Having a facination for what you do is vital to career success. Chandler P. Titus' interest in aviation was sparked by his surroundings while growing up in Vermont. At a young age, he witnessed the excitement of Lindbergh's transatlantic flight. With new innovations in flight and an intense interest in Popular Science and Popular Mechanics magazines, Titus' imagination for flight and maintenance was inspired.
Titus began his career in aviation during WWII where he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. "My career in aviation maintenance was not planned specifically. My career began during WWII when I volunteered for the draft in the Army Air Corps – U.S. Armed Forces. I initially began as a B-17b Ball Turret gunner with duties to assist the mechanics in aircraft maintenance while the aircraft was on the ground. I was promoted to flight engineer after beating out at least 296 others in the testing while assigned at the Ipswich Air Field which was located in the middle of some pasture fields in England."
Stumbling upon a career in education
After 10 years in the military, Titus stumbled upon the Embry-Riddle School of Aviation Office where he asked about a course he was interested in and they asked him to fill out an application for employment.
He began as a flight engineer and has recently celebrated 54 years of experience at Embry-Riddle. He advised his students to seize opportunities and build on their experiences.
"Just a little philosophy, instead of waiting for the big blossom on the tree to bloom, just take the first job you can get so you can begin building experience for a greater opportunity later. The other thing is to be patient because you will get to the better job soon enough, just learn all you can about your job."
Working as an instructor in the aviation industry has presented Titus with the continuous challenge of keeping up on the latest innovations and regulations. "As aviation has developed I have continually matched the skills required and passed these new skills on to the students. I still use this same method today."
He continues to keep himself informed by watching video productions from Nova, Discovery Channel, and the History Channel. Titus enjoys the shows' unique perspectives while exploring the history of aviation and furture possibilities.
After years in the aviation industry, Titus still swears by the manufacturer's information as the most useful tool for anyone in the field. "In my career I have found that the most useful resource for the mechanic is the information provided by the aircraft manufacturing companies who hold the most information about the aircraft you are servicing or flying."
Receiving recognition
Titus has had a long and winding career where he has reached the status of senior inspector, chief instructor and professor emeritus at Embry-Riddle, A&P mechanic, pilot, and a designated maintenance examiner. When asked, Titus declared he wouldn't have changed a thing about his career path, he is completely satisfied, "I have no regrets for choosing aviation. I would have chosen it all over again if I had to do it again. Aviation is always fascinating to me."
During his career Titus has received numerous awards including; "The Air Medal" and the "Medal for Humane Action" while in the U.S. Air Force, along with the FAA Southern Regional Maintenance Technician of the Year Award in 1984 and the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award in 1995. He is proud of his accomplishments and realizes that sometimes it is difficult to get recognition as an A&P. "I believe that the Charles Taylor "Master Mechanic" Award is a significant honor and acknowledgement in an industry which goes mostly unnoticed."
This feature honors recipients of the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award. If you or someone you know has a story to tell send it to AMT Master Mechanic Profile, 1233 Janesville Ave., Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 or email [email protected].
