
S2 Ep. 3 What It’s Really Like Working as a New A&P Mechanic | Nuts About Thrust
26 Jun 2026 · 45 min
Carson returns to Nuts About Thrust to talk about life after graduating from Thrust Institute of Maintenance, earning his A&P license, and starting his career as a helicopter mechanic. He shares what it’s like working on Super Puma helicopters, learning on the job, taking the O&P exam, and what…
S2 Ep. 2: He Left Hawaii to Become an Aircraft Mechanic
12 Jun 2026 · 32 min
Travis left Hawaii, moved to Texas, and made a major sacrifice to become an aircraft mechanic. In this episode of Nuts About Thrust , Travis shares why he chose to pursue his A&P certification, what it was like moving away from his family, how he balanced school and work, and how he passed his…
Jets MRO CEO Explains What A&P Mechanics Need to Know
2 Jun 2026 · 17 min
In this episode of Nuts About Thrust, John and Zach sit down with Suresh, Founder and CEO of Jets MRO, to talk about career opportunities for aircraft maintenance technicians, scholarships available through NBAA, and why business aviation can be a strong path for new and experienced mechanics.
Ep. 11: From Pilot Dreams to A&P Pro: Building a Career in Aviation Maintenance
25 Jun 2025 · 20 min
In this episode of Nuts About Thrust, hosted by Thrust Institute of Maintenance, we sit down with Forrest Benson, one of our newest A&P instructors. Forrest shares his inspiring aviation journey—from attending Oshkosh as a kid to becoming a pilot, aircraft rebuilder, and now instructor. We discuss…
Ep. 10: How to Fix the Aviation Mechanic Shortage & Inspire the Next Generation
18 Jun 2025 · 48 min
In this episode of Nuts About Thrust, hosted by Thrust Institute of Maintenance, we dive deep into the future of aviation maintenance and the urgent need to attract and train the next generation of A&Ps. Our guests from Vertical MRO join us to share actionable strategies for recruiting future…
Ep. 9: What A&P School is REALLY Like from a Recent Mechanic Graduate
10 Feb 2025 · 28 min
Dive into Episode 9 of Nuts About Thrust as we uncover the real story behind A&P school! In this episode, a recent aircraft mechanic graduate reveals what it's REALLY like to attend A&P school, from the intense technical training and hands-on challenges to insider tips that only someone on the…
Ep. 8: Revolutionizing Helicopter Safety & Maintenance with Groundbreaking Tech
12 Aug 2024 · 20 min
In Episode 8 of the Nuts About Thrust podcast, we take a deep dive into a revolutionary technology that’s set to transform helicopter safety and maintenance. Discover how this cutting-edge innovation is enhancing safety measures and optimizing maintenance routines, making helicopter operations…
Ep. 7: DME Tips for Preparing for the Written and Practical A&P Exam
22 Jul 2024 · 27 min
In Episode 7 of the Nuts About Thrust podcast, we dive into essential tips and strategies for passing your A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) written and practical exams. Join us as we discuss effective study techniques, common pitfalls to avoid, and insider advice from industry professionals. Whether…
Ep. 6: Student Life at a Aviation Maintenance School
24 Jun 2024 · 23 min
In this episode of Nuts About Thrust, we dive into the vibrant world of aviation maintenance education. Join us as we chat with current students and instructors about their daily routines, hands-on training, and the unique challenges they face. From mastering the intricacies of aircraft systems to…
Ep. 5: Director of Maintenance for a Private Corporation
10 Jun 2024 · 36 min
Discover the intricacies of maintaining high-performance machinery, the challenges faced in the field, and the innovative solutions that keep everything running smoothly. From troubleshooting to preventative maintenance strategies, this episode is packed with insights and expertise. Whether you're…
Ep. 4: How To Grow The Pipeline of Aviation Maintenance Workers
3 Jun 2024 · 32 min
Welcome to episode of 4 of 'Nut's About Thrust'! During this episode, we sat down with special guest, Kelly Filgo with Choose Aerospace. Choose Aerospace is a non-profit organization that works to increase diversity and grow the pipeline of aviation maintenance workers. They do this by providing…