USU Aviation Maintenance Students Shine at National Competition

Tightening a bolt may seem simple, but in aviation maintenance, precision is critical. A bolt that’s too loose or too tight can have serious consequences for the entire aircraft.

At a national competition this spring, Utah State University students were tested on that exact skill and more, performing real-world maintenance tasks under strict time limits and industry standards.

Four aviation maintenance students represented Utah State University at the 2026 Aerospace Maintenance Council Competition in Atlanta. Competing against 25 teams representing military units, commercial airlines and top academic institutions, the USU team earned second place in the school category along with multiple first-place finishes in individual events.

Team members included Marjorie Gibbons, Joseph Lewis and Gavin Craner, with Sammy Beauchaine serving as an alternate.

The AMC Competition is designed to replicate real-world aviation maintenance environments, with participants rotating through timed, 15-minute events that require both technical knowledge and hands-on execution. Tasks span a range of industry-relevant areas, including troubleshooting, avionics, safety procedures and work on aircraft components such as a Boeing 737 thrust reverser system.

A standout performance for USU came during the Snap-on Torque event, where participants are tested in fastener identification, component assembly and accurate torque application. The team completed the task in 1 minute and 3 seconds — nearly 20 seconds faster than the closest competitor.

“This result underscores their precision, efficiency and ability to execute at an elite level under pressure,” said Mikhail Maxfield, associate professor in the aviation maintenance program and faculty advisor to the team.

In addition to the primary team’s success, Beauchaine contributed to a combined team of alternates from multiple schools. The team was assembled just one day prior to the competition. Despite the limited preparation time, the group earned first-place finishes in two events.

“I hadn’t met any of the team members until the day before,” Beauchaine said. “It was challenging at first because I didn’t know their skillsets, but it was definitely a fun experience. It got me out of my comfort zone.”

Throughout the event, USU students earned recognition from judges and industry representatives for their professionalism, composure and technical competence. Taking place on the show floor of one of the aviation industry’s largest international conferences, the competition provided students with opportunities to build professional networks while demonstrating their skills.

As demand continues to grow for skilled aviation maintenance technicians, experiences like the AMC Competition help ensure students are prepared not only with technical knowledge but with the ability to perform under pressure in real-world environments.

“Competing successfully against military, commercial airline, and top academic programs demonstrates both the rigor of our training and the readiness of our students to enter the aviation maintenance workforce at a high level,” Maxfield said.

To learn more about the USU aviation program, visit avte.usu.edu.