Year Graduated: 2019
Program: Aviation Maintenance Technology
Degree Earned: Associate
Name of Employer: Boutique Air
Location of Employer: Denver, CO
Job Title: A&P Mechanic
Why did you select Spartan College and your program of study?
I absolutely love aviation and tinkering around fixing things so I put the love for both and became a aircraft mechanic.
How did Spartan College successfully prepare you for your career?
Throughout my program we had multiple job fairs, almost weekly company presentations that gave you multiple options to choose a employer. The test prep was extraordinary. But the teachers were the absolute key to the puzzle. Roy Gloria was instrumental for me, as he helped prepare me for my FAA written and oral exams. Thank you Roy!
Please describe your career path and how you got to where you are today (Including degrees earned).
Started off with a call to get more information. I toured the school and loved the scenery, I signed up right away. During classes I always challenged myself, through extra learning with teachers or self learning. I graduated with my AoS and received my A&P license in December 2019, I accepted a job with Gulfstream up in Appleton, WI. Gulfstream was instrumental in my growth as a mechanic, as it pushed my skills everyday. Covid hit and 7 months into Gulfstream they started laying people off. I was one of them unfortunately. I moved back to Denver, CO and began the job search again. I ended up with Boutique Air working on Pilatus PC12’s. I absolutely love what I do now. I’ve been on multiple road trips fixing AOG aircraft. From places such as Atlanta, LA, to Chicago, all the way to small towns as Show Low Arizona. This has pushed me to grow as a mechanic and I thoroughly love it every day. I received my run and taxi certification, so I get to do pre phase engine runs to post phase engine runs. Take planes to the line from the hangar, or vise versa. It’s a challenge but I love it. Couldn’t ask to be part of a better up and coming company.
How has your education made a difference in your life?
It’s opened so many more doors that would have otherwise stayed shut.
What advice do you have for current students?
Challenge yourself, don’t slack off. Take this seriously your career will depend on it. I’ve seen students not care and literally waste away their future while in school. Treat school like your job, as employers love a good student.
Please describe the ways that Spartan College faculty and staff impacted you.
The staff was nothing short of tremendous, Roy Gloria was absolutely wonderful. Without him I wouldn’t be where I am to today.
How did Spartan Prepare you for your day to day responsibilities?
What tools and equipment do you use?: The snap on tools I received have been instrumental to my success as a mechanic. Invest in a nice set of Knipex adjustable wrenches.
What have been some of the high points of your career?
I became run/taxi certified within a month or so from starting with Boutique Air. I have done multiple PT6 engine changes, prop changes. We have done a couple of major repairs. I’m so glad to have been part of these jobs.