2024 AMT Top 40 Under 40: Ryan Knupp

Ryan Knupp progressed very quickly and brilliantly in his aviation career. He is well respected by everyone around him and is always willing to step in when help is needed. He understands the Part 135 business very well and his decisions are always made with safety and aircraft availability in mind. He is an excellent public speaker and is often asked to present departmental data to large audiences. He also mentors any new employees who join the Maintenance Control department.

“No matter what position I am in, I always want to be the best in the business. Best mechanic, best maintenance controller, best manager, etc,” Knupp said. “To do this I feel like you must humble yourself at times and be aware of your shortcomings. From there you can focus on bettering yourself in areas that need more attention. I try to make this a part of my everyday routine; to ensure that I am being the best version of myself.”

Knupp received his A&P in 2014 and worked as an aircraft mechanic for seven years at LJ Aviation and Interstate Turbine Management, where he gained experience and extensive knowledge on many aircraft types. He began his journey at Wheels Up in 2021, where he was hired as an Aircraft Maintenance Controller.

As a Controller, he worked with all MROs and internal stakeholders to ensure aircraft maintenance progressed flawlessly and that aircraft were back into revenue service safely and quickly. From that role, he was promoted to Lead Controller, then to Maintenance Control Manager, where his leadership skills shone through.

In October 2023, he was promoted to Maintenance Shift Director, which is his current position. In this role, he is responsible for all aspects of maintenance on about 150 aircraft, the overall maintenance availability for five different fleet types, and a group of 35 controllers.

Knupp always does more than is asked of him. He volunteers to take on extra projects and is always willing to learn new ways of doing business. His commitment to the industry and to his current employer was apparent when he moved from Cincinnati to the Atlanta area, as the company headquarters were established in that new location.