Introduction

     I got in to aviation because of my brother. When I was fourteen I flew with him from Ann Arbor, Mi. to Coeur D'alene, Id. in a Cessna 310. I was instantly hooked. The flying came easy to me, holding altitude and heading were extremely easy to me as well as maneuvers and navigating. At the time I set my goal to go to college for aviation after high school. However, in my sophomore year of high school I learned of an aviation mechanic program put on by our school, as well as the Michigan Institute of Aviation and Technology. I signed up and started the program in my Junior year of high school. I graduated high school having completed half of the program. I then took another year after high school to finish the program and receive my Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic's license. Shortly after I enrolled in Eastern Michigan University's Aviation Flight Technology program.
       I have now completed most of the aviation program and I'm on the verge of receiving my Instrument rating. I have held numerous jobs to help pay for college, including Contract maintenance at Detroit Metro Airport for airlines such as Southwest, Delta (pre Northwest merger), Continental, Air France, and Lufthansa. I then began working as a Flight Mechanic for National Airlines out of Willow Run Airport. I spent a lot of time in places such as Quartaro, Mexico, and Shannon, Ireland. So far I have managed to remain debt free through college. My ultimate goal is to pay for all college and flight time out of pocket without student loans. I feel this will give me more flexibility when accepting entry level flight positions.
      My goals for the future are to finish my degree and find a job flying. Through my experience, my ideal job would be with a scheduled carrier. I prefer knowing when I will be home and when I will be flying. My overall goal is to eventually fly for Southwest Airlines. I believe in their business model and feel their core beliefs align nicely with my own. For now I will continue working hard and paying my way through college to work towards these ultimate goals.