Across the nation, aircraft mechanics and pilots are retiring faster than they can be replaced. At Van Nuys Airport (VNY), one of the world’s busiest general aviation airports, career opportunities for former U.S. military members are soaring.
To recognize airport employee veterans for their military service and attract those who are transitioning to civilian careers, VNY will launch a virtual Veterans Honor Wall on July 4, sponsored by the non-profit Van Nuys Airport Association.
“As the entire aviation industry faces a shortage of qualified workers, Van Nuys Airport businesses are honored to offer meaningful employment opportunities to those who have served our country in uniform,” said VNAA President Curt Castagna. “Their military experience has enabled them to develop the skills, leadership, discipline and teamwork needed to join the airport’s diverse workforce, on the ground or in the air.”
The Aviation Technician Education Council, dedicated to promoting and supporting technician education, reports that an increase in newly certified aircraft mechanics last year did not offset the loss of significant talent during the pandemic. It predicts the aircraft mechanic pipeline in the U.S. will need to increase by at least 20% to meet projected workforce demand.
The aviation industry also continues to struggle with a significant pilot shortage. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there will be 18,000 openings per year for commercial pilots this decade, with many of those replacing retirees. However, the number of commercial pilot certificates issued by the Federal Aviation Administration totaled only 13,715 in 2022 and 12,771 in 2021 – indicating an ongoing labor shortfall.
“Hiring military veterans for prosperous airport careers is critical for the future success of the entire aviation industry,” said VNY Airport Manager Paul Herrera. “There are exciting employment opportunities for air traffic controllers, pilots, aircraft mechanics, avionics and line service technicians, cabin service attendants and other airport occupations, including federal and local public safety personnel. Los Angeles World Airports is proud to work in partnership with our tenants to grow the next generation of airport professionals and address the national workforce need.”
VNY is distinguished as one of the world’s busiest general aviation airports, a leading local employer and a vital contributor to the Southern California economy. Founded in 1928, it served as a military base and vital defense manufacturing center during World War II, and was home to the California Air National Guard for four decades. It was also the place where legendary entertainer Bob Hope launched his final USO tour for troops stationed overseas. With an annual economic impact of $2 billion, it currently supports over 10,000 jobs and provides a base for life-saving air ambulance, firefighting, public service and humanitarian missions. To meet an airport employee hero or submit a hero for inclusion on the VNY Veterans Honor Wall, please visit www.vnyhonorwall.com.
How to Find a Job
Veterans can visit individual VNY company websites or use the CareerOneStop Job Finder tool, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, to search for local aviation employment opportunities. This website compiles daily job listings from the National Labor Exchange, Indeed and ZipRecruiter.
Meet Some VNY Employee Veterans (partial list)
Justin McNally, Line Service and FBO Quality Manager, Clay Lacy Aviation: Justin, a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn, served in the U.S. Marine Corps for five years as an aircraft mechanic for the F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet. He has a proven history of promoting a safe and secure operating environment in both military and general aviation. He started working as an entry-level line service technician at Clay Lacy Aviation in 2014 and rapidly promoted to positions of increased responsibility. “My experience performing all aspects of powerplant and fuel system maintenance on F/A-18 aircraft prepared me to join an industry-leading safety team based at VNY.”
Daniel Falke, Ground Support Equipment Mechanic, Signature Flight Support: A California native, Daniel joined the U.S. Army after graduating from Granada Hills High School. He served on active duty for eight years, during which he spent nearly seven years as an aircraft armament missile systems repairer in Buedigen, Germany. He later served as an avionics technician for six years with the California Army National Guard in Los Alamitos. Applying his skills and experience to civilian aviation, Daniel joined Signature Flight Support as a ground support equipment mechanic in 2019. “My father and grandfather worked for Lockheed when we lived in Burbank. Four days after I turned 18, I joined the Army. That was my birthday gift to myself! Aviation is a small community and, even in the civilian world, I run into people I know from the military or was stationed with.”
Casey Pullman, General Manager, Castle & Cooke Aviation: Casey served in the U.S. Navy for nine years and has strong local roots in aviation. While in the military, he worked with a C-130 squadron at Naval Base Ventura County-Point Mugu and pursued a degree in professional aeronautics at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University campus located on base. His studies and experience around military aircraft propelled his interested in civil aviation – leading him to earn an MBA in aviation and highly-responsible aviation management positions before landing at Van Nuys Airport. “Who wouldn’t want to work here? I had always eventually wanted to move over here if I had the opportunity. I always loved the environment and tradition of the airport. So far, it has exceeded my expectations.”
Stephen Maloney, COO, Sun Air Jets: Steve is a retired U.S. Navy and airline pilot with 50 years of flying experience. He took his first flying lesson at age 14, which set him on the path to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy, complete a 20-year military career and hold several senior aviation management positions. His company employs many veterans who successfully transfer the skills, experience, discipline and work ethic they acquired while serving in the military to their current positions. “Similar to the military, everything changes all the time - every flight, every mission, every destination. We attract exceptional people who are used to working in a dynamic environment, using independent thought and providing greater customer service.”
Curt Castagna, President and CEO, Aerolease/Aeroplex Group: Curt is a certified private and instrument-rated pilot with over 40 years of diverse experience in aviation operations, management and sustainable development. He is president of the National Air Transportation Association and non-profit Van Nuys Airport Association, and a professor in aviation administration at Cal State Los Angeles and Cypress College. He inherited a passion for aviation from his father Charles Louis Castagna, who earned three bronze stars during World War II while serving in the Army Air Corp on the air crew of the Douglas C-47. “My dad was truly part of one of the greatest generations in U.S. history. I am grateful for all the brave men and women who sacrifice their lives in the name of freedom. Thank you for your service and courage!”
