Flight Delays, Fixes, and First Impressions: What Passengers Never See
The Call Comes In It was just past 6:00 AM when I got the text: “Gate C17, A320 reporting electrical issue.” No coffee yet, just steel-toe boots, fluorescent lights, and the familiar quiet hum of the hangar floor before the airport wakes up. I grabbed my tool kit, checked the flight number, and made my […]
Cracked Panels & Confidence: 5 Things Aircraft Maintenance Taught Me About Mental Health
Lessons You Don’t Expect to Learn in a Hangar When people hear I work in aircraft maintenance, they usually picture torque wrenches, rivets, engine oil, and a whole lot of paperwork. And sure, that’s a huge part of what I do. But the longer I’ve been in this field, the more I’ve realized how much […]
Mentorship on the Tarmac: How One Conversation Can Change a Girl’s Future in STEM
Some people think mentorship has to be a big, formal thing—a scheduled meeting, a long-term plan, an official title. But sometimes, mentorship is just a moment. A single conversation. A shared smile across a noisy hangar. And sometimes, that moment can spark a future someone never imagined for herself. I’ve worked in aviation maintenance for […]
Holding the Wrench: Thriving as a Woman in a Male-Dominated Industry
If you told me twenty years ago that I’d be leading teams in aircraft maintenance hangars, elbows deep in jet engines and fielding engineering calls, I might’ve laughed—and then gotten right back to work. I didn’t set out to be a trailblazer. I just wanted to fix planes. But over the years, I’ve realized that […]
Why Delayed Flights Aren’t Always the Airline’s Fault: A Look at Maintenance Challenges
As an aircraft mechanic, I’ve had my fair share of stressful nights working against the clock to get a plane back in the air. When flights are delayed or canceled, passengers are often frustrated, and understandably so. Travel disruptions are inconvenient, and people have places to be. But behind every delay, there’s a team of […]
The Power of Checklists: How Pilots and Mechanics Stay Organized Under Pressure
As an aircraft mechanic, I know firsthand how critical organization and precision are in the aviation industry. When working under pressure, whether in a maintenance hangar or on the tarmac with a tight turnaround, checklists are our lifeline. They are not just simple to-do lists; they are structured tools that ensure safety, efficiency, and accountability. […]
The Future of Aircraft Maintenance: AI, Automation, and Emerging Technologies
Aircraft maintenance is changing faster than ever, thanks to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and cutting-edge technologies. As an aircraft mechanic, I’ve seen firsthand how these innovations are reshaping the industry, improving efficiency, and enhancing safety. While traditional mechanical skills are still crucial, today’s aviation technicians must also embrace new tools and […]
Composite Materials in Aviation: What Every Mechanic Should Know
Aircraft design and maintenance have evolved significantly over the years, and one of the most revolutionary advancements has been the use of composite materials. As an aircraft mechanic, understanding these materials is crucial for ensuring safety, efficiency, and longevity in aviation. Composite materials have changed the way aircraft are built, repaired, and maintained, making them […]
The Future of Sustainable Aviation
The aviation industry has always been a symbol of human innovation and connectivity. From the Wright brothers’ first flight to the supersonic speeds of the Concorde, aviation has pushed boundaries and brought the world closer together. But as the world becomes increasingly aware of environmental challenges, the industry is under pressure to evolve once again—this […]
STEM Education: How Mentorship Programs Are Inspiring the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals
As an aircraft mechanic, I’ve always been passionate about the science and technology that keep planes in the sky. But my journey into aviation wasn’t just fueled by my curiosity—it was made possible by the mentors who guided and encouraged me along the way. Now, more than ever, I believe in the power of mentorship […]