Ten Years of AMT

It was 10 years ago that I began the role of editor for AMT and wrote my first editor’s column.

I clearly recall writing my first column titled “The Next Phase”. The next phase of my career that was. I had just concluded 27 years working in the airline industry and before that, about 10 years in general aviation. I’d always worked directly in the industry. Overnight I found myself in a completely new and very different environment.

Working at the airline, I was surrounded by similar age, like thinking and like experienced aviation people. My new office was not located at an airport, there were no aircraft in connected hangars, I couldn’t see the takeoff and landings on runway 30 left or 15 right at MSP and there were no mechanics to chat with about their work tasks that day. At times, I wondered what I had gotten myself into and would often reflect on that old saying…you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

I soon found myself immersed in all segments of aircraft maintenance and aviation, attending tradeshows, events and meeting people from general aviation, business aviation, airlines, helicopters, education and military aviation. And of course, all the new acquaintances, co-workers and friends I was making. "This isn’t so bad," I thought, and soon decided that you can in fact teach an old dog new tricks. In my case, the media business, marketing, publishing, design and more. The past 10 years have been pretty cool for this ole airplane guy.

10 years later, I am entering yet another phase of life. I have stepped-back from the day-to-day activities of Aircraft Maintenance Technology  (AMT) and our website AviationPros.com and letting the younger editors take the controls. I plan to remain involved with AMT…but shall I say, from the back-shop, instead of the frontline. I will attend a few events and shows, write some articles, assist the next group of editors, travel less and continue with the transition to more “me time”. One thing for sure is I will remain doing what I love — being involved in aviation.

The workshop in the back of my garage has been cleaned and organized. I’ve added some new tools and equipment, built a new workbench and covered the walls with pictures and posters of…yes you guessed it — airplanes! I’ve hung a few old propellers on the wall and wings from the ceiling and added a couple displays for some of my more treasured model airplanes and memorabilia. This space is now my new office/workshop/museum/man-cave, call it what you want — it’s my hangout.

I’ll keep you advised of what projects I take on and any creations that are in-work.

Keep ‘em flying safely,

Ron