PROFILE
support program. This was done by expanding its operating capacity and inventory so that aircraft delivery times, cost savings and processes were accelerated for SWAT’s customers and operations. This new role in parts also involved
Metodi has learned as much as
possible while working at SWAT. “I thought I knew everything about aircraft maintenance and the different systems,” she shares. “Once I began working for SWAT I understood I knew very little about this specialization. I was required to re-learn airframe structural assembly, how DER and OEM FAA-approved engineering processes work and how to repair fuel leaks — all as a mobile on site repair unit. It is a very technical field that takes years to comprehend. I learned a lot from my senior lead techs. I have worked on so many different aircraft types, traveled to different places in the US and met many interesting people while working with SWAT. I have come to love it!”
As Metodi’s career evolved so did
her personal life. She returned to Israel in 2009 and got married. She then returned with her husband Noam and continued working with SWAT. Eventually they started a family. Obviously, it was time for Metodi’s role with the company to change. She began managing the parts department for SWAT in 2011. As Metodi describes, she turned the parts department into a well-oiled machine — a complete maintenance
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greater dealings with the FAA and the repair stations SWAT operates. By now Metodi had studied for and obtained her A&P. “I learned a lot from Lucky Louque based out of Dallas “Red Bird” Executive Airport,” she says. “He was my mentor and expert in training me to get my A&P. I had never touched a prop or reciprocating engine, but working with Lucky taught me a lot. He is still to this day an inspirational mentor and a good friend.” After managing the parts
department for a few years Metodi stepped into a new position as SWAT’s director of Quality Assurance. In this role, she studied repair station operations and procedures. Metodi worked directly with the FAA and became focused of refining SWAT’s QC programs, training courses and safety efficiencies as well. Here she also developed a professional relationship with her company’s FAA PMI. He has encouraged her and mentored her to this day to obtain her IA. Metodi’s goal is to have four licenses by the time she’s 45 — A&P, IA, and DAR. As with any profession, respect
is earned in aviation. Throughout Metodi’s career she has done this by working side by side with some of the best aviation technicians out there — men and women from all over the world and of all ages. “SWAT is different” states Metodi, “I have worked alongside my coworkers performing the same job tasks they do. We have a mutual respect for each other. Aircraft fuel leak repair is a difficult job and certainly not for everyone. Learning how to do it
took a lot of time and a lot of hands on training from my senior techs. We get into some very intricate projects. Currently we are replacing a belly skin and structures on a Citation 680. It’s an intense job — it requires tremendous focus, skill and strategy from everyone.” Metodi has grown with SWAT to become its director of operations. With all of her combined experience in so many different “hands on” roles, in every aspect of the company’s operation it seemed fitting for her to take on this newly created position. She puts in tremendous effort supporting “her guys, her work family, her customers” as she calls them. Interestingly she shares, “When a
new customer calls and they hear my voice on the phone they ask, ‘May I speak with someone in maintenance?’ I answer, ‘You are,’ and ask them how we can help them with their aircraft. They quickly understand, ‘Hey she is one of us and speaks the same aviation lingo,’ and we get to their issues and coordinate a repair plan.” Metodi has a lot of responsibility with SWAT’s 43 employees and two repair stations managing operations. “SWAT embraces change,” Metodi says. “We work together as a strong team supporting each other as we grow. I enjoy being a part of something that is constantly improving in all aspects of our business.” SWAT’s owner John Stewart has
worked in his specialized aviation field for 27 years. He expresses his admiration and respect for all of the company’s employees. “Eva has been with us almost 10 years now. A lot of the other guys have been here much longer than her. Eva’s achievements with us are incredible, you put her together with the rest of our team and the dynamics create a very positive, productive evolving work environment.”
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