viper transitions announces first aviation program cohort starting may 2021 in partnership with amfa

CENTENNIAL, CO – April 20, 2021 - The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) is happy to announce a new and unique aviation program designed to train transitioning military members and active-duty spouses in the important and valued craft of aircraft maintenance. The program is being conducted by VIPER Transitions, an organization dedicated to ending veteran suicide through counseling, comradery, and skilled training towards a rewarding career. AMFA is also excited to announce a $10,000 donation to VIPER Transitions towards the purchase of program tooling—an important and necessary component of our craft. 

Started in 2018 by a group of veterans appalled at watching their fellow veterans unnecessarily die, VIPER Transitions was born from their eager desire to find an end to the suicide crisis. Founder and President Kyle Kaiser, an Army veteran and skilled tradesman from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers said, “We realized early on that the comradery and gainful employment that our veterans were accustomed to while in the military was not a guarantee in the civilian world, and was a critical factor to a veteran’s wellbeing. These issues were especially prevalent in those veterans who did not receive specialized training and transferable skills while in the military.” 

VIPER Transitions is unique in many ways, but none more important than the those who participate in the program. They will be transitioning military members and active-duty spouses that do not have an aviation maintenance background, and upon completion will be guaranteed employment in the field, or the ability to continue their education towards an Airframe and Powerplant (A & P) certification. 

The first cohort is set to start on May 17, 2021 in Anchorage, Alaska. There will be around ten students that will go through an intensive 12-week program adapted from curriculum provided by the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM), the largest Part 147 school with 13 campuses across the US. 

AMFA National Director Bret Oestreich stated, “AMFA believes in this mission, and is happy to partner with VIPER Transitions as they begin the program and expand to other military bases. Our craft is comprised of many veterans, and we are proud to continue our tradition of veteran support by promoting this program and its value to workforce development. AMFA’s donation is in recognition that aircraft mechanics use tools every day to support their role, and we urge academia, industry, and government to engage with this group and support their valiant efforts as well.”

​Download full press release here.