It's been said that one of the traits of mechanics is that we keep to ourselves, we prefer to move on to the next task rather than to sit and brag about our accomplishments.
Noticed I used the word "We," in this statement. I guess I'm as guilty as my peers in that I don't brag about my personal accomplishments in this column, nor do I in the pages of the magazine, or in our forums.
So why am I about to step outside of my comfort zone and share some of my past accomplishments? A recent bid that I have made for the Chair of PAMA has prompted a few folks to ask about my background. Although the Board of PAMA did not accept my nomination (See AMT Forums at www.amtonline.com for more information), I feel compelled to explain to readers of this publication that I am one of you.
Just to be clear, I am an A&P mechanic. I actually began working on aircraft as a teenager, at an airport near my home. A family friend owned a Luscome Silvaire and I helped scrape and repaint, repair components, overhaul, etc. I immediately went to college to pursue a degree in aviation and graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University three years later with an A&P and Associates Degree in hand. I worked through college at Daytona Beach Aviation (across the field from the school) and continued to work for FBOs around the country after graduation. I then landed a job with Pratt & Whitney, Canada (U.S. based) as a tech rep for PT6s and JT15Ds.
I then helped launch this publication in 1989 and was editor for the first 11 years, left to sell FlightSafety maintenance training for three years, then came back as publisher.
Since I've been involved continuously in aircraft maintenance in one way or another since I was 16, I can honestly say I've been in aviation for 29 years. I hope you don't add that up to deduce my age!
I still consider myself a student of the industry — as I continue to learn something new about aircraft, the business or the people and companies in it on a daily basis. Just my nature, but I still continue to look for ways that I can contribute and help improve the aviation maintenance profession and bring the recognition and respect to the profession.
And in case you don't know, Joe Escobar, our editor, is not only an A&P, he is an IA. Joe's career also involves a number of years of employment in the industry doing time behind wrenches and under the belly of many aircraft. We both know the responsibilities involved in our profession, and know the worry and personal commitment that goes into signing off an aircraft for return to service.
AMT magazine is the only industry publication with an A&P publisher and A&P editor. If you add our aviation experience with that of our columnists, you get more than 160 years of combined aviation experience. You see why we are proud to say we are the magazine written by aircraft maintenance professionals for the professional maintenance team.
Look for some exciting things down the road, as AMT magazine and AMTSociety continue to bring you the services and support you need to excel in your career.
We look forward to serving the aircraft maintenance community and I thank all of you for your continued support.
Thanks for reading.
Greg Napert
Proud to be an A&P
