Age: 27
Years in Aviation: 4
Garrett Billings is a Tech Inspector II in the Jet Service Department at Elliott Aviation in Moline, IL. Working at Elliott Aviation is his first aviation job. He holds FAA certificates as an A&P Mechanic and holds a Commercial Pilot’s Certificate with Single Engine Land Rating and Tailwheel endorsement.
He attended Bob Jones University in South Carolina where he finished his private pilot training and acquired his Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, his A&P, and a bachelor’s degree.
Billings says, “I got into aviation because of my father. He is a private pilot and taught me to love airplanes. We were always flying R/C aircraft or building models when I was a kid, so when I went to college I decided to go into aviation. I actually almost finished my private pilot's license during high school. I learned to fly in a 1941 Taylorcraft.”
He explains he tries to give back to the industry by sharing what he’s learned with other technicians at Elliott who don't have as much Hawker experience. Billings says, “I like to share the knowledge and tech tips I've picked up with others whenever I can.”
As for specialized training he’s attended Cessna Citation 560XL Run and Taxi from FlightSafety International and on-the-job training for the Hawker 800XP.
As for mentors, Billings says, “I don't know that I can name one specific mentor. I had great teachers in college, and Mark Spang would be my mentor from school and all of the lead technicians here at Elliott Aviation have really taught me a lot in the past four years.”
Billings stays very busy with a 5-month-old daughter and involvement in his church.
“Due to my height I’ve spent a lot of time in fuel tanks and aft bays,” he says, “but I’ve also become proficient at flap sync rigging and wing link inspections on hawkers.”
As for any career goals he says right now it’s doing his best each day and learning as much as he can.
