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PROFILE


STARTING A BUSINESS At that point in his career, Highfi ll saw an opportunity to use some of his savings to open his own maintenance shop – AJE Aviation. “We provided AOG and maintenance inspections to the general public,” he says. “We were going after the corporate jet market. I was fortunate to start out with three aircraft that were owned by two diff erent individuals. That made things easier from the fi nancial end. I started by myself and eventually brought in some of the mechanics who worked for me at ARINC as needed. The business grew through word of mouth and some cold- calling.”


After taking on new clients, Highfi ll says that business


skyrocketed. “We serviced an average of 30-40 airplanes a month. We worked around the clock to support them.” “AJE Aviation began to experience the trickle eff ect of business when our leading customer abruptly went out of business,” Highfi ll shares. “There was no fi nancial recovery possible with how much was owed to AJE Aviation. We went out of business. A handful of my mechanics hung in there with me until the end, working for our smaller customers, but they knew the doors were closing.”


After closing AJE Aviation, Highfi ll went to work for one of his customers at his Part 135 operation before getting hired as Spirit Aeronautics new director of maintenance last year.


SPIRIT AERONAUTICS The opportunity to help a company grow excited Highfi ll. “Spirit Aeronautics was an avionics shop when it started,” he says. “The company has rebranded itself and expanded its service off erings to interiors and maintenance, which is why I was hired. The company is a Part 145 repair station with a limited airframe rating that is continuously expanding.” As you can see, Highfi ll has moved around the country a bit


during his aviation maintenance career. During all his moves, he had a family who moved with him. “I have a wife and fi ve kids,” he says. “That has been a challenging part of my career — having to move around a bit. Fortunately, my family supported me along the way. I couldn’t have done it without them!” In closing, we asked Highfi ll if he had any advice for anyone looking to have a successful career in aircraft maintenance. “First and foremost, absorb the knowledge from superiors in the industry, because they won’t steer you in the wrong direction,” he says. “Second, be aware of your choices and conscious of your work. If you are not sure that what you are doing is correct, stop and ask somebody for his or her input or direction. Having an A&P certifi cate does not mean that you are expected to know everything about every single aircraft out there from day one – it is a growing industry. Each mechanic has his or her special skill set or background, and branching out by asking for assistance is benefi cial for everyone.” “Also, be ready for constructional criticism but do not let it discourage you,” Highfi ll adds. “If you are seeking a career in aircraft maintenance, be assured that it is a rewarding one. In addition, the job market exists domestically and internationally, allowing for travel. Be confi dent in your abilities and you will succeed!”


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