How BAS Part Sales Takes Part in Supporting Trade Schools Around the World

At BAS Part Sales, we’ve always believed that aviation is about more than just aircraft - it’s about people. Airplanes may be the most visible part of the industry, but it is the individuals who design, maintain, operate, and support them who make aviation possible. From pilots and passengers to the dedicated mechanics who keep every plane airworthy, the aviation community thrives because of skilled professionals who dedicate themselves to safety, precision, and reliability. Every flight that departs safely is the result of countless hours of unseen work, carried out by people who take their craft seriously.

That’s why we are proud to share our recent collaboration with Thrust Flight, where we were able to provide aircraft components to be used for hands-on learning in the classroom. For us, this partnership represents more than just the opportunity to provide parts. It represents an investment in the future of aviation - a future that depends on the next generation of mechanics, technicians, and problem-solvers who will keep aircraft flying safely for decades to come.

The Challenge Facing the Industry

Aircraft mechanics are the unsung heroes of aviation. Their work is not glamorous, but it is indispensable. Every flight depends on their expertise and meticulous attention to detail. Yet, despite their critical role, the aviation industry is facing a serious challenge: a growing shortage of qualified mechanics.

According to industry reports, the United States could face a shortfall of over 25,000 certificated mechanics by 2028. That figure is only part of the story - analysts warn that as much as 35% of the current workforce is nearing retirement age, meaning thousands of highly experienced professionals will leave the field in the coming years. When those individuals step away, they take decades of practical knowledge with them, creating a gap that will not be easy to fill.

This shortage is not just an abstract statistic - it has very real implications. Airlines and operators may face longer turnaround times for maintenance, higher costs, and even flight delays or cancellations if there are not enough qualified technicians available. Most importantly, a shrinking mechanic workforce puts additional strain on those who remain, increasing the pressure to perform flawlessly under tight timelines. Supporting the next generation of mechanics isn’t just important - it’s essential for the continued safety, efficiency, and growth of the aviation industry.

Why Education Matters

This is where schools and training programs play a critical role. Trade schools for aviation maintenance, like Thrust Institute of Maintenance, are the backbone of the workforce pipeline. They equip students with not only the technical skills required to pass FAA certification exams but also the confidence, problem-solving ability, and professional mindset they need to succeed in a high-stakes environment.

But unlike in a typical classroom, where students can learn concepts from books or digital simulations, teaching aircraft maintenance requires access to real components. Students need to see, touch, and work with the same parts they’ll encounter on the job. A textbook can explain how a hydraulic actuator functions, but until a student physically disassembles one, cleans it, reassembles it, and tests its function, the knowledge remains theoretical.

That’s why we felt it was important to step up and provide resources that allow students to learn in an environment that mirrors the real-world challenges they’ll face in the field. By supplying key components, we’re helping schools remove one of the biggest barriers to effective training: access to authentic materials.

Building Experience Through Practice

With the components we provide, students gain valuable hands-on experience. They can safely take apart and reassemble real parts - whether it’s a landing gear assembly, a section of avionics wiring, or an engine component. This allows them to practice their craft repeatedly without the high stakes of working on in-service aircraft.

This type of learning is critical. Aircraft maintenance is a field where precision and repetition build the foundation for safety. Every step matters. A torque value set incorrectly, a wire routed improperly, or a fastener overlooked can have serious consequences. Students need every opportunity to develop muscle memory, attention to detail, and procedural discipline before they graduate and begin working on active aircraft. By training with real-world components, they are better prepared to enter the workforce with confidence and competence.

The Growing Demand

The need for well-trained mechanics is only going to increase. Analysts predict that North America will require more than 120,000 new maintenance technicians between now and 2042. Several factors are driving this demand:

• Aging fleets: Many aircraft currently in service are decades old. Maintaining them requires not only regular inspections but also replacement of aging systems.
• New technology: As manufacturers introduce more advanced aircraft, technicians need to be trained in both legacy systems and cutting-edge innovations.
• Retirement of professionals: The industry is facing a “brain drain” as experienced mechanics retire, leaving behind a knowledge gap that must be filled by well-prepared newcomers.

By supporting training programs today, BAS Part Sales is helping ensure that tomorrow’s workforce is ready to meet these challenges head-on.

Investing in the Future

Our goal isn’t just to provide parts - it’s to be part of a larger solution. By collaborating with schools, we can help bridge the gap between industry demand and the supply of qualified graduates. For us, this isn’t just a business deal; it’s a way to invest in the future of aviation and give back to the industry that has supported our own growth over the years.

At BAS Part Sales, we know that our success is deeply tied to the health of the aviation industry as a whole. If the next generation of mechanics is not properly trained, every sector of aviation - from airlines to private operators - will feel the strain. By ensuring students have access to the tools they need, we are contributing to a stronger, safer, and more sustainable industry.

Inspired by Students

We are also inspired by the students themselves. Every class we interact with is filled with individuals who are passionate about aviation, eager to learn, and ready to tackle the complexities of keeping aircraft safe. Their enthusiasm is contagious. It reminds us why it’s so important to nurture this pipeline of talent.

These students will soon become the mechanics who ensure the reliability of every flight. They will be the ones signing off inspections, troubleshooting technical issues under pressure, and working long hours to keep aircraft in the air. Knowing that BAS Part Sales played even a small role in their training is a point of pride for our entire team.

Partnerships That Matter

Partnerships between industry and education are more than just helpful - they’re necessary. Schools face significant resource challenges, and industry partners like us can help ease the burden by sharing access to the very parts and systems students will encounter on the job. In turn, we gain the assurance that the future workforce is being trained to the highest standards of safety and excellence.

These partnerships also foster stronger connections between students and employers. By working with schools, companies like BAS Part Sales can help identify promising talent early, provide mentorship opportunities, and create pathways from education into employment. It’s a win-win scenario - students get the training and exposure they need, while the industry benefits from a steady pipeline of qualified graduates.

A Shared Responsibility

We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to support this important cause. The aviation industry’s strength depends on collaboration, and this is one way we can contribute to something larger than ourselves. Watching students explore, learn, and build their skills on the components we’ve provided is a reminder that the work we do at BAS Part Sales extends far beyond our own walls.

As the aviation industry continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: the need for skilled, dedicated mechanics. We are honored to support the schools and students who are stepping up to meet that need. Together, we can help secure the future of aviation by investing in education, training, and the next generation of talent.

At BAS Part Sales, we’re proud to be part of that mission. By building strong partnerships, sharing our resources, and believing in the potential of students, we are doing our part to ensure the skies remain safe, reliable, and accessible for all.

Big Thank-You to Thrust Flight

A big thank-you to Thrust Flight! We are so gratful for opportunities to help trade schools around the world.

The Heartbeat of BAS Is Connection

Our team remains extremely active on all platforms:

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• YouTube
• LinkedIn

We’re sharing customer stories, teardown videos, behind-the-scenes footage, and good old aviation banter.