Adriana Durfee, line maintenance supervisor at the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Aviation Maintenance Department, got her start in aviation early.
She explains, “I was introduced to aviation when I was 12 years old. I joined a school named The California Aerospace Academy because it sounded fun. That’s where I ended up joining civil air patrol. I was active all the way up until I graduated high school. I went on multiple flights not only with CAP but also with EAA young eagles and even went to the EAA air academy.”
From earning her A&P license directly out of high school to receiving her Inspection Authorization card in 2022 to overseeing the line maintenance of a 42-aircraft fleet, Durfee has shown ongoing dedication to aviation and excellence in maintenance.
Durfee names her position at OSU as her proudest accomplishment, stating, “I am most proud of having the opportunity to be in charge of a hangar, while maintaining the fleet here at OSU. Being as young as I am and being found to be reliable enough to be in charge of something like this is amazing.”
When asked about her favorite aspect of her job, Durfee highlighted the variety in tasks and educational opportunities. She says, “I perform a lot of unscheduled maintenance on our fleet and have been in the industry for 7 years now. Yet, I am always learning something new.”
Michael Allen Molzahn of the OSU Aviation Maintenance Department notes, “She serves as a mentor to our young A&Ps, preparing them for the journey to the next level as an inspection authorization inspector, as well as student pilots who are working at the hangar as shop helpers, learning more about the maintenance side of aviation. She has been instrumental in the constant evolution of the Cirrus Progressive Inspection Program at Oklahoma State University.”
To new professionals in aviation maintenance, Adriana advises, “Don’t give up. Even if the job doesn’t treat you well, things get better. Join the events and air shows in your area. Get to know the community. And always strive to do better.”
