“There is so much at stake, purely from a safety standpoint, every time an aircraft lifts off the ground, and yet 99 percent of the general public takes it for granted. That in itself is a testament to the quality of the professionals that keep everything working smoothly. To be able to service this industry with a product that makes the job easier for the engineers and technicians on the front lines is just incredibly rewarding to me,” explained Zack Wessels, senior consultant at ViewTech Borescopes and one of the 2021 AMT 40 Under 40 Award winners.
To hear how the next generation of aviation professionals view this industry and the dedication they have for their craft is nothing but inspiring. If I could attach an audio file to this column, it would be to the 1985 classic hit, Chicago’s “You’re the Inspiration.” A love song it may be, but when many of this year’s winners spoke about their careers and the people that mentor and influenced them, love is what drove them to where they are today.
The following pages are overflowing with love and pure joy for the work these individuals do day in and day out to keep aircraft in the sky and passengers and crew safe.
Many of this year’s winners did not know they had been nominated by their peers and mentors and felt uncomfortable being recognized for their efforts. But you do deserve the recognition and take pride in knowing that you have went above and beyond the expected or base line effort.
Some winners knew from the first time they saw an airline woosh overhead. Others fell in love with flight stories from their fathers or grandfathers. Others, took a very practical approach to finding their career path and fell in love with the work as they learned like David Ramirez, apprentice, maintenance II at Duncan Aviation.
“I never had a mentor, just the desire to better myself and find a career where I could grow as a person but also a mechanic, something my kids and family could be proud of,” he explained.
“I wanted to do something more hands-on. My love for aviation and my mechanical engineering back-ground both kind of dovetailed together and aviation maintenance just kind of became the perfect fit,” noted Stephen Snyder, aircraft mechanic, state of Utah Division of Aeronautics.
Hearing awardees talk about their careers and goals was rewarding in itself. It feels so good to know the people taking care of the aircraft we ride on do so with such integrity and with safety always top of mind.
“I continually strive to reach common goals and maintain a mindset centered around doing my personal best — with heavy emphasis towards providing a safe and reliable aircraft, so when called upon, myself and my fellow teammates can help when and where needed,” mentioned Lucas Oyen, base AMT, Metro Aviation/UW Med Flight.
“I love working with my hands and solving aircraft issues,” It is an interesting field that requires a high degree of technical savvy and for that matter comes with a great deal of responsibility. There is always something new to learn as one grows as an aircraft maintenance technician, which keeps it interesting,” explained Jacob Haines, aircraft maintenance air advisor, U.S. Air Force.
“Whether they stay for an entire career, or just one enlistment, I know I can teach them something. It is my intent to better prepare anyone I can for their journey through life,” noted Sgt. David Larsen, aircraft metals technology section chief, USAF/855 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.
