Samuel W. LeCompte IV started working for Skytech Inc. in Maryland 15 years ago, after attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Charles Massanopoli, accountable manager, Skytech Inc./Repair Station was his supervisor at the time and nominated LeCompte for this year’s 40 under 40 award.
“He immediately impressed with his work ethic and commitment to quality/safety …,” Massanopoli said. “Sam was always open to new ideas and best practices for maintaining aircraft. He has attended multiple OEM maintenance and avionics training courses. He obtained his Inspection Authorization within three years of beginning employment with us.”
During his time at Skytech, LeCompte has held the positions of technician, lead technician and shop foreman.
“In the position of lead technician and shop foreman,” Massanopoli said, “Sam has always promoted safety and quality to those working under him. He stressed the importance of using proper procedures and was always willing to impart his knowledge to others. He held the position of safety manager for a period of time and used the knowledge gained in that position to improve shop procedures.
“As director of service, Sam continues to promote the same qualities throughout the entire maintenance department. Our customers routinely express their appreciation for his honest and straightforward communications regarding their aircraft.”
LeCompte said he has looked up to Massanopoli his entire career. “He has been instrumental in helping me gain the knowledge necessary to continue to strive forward in my career.”
Others he looks up to are Mike Myers, who helped him prepare for becoming director of service, and Dave Conover, a technician who started in the maintenance department and experienced the full gamut of aircraft maintenance before becoming the company's senior executive vice president.
LeCompte said he benefitted from growing up in a hard-working family. He lived close to the Patuxent River Naval Air Station/Trapnell Field and was always fascinated by the military aircraft overhead often flying low on their way to and from training over the ocean.
“I think this, in conjunction with a growing understanding of mechanics, led me to start down the aviation maintenance career path,” he said.
In the summer of 2005, he completed an internship at Cessna Citation in Orlando, Florida, through Embry-Riddle. He then returned to the university’s Daytona Beach campus for additional avionics training before being hired by Skytech.
As director of service, he oversees maintenance operations in Maryland. That consists of everything from customer coordination and scheduling to team building and management.
“We currently help to maintain the fleet of Piper PA-46s, Pilatus PC12s, and PC24s within our region,” he said.
His career goals are: “To further my college education, obtain the pilot ratings necessary to fly the aircraft we currently maintain, continue to grow and enhance my position within the company, then, ultimately to be remembered as a just and fair leader.”
