AMT’s Most Influential in Maintenance 2026: Zachary Squires Honored with Green Wrench Award
Key Highlights
- Zachary Squires has led recycling efforts at Chicago O’Hare Airport, promoting environmental responsibility through daily initiatives supporting paper, aluminum and cardboard recycling.
- Zachary emphasizes continuous learning, safety and mentorship, advocating for innovative solutions like AI and diagnostics to improve industry efficiency and environmental impact.
- Squires encourages new technicians to stay curious, ask questions and focus on fundamentals to succeed and contribute to a greener, more efficient aviation industry.
Aircraft Maintenance Technology is proud to recognize Zachary Squires, A&P mechanic, as one of AMT’s Most Influential in Maintenance with the 2026 Green Wrench Award.
The Green Wrench Award honors an individual who has made exceptional contributions to sustainability initiatives in aviation maintenance.
As noted by Scot Squires, “His commitment to environmental stewardship began long before his aviation career. As a high school student, he volunteered at a local recycling center, dedicating his time to hands-on sustainability work.”
He adds, “Continuing that passion, Zachary recently completed 60 hours of specialized training to earn the International Aviation Sustainability Certification from the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics at the University of Waterloo.”
How Zachary Squires pioneers sustainability initiatives in aviation maintenance
One of the most significant ways that Squires has shown outstanding dedication to improving sustainability in aviation maintenance is by taking charge of a recycling initiative.
Scot Squires shares, “Zachary has made a meaningful impact on aviation maintenance by actively supporting efforts to make the industry more sustainable and environmentally responsible.”
He continues, “Zachary recognized a need and stepped forward to lead recycling efforts for paper, aluminum and cardboard at his hangar. This is no small undertaking.”
“He has demonstrated that even small, consistent actions such as recycling can contribute to broader industry sustainability goals,” notes Scot.
Zachary Squires emphasizes, “I hope to see continued progress toward more sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, improving energy efficiency and using more environmentally friendly materials and processes.”
Why Zachary Squires built a career in aviation maintenance
Zachary says, “I decided to pursue a career in aviation because I wanted a stable, in-demand career that I would genuinely enjoy.”
He elaborates, “I chose aircraft maintenance specifically because I’ve always been fascinated by how things work, and I enjoy working with my hands.”
Zachary highlights the opportunities a career in aviation maintenance offers, including:
- Solving complex problems
- Learning something new every day
- Playing an important role in keeping aircraft safe and reliable
Discussing what led him to an aircraft maintenance career, Zachary explains, “One of the biggest experiences that led me to where I am today was being laid off from my job in the electrical field.”
Zachary adds, “Shortly after that, COVID happened, which gave me the opportunity to rethink my career path and future goals. That experience ultimately led me back to school and into aviation, where I found a field that I’m truly passionate about.”
When asked about his favorite aspect of working in aircraft maintenance, Zachary answers, “One of the things I enjoy most about working in aviation maintenance is the variety of the job. Almost every day brings a different project, which keeps the work interesting and rewarding.”
He continues, “I also take pride in knowing that the work I do helps keep aircraft safe and reliable. It’s fulfilling to know that families can travel and enjoy their trips with confidence because I played a part in maintaining the aircraft they’re flying on.”
Zachary’s journey highlights how much opportunity aviation maintenance offers, giving skilled individuals from all different backgrounds a place to hone their passions and truly make a difference with their work.
Zachary also discusses the accomplishments he’s most proud of, stating, “As someone with dyslexia, I’m most proud of what I’ve accomplished this early in my career. I have my A&P, an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree. Currently, I’m working on an MBA with a concentration in aviation management.”
He notes, “I’m most proud of earning my taxi qualifications at O’Hare, which is one of the world’s busiest airports. I’m also working toward additional qualifications in other areas, which has helped me grow my skills and broaden my experience in the field.”
What does Zachary Squires want for the future of aviation maintenance?
Zachary emphasizes that he hopes the aircraft maintenance industry can keep making progress in sustainability, uncovering and implementing new ways to reduce waste and conserve energy usage.
He also identifies efficiency and modernization as key goals, sharing, “I’d like to see aircraft maintenance become more efficient and forward-thinking, both in how aircraft are serviced and in how the industry impacts the environment.”
Zachary explains, “The use of AI and advanced diagnostic tools could help technicians troubleshoot issues faster, reducing downtime and improving safety.”
Touching on his own impact at work and in the overall industry, Zachary says, “I hope to have a positive impact on both my organization and the aircraft maintenance sector by applying my technical skills to keep every flight safe.”
He adds, “My goal is not only to maintain high standards of safety and quality in my own work, but also to help train and mentor the new technicians.”
To these AMTs who are new to the industry, Squires advises, “In the beginning the work can feel overwhelming, but that’s completely normal.”
He continues, “Aviation maintenance is a field where you’re constantly learning—no one ever knows everything, because aircraft, technology and procedures are always evolving.”
Squires concludes, “Stay curious, ask questions and don’t be afraid to lean on more experienced technicians. Building strong fundamentals early and focusing on safety and attention to detail will set you up for long-term success.”
