▪ Start with a strong foundation: Begin by gaining hands-on experi- ence and foundational knowledge. Whether through military or civilian roles, immerse yourself in the practi- cal aspects of aviation maintenance and operations.
▪ Pursue education and cer- tifications: Earning degrees in aviation-related fields and obtaining certifications such as the FAA A&P certificate and IA can open many doors.
▪ Embrace continuous learning: The aviation industry is constantly evolving, so commit yourself to a lifelong-learning mindset. Stay up-to-date with the latest technol- ogy, regulations, and best practices.
▪ Seek mentorship and network- ing opportunities: Build relation- ships with experienced professionals in the industry. Their guidance and insights can be invaluable.
▪ Be resilient and persistent: Learn from your setbacks and use them as stepping stones to growth and improvement.
▪ Focus on quality and safety: Always prioritize quality and safety in your work.
▪ Set clear goals, and plan: Define your career goals and create a roadmap to achieve them. Regularly assess your progress and be willing to adjust your plans as needed.
Who inspires you? My grandfather served as a mechanic for the B-25 bomber during World War II, and his dedication and expertise left a lasting impression on me. One of the best days I spent with him involved walking through the National Museum of the US Air Force, near Dayton, Ohio. As we toured the different aircraft, he shared stories about his unit and the old days in the US Army Air Corps. His
passion for and commitment to avia- tion continue to inspire me.
Tell us about your most memorable helicopter flight. It was my first time in a crew seat in the Black Hawk. The sensation of lifting off the ground vertically, combined with the coordination of the crew and the guidance from the tower, was aston- ishing. I’ll never forget the exhilarating feeling of hanging out the window, truly being part of the crew. From that vantage point, you can look all around the aircraft with no barrier or window between you and the open air.
What still excites you about helicopter aviation? The ability of helicopters to perform a wide range of missions never ceases to amaze me. Every day in helicopter aviation presents new challenges and the chance to make a positive impact, which is incredibly fulfilling.
What challenges you about helicopter aviation? Ensuring that all maintenance and
operational procedures adhere to the highest standards while also meeting tight deadlines and mission requirements is a constant challenge. Additionally, keeping up with rapidly evolving technology and regulations requires continuous learning and adaptation. The dynamic and often unpredict-
able nature of helicopter missions also demands quick decision-making and problem-solving skills. These chal- lenges, however, are what drive me to stay dedicated and strive for excel- lence in every aspect of my work.
Complete this sentence: I love my job, but I’d rather work for a paper company in Scranton when … Never. There is no other place that I would rather be than dealing with the everyday needs of organizations to perform effective and quality main- tenance on aircraft at all times. I am by nature a problem solver. I enjoy the challenge of the helicopter industry today and look forward to being part of the evolution that it will go through in the years to come.
SEP 2024 POWER UP 57
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