|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
My Career
My aviation career started when I decided to join the Navy and
become an aircraft mechanic at the raw age of 17. This was
prompted by two distinct influences, a neighbor who worked for
United Airlines as a maintenance supervisor and my God Father who
was a captain, also with United.
The Navy trained me in the discipline of "Aviation metal smith" at
Millington, TN Naval air station. For the next two and a half years I
acquired "The Glory of Aviation" through a couple of 6 month tours of
duty on board the USS Independence(CVA-62). I served most of my
tours as a "White Shirt" (final checker / trouble shooter). The rest of
the time was mostly spent at NAS Cecil field,FL. You can spot
someone who spent time on a carrier pretty easily. It's the person
walking around the aircraft with their head on a swivel.
After my stint in Uncle Sam's canoe club I went to Spartan School of
Aeronautics. There I learned the general disciplines and power plant
technology. After Spartan the real fun began. Like the first job
application where the person says, "you need five years experience
kid". Finally a job at an airport working on fuel trucks and anything
else that "didn't fly" (Palwaukee airport, Wheeling, IL). Then to the BIG
ONE! O'Hare international Airport, Chicago, with Butler aviation. More
ground equipment then as a full fledged A&P mechanic. My first job, a
double engine change on a Beechcraft King Air 200. A friend of mine
always said "early learning is strong learning"
This was the beginning of a 6 year, give or take, tour of General
Aviation or "GA". It was, in my opinion, a necessary element of a
strong aviation career. Along with of course the military element.
There are exceptions but they are few. Add some corporate and
private aviation and you're ready for the majors.
1986 was my year to get on board with United Airlines, only after
many failed attempts at all the others. Five years at "The Service
Center" on midnights. Now thats a commitment! Working on every
thing that United flew. Time line.... DC-8 through A-319. Run-up and
taxi on just about all of them. Throw in a couple of years working the
terminal operation on afternoons, along with a 6 month tour as
Station maintenance controller and I was ready to get back to the
hangar. There I got some experience working "B check" level
maintenance on 747's. It was all "Line maintenance" and I liked it!
The next chapter began with my voluntary move to Uniteds new
Maintenance base "The Indianapolis maintenance center"
Undoubtedly the jewel of aircraft heavy maintenance bases in all the
world.....
Continued on Pg.2
My Career
