Francisco J. Gonzalez is the Aeronautics Faculty Chair, Director of Maintenance and a professor at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC). He receives glowing praise from his students and colleagues, with several highlighting his dedication to the industry and his deep care for new technicians.
Gonzalez notes that he’s especially proud of his last three years at SBVC. He explains, “I started with this recent graduating class since day one and have kept up with them as an instructor or in some other way through supporting their education efforts through graduation of our school's AMT program.”
Gonzalez continues, “Knowing that our team and I made it our mission to support 42 recent graduates from our program as best as we could, really gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment. It is my hope that I have made a positive impact on their lives.”
When asked which aspects of his experience led him to where he is today, Gonzalez says, “When I first got my A&P, I thought of it as a backup plan fresh out from military aviation (Marines), thinking it would be a good job while putting me through school. I did not realize (at that time) that aviation could and would be my main career.”
Gonzalez adds, I grew up in a 1st generation immigrant family whose main focus was to provide for us (kids) and put food on the table. Going into the military, getting my A&P through OJT and then going to California Baptist University Aviation Science Department (Aviation Management Major) made me appreciate aviation as a career field.”
Aside from his teaching accomplishments, Gonzalez has made impressive strides in aircraft maintenance, from working at SpaceX to helping build the Dragon 2 spacecraft capsule. He also has experience at HMLAT-303/HMLA-775 squadrons working on Cobra and Huey helicopters as well as in maintenance roles in corporate and general aviation.
Additionally, Gonzalez works as an A&P Mechanic at Waypoint Aviation Services, based out of Riverside Municipal Airport in California, maintaining a direct connection to the hangar floor. This helps Francisco keep his teaching relevant and industry-aligned, while contributing to the growth and professionalism of the aviation maintenance workforce.
To aspiring aircraft maintenance professionals, Gonzalez advises, “In aviation and in life, do not be scared to try something new. You never know what can happen unless you try."
