Eagle Teams Showcase Skills at Aerospace Maintenance Competition
Kati Callahan
Kati Callahan
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Kati Callahan
Apr 23, 2025, 7:51 AM
Aviation Maintenance Science Student Lawson Major competes in one of the 27 skill challenges. (Photo: Embry-Riddle/Enrique Cardenas)
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students recently tested their aerospace maintenance skills and knowledge at a global competition that draws professional, military and student teams.
Two student teams representing the Daytona Beach Campus placed in the top 10 at the 2025 Aerospace Maintenance Competition (AMC), competing against a field of more than 40 schools.
Embry-Riddle’s two student teams, dubbed Team Beluga and the Altitude Aces, were supported by the Aviation Maintenance Science Department and industry sponsors. Team Beluga was sponsored by Airbus, and the all-women Altitude Aces were sponsored by Pratt & Whitney.
David Pappy, who helped to coordinate the Airbus sponsorship, said that the competition fosters skills that “are critical for growth and innovation in the workspace.”
“Events such as these create competitiveness, operational mindset, team spirit and a sense of accomplishment,” said Pappy, head of Fleet & Engineering, North America at Airbus.
Hosted annually by the Aerospace Maintenance Council and held on the MRO Americas exhibition floor, the competition featured 27 hands-on challenges, each testing an aspect of aviation maintenance knowledge. More than 80 teams participated in the event, held April 8-10 in Atlanta, Georgia.
The teams were divided into several categories: commercial aviation; general aviation; military; schools; maintenance, repair and overhaul; and original equipment manufacturing companies. During the competition, all teams competed against each other, no matter the division.
Members of the Altitude Aces finished first in two challenges. Aviation Maintenance Science student Jackie Wilson earned the top spot in the American Airlines Logo Light Harness Troubleshooting competition. Team captain Sandra Acree and Megan Edwards, both Aviation Maintenance Science majors, won the Abaris Training Composite Repairs Skills challenge.
“MRO Americas is a prime opportunity for aviators of all levels and backgrounds to connect and strengthen our workforce,” Acree said of the competition. “I am very excited to attend every year moving forward.”
Aerospace Engineering student Cassandra Savukinas, of Team Beluga, claimed victory in the Daniels Manufacturing Corporation Tooling for Harness Assembly challenge.
Team Beluga was also the recipient of the AireXpert Dream Team Award, which recognizes excellence in team spirit, professionalism and performance. This is the third consecutive year a team from Embry-Riddle has won the Dream Team Award.
“Our students’ performance at the Aerospace Maintenance Competition is a testament to their hard work, technical skill and the strength of our program,” said Ian Wheeler, chair of the Aviation Maintenance Science Department. “To see both teams place in the top 10 and bring home multiple event wins — while competing against industry professionals and military teams — is something we’re incredibly proud of. These students are the future of aviation maintenance, and they continue to raise the bar year after year.”
Embry-Riddle student teams have competed in the annual competition for several years. In 2023, an Embry-Riddle team became the first all-women team to place first in the Schools Category.
Posted In: Aviation