Career stuff

2004 - Present

Flight Test mechanic and assistant site supervisor supporting T-34C test flight operations for ***REMOVED***. Responsible for quality assurance, maintenance control, maintenance and test platform preparation for "full spectrum" testing at ***REMOVED*** . Responsibilities include "back seat" observation and functional check flight (FCF) troubleshooting. Travel temporarily to sights around the U.S. to provide test and chase support for V-22 Osprey, A-37 Dragonfly, Joint Primary Air Trainer System (JPATS) T-6A Texan II

Served as technician specializing in structural maintenance throughout Europe. Performed intermediate and depot level structural repairs, repair designs and modifications to AH-64, UH-60 and CH-47 Helicopters. Also served as field representative to assist engineers in determining procedures for repairing civilian and military aircraft damaged in mishaps and military operations. Deployed to Hungry, Yugoslavia, Macedonia and Morocco to evaluate, provide guidance and repair aircraft. Also deployed on first civilian team supporting special operations UH-60 "Whitehawk" detachment for United Nations in Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. (11/97 – 4/98)

Worked together with the European ATCOM engineer on numerous projects requiring a high degree of airframe experience and the ability to produce accurate Computer Aided Designs (CAD) of various airframe components and repairs on all models of Army helicopters in Germany. Communicated technical information between technicians, commanders, manufacturing representatives and the European ATCOM engineer.  Use CAD (AutoCad R. 13) to duplicate "real" dimensions and characteristics of airframe related problems. Suggest alternatives and methods of repair to companies and/or military units: AutoCad Rel. 13 and DesignCad 2D. (References Removed):  

Supervisor/shop lead. Supervised  structural mechanics performing depot level structural repairs and modifications to AH-64, UH-60 and OH-58D helicopters. (Special Technical Inspection and Repair program – S.T.I.R.) Developed and coordinated all aspects of structural maintenance both in shop and on the hangar floor. This involved setting up a fully functional shop, supervising mechanics, filling out personnel performance reports, reporting on aircraft status on a weekly basis and coordinating mechanics and other shop personnel to assure the timely and efficient completion of the required maintenance. Promoted to supervisor for Structures, hydraulics, avionics, engines and armament. Supervised up to 35 personnel, performing similar duties to the above. Worked extensively with engineers to develop methods for field repairs and fabrication of unique parts for full line of Army helicopters.

General/Structural technician performing depot level modification and repairs on F-15 C’s and D’s. Responsible for performing highly technical structural modifications and electrical wiring IAW McDonnel Douglas engineering. Structural work included but was not limited to removal, alignment, trimming and replacement of wing skins, ribs, closure spars and major-machined formers in aircraft; Rebuilding and modifying Titanium, Stainless Steel and other structural components made of composites. Work required extensive use of blue prints, drill fixtures and jigs. Worked closely with engineers to establish procedures for correcting major structural flaws and to establish feasible methods of repair in the field environment.

Performed major and minor structural repairs both in shop and on the flight line to Lockheed C-141, C-5 Galaxy and McDonnell Douglas F-15. Also responsible for the repair of General Dynamics F-16's while temporarily assigned to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Worked 2 years total on flight line, 1 year in the structural repair shop and 1 year in the composite shop doing repairs to various composite structures. ie Radomes, flight controls and other composite structures.