Travis Morse, AMT 2018 Next Gen 40 Under 40 Award Winner

Sept. 20, 2018
37, Chief Inspector, Best Jets International, Minneapolis, MN Years in Aviation: 15

Travis Morse comes from a long line of aircraft maintenance technicians: his father and grandfather both were A&Ps and retired from Northwest Airlines, and his other grandfather retired from Garrett Aviation as a tech rep.

Morse graduated from Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls, MN, in 2003 with his A&P. He received inspection authorization in 2009. Advanced training includes courses at FlightSafety International: Gulfstream 550 Master Technician, Gulfstream G200, Avionics Honeywell Epic, Rockwell Collins Proline 4, Falcon 900EX EASy Master Technician, Falcon 900A, B&C, Falcon 50, Bombardier Challenger 300, Challenger 300 avionics, and Bombardier CRJ 200. He has also achieved Level 1 eddy current and liquid penetrant status.

He started at Pinnacle Arlines as an avionics technician and maintenance technician, then moved to Jetchoice as a maintenance supervisor/inspector. Currently he is chief inspector for Best Jets International. His job includes overseeing calibrated tool and tool control processes to ensure compliance; determining schedules, sequences, and assignments for work activities that are based on work priority, quantity of equipment and skill of personal; scheduling inspections and unscheduled maintenance at service center; and assisting the director of maintenance with any assigned tasks.

Nominated by Michael D. Victor, Director of Maintenance, Best Jets International: "Travis is the Chief Inspector for Best Jets International 135 charter aircraft including the 10 passenger or more aircraft. He is responsible for all the inspection criteria for our fleet of eight aircraft. Travis has an exceptional relationship with the MSP FSDO maintenance principal inspector. Travis has shown his knowledge and organization skills during our FAA, Wyvern, and Argus audits on the inspection requirements. He has been instrumental in contributing to the required 135 Continuing Analysis, Surveillance Program (CASP) requirements and in helping with our SMS program. Travis conducts all our on-site audits of the maintenance avionics and parts vendors we use. Travis monitors aircraft when they have been in major maintenance events at our approved vendors as well as keeping cost down and reviewing final invoices. Travis is an asset to Best Jets International as well as making my job a lot easier. He has my full trust with his capabilities in troubleshooting aircraft systems and his decision making concerning the aircraft released back into service. Travis assists me with writing aircraft MEL's and input when the General Maintenance Manual needs any revisions."

Morse's career goal is to be a director of maintenance for a reputable company.