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When Jonah Lopez looks back on his journey, it’s clear that he’s not one to sit still. From his time in the Army to his first steps into aviation, Jonah’s path has been all about growth, grit, and chasing new challenges. Now an MHIRJ Academy graduate, he proves that you don’t need experience in aviation to thrive—you just need the drive to learn and adapt. 

 

From Army Boots to Toolkits

Jonah spent much of his life in West Virginia, falling in love with the mountains, tight-knit community, and all things outdoors. Professionally, though, things really took off at 18 when he joined the U.S. Army. As part of the 459th Engineering Company, Jonah sharpened his engineering skills by building bridges and handling demolitions.

“I was taught to never stop learning,” Jonah said. “I just keep pushing forward.”

That same mindset eventually led him to take on an entirely new challenge: aviation.

Diving into Aviation

When Jonah transitioned to civilian life, aviation wasn’t even on his radar. But when a friend told him about the MHIRJ Academy, he saw an opportunity he couldn’t pass up: learning a hands-on trade while getting paid.

“I didn’t know what I was getting into at first,” Jonah says. “But I dove in headfirst—and now I can’t imagine doing anything else. This is where I belong.”

The Academy gave him more than a paycheck. It offered a career path with room to grow and new challenges every day.

Finding His Place at the Academy

Jonah describes the MHIRJ Academy as more than a training program. For him, it became a place where he found belonging. Expert instructor Kenny Sinclair guided him through hands-on lessons, and the camaraderie among classmates reinforced his decision to join.

“It feels more like an MHIRJ family than just a job,” Jonah tells us. “The support is unmatched. If I didn’t get something, Kenny would break it down step by step. And the hands-on work—cutting, drilling, riveting—that’s where I felt right at home.”

The people and their ability to come together toward a common goal are what sets MHIRJ apart. 

A Message to Dreamers and Doers

Jonah’s leap from military service to aviation proves that big changes are worth the risk. His advice to anyone on the fence about their next step—especially fellow veterans—is simple: “Don’t stop. Run to the opportunity. Aviation offers challenges, growth, and a sense of accomplishment you won’t find everywhere.”

He tells us that this isn’t just a job; it’s a passion. Working on aircraft combines his love of mechanics with a purpose: keeping people safe in the skies.

“I can’t wait to step onto the shop floor, meet the crew chiefs, and see the finished products of our work,” Jonah said. “That’s the ultimate reward—knowing we’ve accomplished something that really matters.”

Building a Future at MHIRJ

Jonah sees MHIRJ as the place where he’ll grow his career. “This isn’t just a job—it’s a career I want to grow in for the next five, ten years, or even the rest of my life.”

“The team here wants you to succeed, and in return, you help the company succeed. It’s a partnership that’s hard to find,” Jonah explains. For him, it’s not just about the work; it’s about building a future with a company that feels like home.

Read more stories about life at MHIRJ on WINGSPAN, and explore our current open positions to take the next step in your aviation career: mhirj.com/en/careers 

The first thing to notice about Pete Hammond is his soft-spoken demeanor and firm handshake–the latter, a possible tell of time spent in the military. Hammond, a United States Air Force veteran, was inspired to join the military by his family’s history of service. His grandfather served in the army, his two brothers, the navy, and his father served during WWII as a Marine. His father, an officer, arrived in Guadalcanal a Major and returned a Lieutenant Colonel. 

“I thought, you know, that's an honorable thing to do…It’ll help straighten out your character, give you discipline, and I think it’s very valuable,” Hammond said. 

With most branches of the military accounted for at the family dinner table, what inspired Hammond to join the AirForce, specifically, was a close friend.

“I had a close friend at the time, and he said, ‘I'm going to go into this.’ I never saw him while I was in... He went to England…but I found out I was going to Korea. I didn’t think Korea would be a good place to go at the time, but it turned out to be one of the best assignments,” Hammond said.

Hammond was able to tour the countryside, visit bulgogi (meat) tents, and immerse himself in South Korean culture.   

“I was able to meet people in South Korea. And they were always honored to meet you and talk to you and were friendly...The people were just really good people—and the food was good too!”

Hammond served as a weapons system specialist from 1982-1986. During this time, he found a sense of companionship and camaraderie with fellow airmen he met along the way. Many became close friends.

“There was, in the military, quite a bit of camaraderie, especially during the basic training time. And then, when I went to Korea, because you're in a foreign country for the first time, and you had a group of people that kind of supported you,” Hammond said. 

Hammonds military career pushed him to travel to many unexpected places. From Colorado and Texas to South Korea and New Mexico. Though, it was at Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona where he met the woman who would become his future wife.

The two were inadvertently paired up at the State Fair while accompanying each of their friends who had been dating each other at the time. 

“My wife sat with me. We got to the state fair, and by the end of it, it kind of was a date. I asked her out some time after that. So, yeah. That sort of makes it short and sweet.”

The pair decided to stay settled in Tucson following the end of his military contract and thus began Hammonds transition from military to civilian life.

Although this transition can oftentimes be filled with challenges, just as often, it can present opportunities. Hammond was able to leverage some experience that eventually led to a position with MHIRJ in 2011. As a former airman, he was able to utilize his interest in aviation to complement skills and experiences gained during his service. Together, they provided a solid foundation for a successful civilian career at MHIRJ, an aviation group that provides solutions and regional aircraft MRO services.

A notable challenge Hammond encountered was the difference in structure and procedures relating to military and civilian careers. 

“In the military everything had to be specific. But in civilian life, it's not so specific. Procedures are different. How you approach things is different. It's not as strict of an atmosphere…There’s a gray area.”

In Hammond’s current role in the stockroom in receiving and inspection of aircraft parts, he felt a similarity with more strict guidelines with respect to FAA standards.

  “Every part gets inspected and checked…it's all very monitored because of the FAA,” Hammond said.  

One thing most might not expect is how common it is to run into other veterans who have also made the transition out of the military. 

“Working here, running into other veterans. You get taken back to the good old glory days. And we talk about things that happened, and things that are similar to what people have gone through or experienced. Some are funny. Some are not...There always is respect between each other like that. You served. I served. We served. We did our duty. We were patriots. That kind of thing.”

Pete Hammond, with his soft-spoken demeanor is one of the many veterans who have found a place among the hangars of MHIRJ. He is proof that service doesn’t end with the shedding of a uniform. It carries on long after. The tell may be as subtle as a firm handshake. Thank you, Pete, for sharing your story. And, for your service.

#StoriesfromtheHangar:Veteran

For brothers Manny and Jose Encinas, working at MHIRJ is more than just building careers—it’s about strengthening the bond they’ve had since childhood. Raised in Tucson, Arizona, they honed their mechanical skills on cars in their grandfather’s garage and have now taken that expertise to aircraft at MHIRJ. Watch their story here:

 

From Backyard Mechanics to Aviation Pros

Manny and Jose’s passion for working with their hands started young, inspired by their grandfather, an auto mechanic. “Our grandpa taught us to work on vehicles so we wouldn’t have to depend on anyone else,” Manny explains. “But we never thought we’d take it to the next level and work on airplanes. Even my grandpa’s shocked!”

Manny’s journey into aviation began after high school when a family member suggested he give it a shot. “I didn’t know anything about airplanes, but I’m glad I took the leap—it changed my life,” he says. As the older brother, Manny encouraged Jose to follow in his footsteps. “I kept telling him, ‘You’re gonna love it.’”

The Power of Brotherhood

Jose looked up to Manny, though it took him some time to follow his brother’s advice. “In high school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but seeing what Manny was accomplishing made me want that for myself,” Jose admits. Their bond has always been strong. “We’ve always been close. We fought a lot growing up, but it was fun,” Manny recalls, laughing about their childhood wrestling during Friday Night Smackdown commercial breaks.

Now, the brothers work side by side at MHIRJ—Manny as a Crew Chief and Jose as a mechanic apprentice. “I’m proud of him,” Manny says. “He’s working hard for this.”

Learning and Growing Together

Jose’s path has been a mix of hard work and following Manny’s advice. “I started as an open-close and eventually enrolled in A&P school,” Jose says. “Now, I’m almost done, and I’m excited to get my license.” Even though their shifts don’t always align, the brothers support each other. “He’s always there if I need advice,” Jose says, and Manny adds, “I brought him in during high school to show him the ropes.”

Family Pride and Future Dreams

Their grandfather, who taught them the basics, couldn’t be prouder. “He loves that we work on airplanes,” says Manny. “He tells me all the time how proud he is of us.” Their mother is equally proud, and Manny is grateful to be in a position to give back. “She worked so hard to take care of us, and I’m happy I can now take care of her.”

Looking ahead, Manny has big ambitions. “I want to keep moving up—one day, I want to be Director of Maintenance.” Jose, focused on finishing school, is excited about what’s next. “There’s always something new to learn, and that’s what I love about this job.”

Read more stories about life at MHIRJ on WINGSPAN, and explore our current open positions to take the next step in your aviation career: mhirj.com/en/careers

A testament to perseverance, hard work, and a passion for aviation. 

Aviation has always been in Bryan’s blood. His grandmother worked on the F-117 aircraft, and his father also had an aviation background. Growing up in this aviation-bound world, it seemed only natural for Bryan to continue the legacy. 

Climbing the Ranks

Bryan’s journey began in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a Crew Chief. Here, he was responsible for the maintenance and readiness of aircraft. This is where he developed his hands-on experience—the foundation for his future career. Once he left the military, Bryan wanted a new challenge, and the transition to civilian life—often daunting for veterans—was seamless for him at MHIRJ. 

Reflecting on his journey, Bryan credits the sense of camaraderie and shared experiences at MHIRJ with making his transition easier. “The transition from the Air Force into the MHIRJ family was actually a lot easier than I anticipated. A lot of our employees are veterans, so we have that tight-knit brethren,” he shared.

Leading with Integrity

Today, Bryan oversees operations at MHIRJ’s Tucson Service Center, where he takes great pride in mentoring the next generation of technicians. His military background instilled in him a strong sense of integrity and a commitment to teamwork, values that he continues to uphold in his leadership role.

“We tirelessly work to make sure that the aircraft gets delivered on schedule and ahead of budget. It’s a good challenge for the guys to get on the floor and make sure we’re showing up and giving our all,” he explained.

Bryan’s approach to leadership is hands-on. He enjoys spending time with his team, understanding their challenges, and working alongside them to solve problems. For him, the real reward comes from seeing the growth of his team members, many of whom he has personally mentored.

To this day, he speaks highly of the company’s training and mentorship. “Our mentorship program is really great. We’ll have some of our most experienced technicians work side by side with a new employee, bringing them up to speed on the hangar floor.”

In it for the Long Haul

Like many employees, Bryan’s story is one of continuous growth, driven by a life-long passion for aviation and a need for self-improvement. From his early days in the Air Force to his current leadership role at MHIRJ, Bryan exemplifies what it means to work hard, stay curious, and lead by example.

Uncover more stories about life at MHIRJ on WINGSPAN, and make your next career move by exploring our current open positions: mhirj.com/en/careers 

A journey marked by growth and evolution. 

Jacqlynn’s career at MHIRJ began nearly a decade ago. With a background in finance, she was eager to find a role that fit her evolving career interests. "When I started, it was more of an accounting role," she recalls. "But the longer I stayed, the more I got involved in project work and overseeing different functions."

Transitioning with Military Precision

One standout aspect of Jacqlynn’s career is her experience as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. Leading with confidence, she’s seen firsthand the importance of breaking down barriers. "I’ve been fortunate to work with a team that values my perspective," she explains. "It hasn’t always been easy, but the emphasis on diversity makes it a supportive environment."

Breaking Down Barriers

One aspect of Jacqlynn's career that stands out is her experience as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. 

She has seen the importance of breaking down barriers and leading with confidence. "I’ve been lucky to work with a team that values my perspective," she explains. "It hasn’t always been easy, but MHIRJ encourages diversity in all areas, which makes it a supportive environment for growth."

On a Quest for Continuous Improvement

Jacqlynn’s drive for self-improvement has defined much of her career. “My biggest takeaway is to never stop learning," she says. From adapting to new technologies to keeping up with market shifts, she thrives on the challenge of growth. She encourages others to embrace similar journeys: "There’s so much opportunity to grow, and you’re not limited to just one area." For Jacqlynn, every challenge is a new opportunity for personal and professional development.

Looking Ahead

As for the future, Jacqlynn is excited about the potential for continued growth. She remains eager to expand her expertise and contribute to upcoming projects. “There’s so much potential for innovation here,” she adds.

Read more stories from employees at MHIRJ on WINGSPAN, and make your next career move by exploring our current open positions: mhirj.com/en/careers 

The new MHIRJ Academy is now in session, teaching the next generation of skilled aviation technicians. At the helm are seasoned experts who are bringing their wealth of knowledge to the classroom and the hangar as instructors. Today, we’re introducing you to Kenny Sinclair.

With over 40 years of experience in metal fabrication, Kenny's career spans an impressive range of expertise, including 13 years specifically in aviation sheet metal and structures. His professional background has provided him with a solid foundation for his current role as an instructor at the MHIRJ Academy.

A hometown beginning

Kenny hails from Grafton, West Virginia, a small town just 20 minutes east of the MHI facility in Bridgeport. Growing up in this close-knit community helped shape both his career and his personal journey. His career began nearby at Southern Steel, a commercial fabrication company in Clarksburg, West Virginia.

The company was contracted to provide railings and staircases for the Service Center in West Virginia. During the installation process, Kenny's interest was piqued by the new facility. Responding to an ad for sheet metal technicians, he became one of the original technicians to attend an entry-level sheet metal structures course at the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center.

Professional Milestones

Kenny's aviation career truly took off at Bombardier, where he started as a sheet metal technician on the C23 B+ program. His talent and dedication quickly earned him a promotion to Crew Lead in the Stage 1 area. Over the years, Kenny has accumulated a wealth of experience across various programs:

-CRJ 200 Program: He obtained his airframe and powerplant (A&P) licenses and trained technicians on critical wing box repairs after an intensive 48-day factory training in Montreal.

- Embraer 120 Heavy Maintenance Program: He supported the program's startup in Macon, Georgia, and later in West Virginia, becoming engine run and taxi qualified.

- Learjet Aircraft Program: He served as a crew lead and attended the Flight Safety course in Tucson, Arizona, achieving engine run and taxi qualification for the Learjet 60 Series.

Kenny took a 10-year hiatus from aviation but returned in 2021 when he joined MHIRJ. He reinstated his A&P license, worked as a delegate inspector, performed engineering submissions, and was eventually appointed Crew Chief.

A passion for teaching

Returning to aviation with a different perspective, noticed a significant gap in new incoming technicians, as well as a lack of effective training for current ones. He knew from experience that books can only teach so much and there is no replacement for real-life, situational training.

“I consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to pass on the knowledge that I have been lucky enough to obtain through my own years of experience with some of the best structural technicians in the industry,” he says.

Kenny feels fortunate to be part of the MHIRJ Academy's inception. His involvement from the ground up allowed him to help develop study guides and curriculum, ensuring a comprehensive training program. He emphasizes the importance of quick thinking and planning ahead, which are skills he aims to instill in his students. Kenny looks forward to seeing his students excel and pass on their knowledge, contributing to the ever-evolving field.

Life beyond the hangar

Outside of his professional life, Kenny enjoys a variety of hobbies including kickboxing, racing, motorcycle riding and restoration, home fabrication projects, fishing, and spending quality time with his family. He also lives by the philosophy that life is like a book, with each person responsible for writing their own bestseller between the beginning and the end.

His journey from a small town in West Virginia to a pivotal role in aviation training is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and passion for the craft. His story is an inspiration to aspiring technicians and a reminder of the impact one individual can have on an industry.

Gone are the conventional days when you had to choose one career path and stick to it forever. When you have skills and ambition, making a career change can be a great decision at any point in life. Once a plastics engineer, Russell Becker now happily works as a Structures Technician at the MHIRJ service center in Bridgeport, West Virginia.

When you think of an apprentice, who do you picture? Russell likes to joke that it certainly isn’t him, although that’s exactly how he started his career at MHIRJ after many years spent working in plastics. When the opportunity to make a worthwhile shift came his way, he took it. Watch his story on how he went from apprentice, to contractor, to full-time team member in just months:

 

AN OPPORTUNITY THAT HAS WINGS

When life throws us curveballs, the catalyst for change can come out of nowhere. For Russell, it was a conversation with a friend at a football game. After expressing that he had been laid off from his job and looking for new opportunities, his friend asked if he’d ever considered a career in aviation. “I'm like, no. I'm a plastics guy. He goes, well, you know what? Why don't you just give it a shot? We're looking for sheet metal guys. I said, well, I know sheet metal. He goes, well, come on up.” And the rest is history.

After taking the initial tests, Russell scored off the charts and was welcomed to the team. “This was only going to be a pit stop for me, but I don't think I'm ever going to go back to plastics. I like it too much here.” he says.

FAMILY VALUES

Now that he’s been part of the team for two years, Russell can speak on how much he values the camaraderie with his colleagues. He’s been well-supported and mentored in his journey, and loves that his days are spent both learning and laughing, expressing that his team keeps his spirits high. “Working with those three, it's a perk because they're hilarious,” he says, and adds: “It's a lot more family oriented than I anticipated to be. I mean, I thought aviation was just a bunch of former military guys, until I got here. But a lot of the guys here are local. They started here as apprentices and work their way up through it.”

While not working, Russell loves spending quality time with his wife, sons, and daughter in and around beautiful Bridgeport.

Get to know more MHIRJ team members and follow their journeys in WINGPSAN. Looking to make your own leap? Check out our current opportunities: https://mhirj.com/en/careers

Sometimes life takes you in unexpected directions. Just ask Carrington Valentine, Quality Control Inspector at the MHIRJ service center in Bridgeport, West Virginia. When his military career came to an end, he was presented with an opportunity to pursue a career in aviation, and he hasn’t looked back since.
 

The beauty of the aviation industry is that your diverse skills can take you far. For Carrington, his military background, aviation education, and attention to detail have afforded him the opportunity to grow his career with MHIRJ. Pair that with the social life he’s cultivated with his team and the active lifestyle he enjoys outside of work, and he could tell you that he’s truly managed to land that sweet spot between work and play. Watch his story:

 

TURNING CHALLENGES INTO SKILLS

As a Quality Control Inspector, it's essential that Carrington has an eye for detail. But this wasn’t always something that came easily to him. “The biggest obstacle that I've overcome in this industry is learning how to be detail-oriented. I am more of a global thinker. I see the big picture. So, learning and understanding the fine details of aviation maintenance has been my biggest struggle. But because of this career field specifically, I have developed the talent of being detail oriented, and that's how I ended up becoming an inspector,” he says.

Stories like his go to show that even if you think you don’t have everything it takes, anything can be learned and any skill can be sharpened over time, in turn taking your career to unexpected new heights. Carrington now prides himself on his attention to detail when he carries out tasks like the primary inspection where he and his crew spend about two weeks inspecting every single inch of the plane to find anything that needs to be fixed.

PASSING ON WISE ADVICE

When it comes to career advice, Carrington takes what he’s learned and passes it on to those who are following in his footsteps. His military background looked quite different from his current role, but taking on sound advice helped him achieve the work ethic he has now. “I would say probably the best advice I received in my career is to take your time and enjoy yourself. This is a very high stress career field where everything you do matters. And if you're not careful, you can let that overwhelm you. So the best thing that I've learned is just to take your time, relax, and enjoy yourself,” he says. And his best advice for those coming in? “Enjoy the journey. Because this career field, is a journey. A lot of times you're going to start off as an apprentice before you get your license.”

And enjoying the journey is exactly what he’s done. On working at MHIRJ he says “It's a very fun and laid-back environment. One of my favorite things about working here is that is that the people here are really friendly, and if you ask them a question, they'll stop what they're doing to help you."

Meet more MHIRJ team members and hear their stories in WINGPSAN, and take a look at current opportunities to join them: https://mhirj.com/en/careers

After eight years and counting with MHIRJ, Shannon Kniceley, Quality Control Inspector, knows that teamwork makes for the best work. While the camaraderie and support of her fellow inspectors helps everyone take their work to the next level, what she’d really love is for more women to take the leap into a career in aviation.
 

Not one to shy away from a career path that’s typically male-dominant, Shannon knew that getting her associate degree in aviation maintenance and her A&P license would open new doors for her. After spending years serving in the Army National Guard, Shannon decided to attend Fairmont State College at age 30. This made her a shining example of someone who wasn’t afraid to step out of her comfort zone to pursue an opportunity that’s paid off in more ways than one. Watch her story:

 

FROM A&P TO A TO Z

If you ask Shannon, or any of her teammates for that matter, getting your A&P license is the smartest step you can take towards starting a rewarding aviation maintenance career. While she considered pursuing a career in oil, gas, or coal mining, it was this path that changed the trajectory of her life. And it all started with the right education.

“We have a program that you can apply for to go to college and get your associate degree and your A&P license free since it's a technical school. You get that, and it's just giving you the tip of the iceberg when you go to school. You get the more in depth once you come out. Because the A& P license is a license to learn, and it just opens up doors of what you want to do,” she explains. Working at MHIRJ then gave her years of hands-on experience that has helped her keep learning and advancing her career. “There are opportunities here for growth. And it's there for your taking,” she adds.

BETTER LIFE IN BRIDGEPORT

As a single mom, choosing the right place to raise her son was also a key factor in Shannon’s decision to live in Bridgeport, WV after some time away. “When my son was younger, I decided to move back here because I wanted him to go to the Bridgeport schools. They have a lot more opportunities, and I wanted him to get a better education.” Now they enjoy the beauty and small-town charm of Bridgeport with convenient access to the big cities like Pittsburgh. “Aviation is a great career in which if you are a single mother, you can make a good life for yourself and your child,” she adds.

Learn more stories about life at MHIRJ on WINGSPAN, and make your next career move by exploring our current open positions: https://mhirj.com/en/careers

As an Operations Supervisor at the MHIRJ service center in Bridgeport, West Virginia, Christopher Lawrence’s workdays are spent ensuring the quality of his team’s work and the safety of the aircraft they’re working on. But on his off days, he’s all about living his best life with his family and friends in the place he calls home.

For almost seven years, Christopher has climbed the ranks at MHIRJ thanks to his hard work, dedication, and the support of his peers—who he also counts among his friends. And with a flexible schedule that allows for plenty of time to do the things he loves most; he’s achieved a balanced lifestyle that has room for both career growth and quality time.

 

THE PATH TO SUCCESS

Much like many others who work at MHIRJ, Christopher didn’t have a background in aviation. However, this didn’t stop him from pursuing a new career path. “I was a coal miner for six years, and as we know, a lot of the coal mines were starting to shut down and I needed to make a change and find a job because I just had my son and just got married and I didn't want to be without a job,” he said. This is what led him to attend the National Aviation Academy in Clearwater, Florida to complete the 14-month fast-track program. “I fell in love with it. I've always liked to work with my hands, so it was a great fit.”

With his AMP license in hand, he applied to work at MHIRJ where he began as a technician on the floor. His skills, work ethic, and unwavering efforts helped promote him to become an Operations Supervisor. “If you look at my story, nothing's really held me back,” he says. “There's definitely a lot of opportunity for growth. I mean, if you look at where I came from as a tech on the floor and only six years later, I'm in an Operations Supervisor position, you can grow, and you can grow fast.”

ADVICE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

We asked Christopher what the best advice he’d ever received in his career was, and he said “don’t stop learning, because your AMP is a license to learn and you will constantly learn new things every day around this facility. If you have a good work ethic and a willingness to learn, it will carry you further in this industry than anything else.” He also credits his peers who helped show him the ropes, answer his questions, and support him in his journey.

Stay tuned to WINGSPAN to hear more stories about life at MHIRJ, and explore our open positions if you’re ready make your next career move: https://mhirj.com/en/careers

Today we’re celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science by sharing the story of our very own Nathalie Chabot, Supervisor of In-Service Engineering at MHIRJ. As someone who has always been fascinated by the wonders of science and technology, Nathalie’s career in the aviation industry was inspired by her deep curiosity about aerodynamics and how an aircraft is able to defy gravity and take flight.

At just 16 years old, Nathalie attended a career forum where she discovered her true passion for working with aircraft—an interest that has stayed with her to this day.

With a string of remarkable achievements, Nathalie's career has soared to great heights. She began her journey by studying to be an aircraft mechanic at l'Ecole National Aerotechnique and, after 28 years, now finds herself leading a team of highly-skilled engineers—all still centered around the CRJ aircraft. For Nathalie, a career in science and technology has been immensely rewarding. The tangible results of her efforts and the opportunity to learn something new every day bring a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction, and collaborating with brilliant minds from various disciplines further enriches her professional journey.

Throughout her time at MHIRJ, Nathalie has discovered joy in supporting test flights and conducting aircraft inspections. She also hosts Technical Steering Committee meetings with CRJ operators which allows her to bring experts together to solve problems and provide valuable feedback to enhance the overall experience for operators.

Several key attributes have helped Nathalie advance in her career. First and foremost, she does not take herself too seriously, embracing different perspectives and keeping a sense of humor. Nathalie strives to comprehend her co-workers' points of view, allowing her to adapt and excel in any situation. Making lists of actions, following up on them, and knowing when to choose battles also contribute to her success. Nathalie firmly believes that taking action, even if it means making a mistake, is better than inaction. She encourages knocking on doors, asking questions, and being confident in finding the right answers. It’s through mistakes that personal growth is fostered, after all.

Nathalie Chabot's journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, leadership, and continuous learning. Her unwavering dedication to the aviation industry and her ability to bring people together have made her a truly valuable asset to MHIRJ and the regional aviation industry as a whole. As she continues to soar through the skies, Nathalie's passion and drive will undoubtedly inspire countless others to pursue their own ambitions in science, engineering, and technology.

Throughout history, brave individuals have shattered systemic barriers and overcome obstacles that seemed insurmountable, driven by their unwavering determination to achieve their dreams. As we commemorate Black History Month, let us be inspired by the remarkable talent, strength, and perseverance of those who blazed a trail in the aviation industry, leaving an undeniable mark on history.

While there are many incredible people worth honouring, today we’re shining a light on some of the notable pioneers who paved the way for generations to come.

Willa Brown

Not only was it challenging for women to enter the male-dominant aviation industry during its advent, it was especially difficult for women of colour. Despite the odds, Willa Brown was not one to be deterred from achieving her goals. In fact, her determination led her to become the first African American woman to earn a pilot license in the U.S. in 1938. She went on to make history by becoming the first African American woman to earn a commercial pilot's license in 1939. Her inspiration stemmed from Bessie Coleman who had become the first African American woman.
 

Brown used her energy to promote civil rights and encourage aeronautics participation within the Chicago African American community and beyond. She became the first African American woman officer in the Illinois Civil Air Patrol (CAP), and a devoted advocate for African American pilots. Toward this goal, she teamed up with Cornelius R. Coffey, her former teacher, mentor, and later husband, and founded the Coffey School of Aeronautics.

In 1939 she cofounded the National Airmen’s Association of America (NAA), a group for Black aviators, and continued to take ground-breaking strides throughout her life, including becoming the first African American woman to run for Congress in 1946. Willa Brown was truly a pioneer in supporting African American pilots, helped open the doors for them to join the military, and set an example for others who followed in her footsteps.

Cornelius Coffey

When we think of trailblazers in aviation, we also think of Cornelius Coffey—a notable advocate for the education of black Americans in aviation. Facing a number of obstacles along his career path, Coffey never faltered from forging his own way. After graduating as an engineer in the late 1920s, Coffey wanted to pursue his dream of flying, but was initially rejected due to his race.

Nevertheless, he became the first Black American to hold an Aircraft Engine Mechanic’s certificate, and the first to hold both a pilot’s and mechanic’s license. Coffey was driven to open the doors to others. He and Willa Brown established an aeronautical school — The Coffey School of Aeronautics —which saw notable graduates including members of the Tuskegee Airmen. Coffey’s contributions led to the integration of black pilots into both the civilian aviation industry and the military.

The Tuskegee Airmen

Following Cornelius Coffey and Willa Brown’s efforts to support inclusion and integration, The Tuskegee Airmen became the first black aviators welcomed into the U.S. military, and more specifically, the U.S. Army Air Corps (AAC). They flew over 15,000 sorties in Europe and North Africa during World War II. Together, they earned more than 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses for their incredible performance and continued encouraging and inspiring inclusiveness in the U.S. armed forces.

As this month continues, we encourage you to learn more about the incredible people who broke down barriers and helped shape the industry as we know it.

When it comes to cultivating a long-term industry partnership, there has to be a solid foundation of trust. We spoke to Endeavor Air’ Bill Donohue about why they choose to go the distance with MHIRJ as their MRO.

For 16 years and counting, Endeavor Air has trusted MHIRJ to service their fleet of CRJ aircraft. With around 150 aircraft now in service, it takes the right knowledge, expertise, and trust to troubleshoot and keep their fleet flying safely. Bill Donohue, Vice-President Maintenance and Technical Services, explains what sets us apart as long-standing partners:

 

Check out more insightful conversations with our customers and partners in WINGSPAN.

Sometimes, all it takes is a simple memento to set us on the path chasing our dreams. For Alex Rapoport, a family photo changed the trajectory of his life, took him across the world, and ignited a truly rewarding career in aviation.

As Chief Customer Liaison Pilot at MHIRJ, Alex Rapoport supports Flight Operations for a fleet of 1,300 CRJ aircraft. Based in Montreal and serving customers across the world, he brings a lifetime of experience as a pilot in a role that has proven to be both challenging and rewarding. From learning to fly himself, to then supporting and training pilots, he’s truly gone the distance during his decades in the industry.

A SNAPSHOT OF THE FUTURE

Aviation has been a part of Alex’s family for generations, and his passion for the profession began at a very early age. His great uncle was a fighter pilot in World War II, before becoming an airline pilot in the 1950s. This was during the peak of the romantic era of aviation, when pilots were truly the shining stars of the sky and the silver screen.

But it was a photo of his great uncle Vladimir that stood out to him to the most. The photo saw him decked out in his crisp uniform, standing proudly with his crew in front of Ilyushin IL-14 aircraft. And it was upon seeing this photo that Alex’s strong fascination with aviation began. At age 17, he was finally able to enroll in the Flight Academy in Ukraine, where he spent the next five years training and undergoing rigorous physical, psychological, and medical testing. With his license finally in hand, he began flying prop planes before moving onto larger jets.

As a pilot living and flying out of Uzbekistan, his flight hours took him to many incredible places, like the Maldives for instance, and even saw him handle some in-flight emergency situations. He once made an emergency landing after a major fire broke out onboard a flight over a challenging mountainous range. Alex’s quick thinking and coordinated actions with his crew allowed him to land their 148-passenger airplane safely.

A NEW HORIZON

Now licensed and experienced, Alex decided to leave Uzbekistan with his family and head to Canada where his career then truly took off. This new path lead him to a 23-year adventure as a Production Test Pilot for the CRJ aircraft where he flew new planes right off the assembly line and tested them before turning them over to customers. After two decades, Alex took on another unique role; this time as Customer Liaison Pilot where he began supporting the worldwide CRJ flight operations community.

At MHIRJ, the Customer Liaison Pilot plays a pivotal role, providing customers with a pilot perspective, working closely with our Engineering and Customer Support, addressing operational concerns, working on new flight procedures, facilitating flight training, conducting pilot briefings, in-flight assessments, and promoting best practices.

As children, we all have dreams about what we envision ourselves doing when we grow up. But how many of us truly see those dreams take flight? For young women whose career aspirations are in typically male-dominated fields, the challenge feels even more daunting. What matters is having ambition greater than the obstacles, and determination that’s bigger than fear. Just ask Gisèle Garceau.
 

Growing up, Gisèle Garceau had a fascination with outer space. Her curious research ignited the desire to become an astronaut—a profession that many young children aspire to, but few actually pursue. A girl on a mission, she discovered that the best path to get her there would be a career in aviation. Already intrigued by instruments and switches, this ambition made perfect sense to her, but was met with doubtful reactions from family and teachers. However, this resistance didn’t deter her from beginning what would become a truly inspiring journey.

THIS IS A MAN’S WORLD?
 

It’s no secret that aviation is, and has always been, a male-dominated industry. When Garceau began her post-secondary studies in 1975 at the École Nationale d’Aérotechnique in Quebec, she enrolled in an aircraft maintenance program alongside 600 men and only 11 women. Unfazed, she simultaneously took to the sky to earn her private pilot’s license.

Upon graduation in 1978, she joined Canadair as the very first female avionics technician to work in the pre-flight hangar. This impressive achievement kept her busy, and while she spent most of her time working on aircraft like the CL-215, she spent her free time obtaining her commercial pilot license and working as a skydiving pilot, flying Cessna 182 aircraft every weekend.

From here, her career continued to soar. Garceau transitioned to the engineering department to work on the Challenger CL-600 electrical systems before joining Transport Canada as the first female airworthiness inspector. She then became the first Canadian woman to hold a Category “E” license and continued to break down barriers and forge new paths for the women who would follow in her professional footsteps. “We have to show the man’s world that it’s okay to be a woman in the field,” she said.

GROWING ACROSS THE GLOBE
 

After 15 years with Transport Canada, Garceau went back to school to take on a 4-year electrical engineering program before moving to Hong Kong so that her husband could pursue a career opportunity. Even though she arrived with impressive degrees, licenses, and years of aviation experience under her belt, she soon discovered that, unlike Canada, Asia was not yet receptive to women in the industry.

Rather than feel defeated by this setback, she shifted her focus to new ventures, while also helping her daughters follow their dreams and achieve their goals. Her keen drive to learn and grow led to her taking Mandarin and Feng Shui courses, running half marathons, and even enrolling in the University of Hong Kong to obtain certificates in sports and family nutrition. Life then took her family to Vietnam where they adopted a little girl.

Rich in new skills and an even bigger family, it was time to return to Canada so that she could continue taking her true passion for aviation to new heights. She joined the team at Bombardier, earned her engineer title with the Ordre des Ingénieurs du Québec, then went on to work with MHIRJ as an engineer in the certification of cabin interiors.

FROM ONE DAY, TO DAY ONE
 

Whether on the ground or in the air, Garceau has always been a true force who never once let anything or anyone stand between her and her goals. “When you love what you’re doing, you don’t see barriers,” she says. “Follow your dreams. Get all the information you need, and take the steps.” In taking that first step, even Amelia Earhart once said, “the most effective way to do it, is to do it.”
 

Not surprisingly, achieving these goals garnered Garceau plenty of well-deserved recognition. She was inducted to the Wall of Fame at the Northern Lights Aero Foundation, and received the Government Award in honour of her contributions and work at Transport Canada. This is where she ranked as the first female airworthiness inspector in Canada, and was instrumental in writing the new regulations and rules associated with avionics work and licensing.

For women who wish to follow in her footsteps, there are currently several initiatives that support them in entering the industry, like the Northern Lights Aviation Foundation, which encourages young women by showing them that they have a place in aviation and aerospace. Air Canada and CIBC also provide scholarships and grants for young women working on getting their pilot license.

Garceau’s pragmatic approach paired with her unwavering determination have made her an incredible role model for women in aviation. She hopes to see many more women follow in her footsteps and make their mark on the industry. “If I inspired at least one person, then I can say I’ve accomplished my goals,” she said proudly.

With the current labour shortage, MHIRJ is taking steps to help accelerate the training of skilled technicians. Our very own Stephanie Bento, Senior Brand Manager, sat down with Anthony Hinton, Head of our Service Centre Network, to talk about the steps we're taking to bring great new talent on board.

Stephanie Bento: Recruiting skilled technicians continues to be a huge topic in the aviation industry, especially post-COVID. So, here to talk to us about that is Anthony Hinton, Head of our Service Centre Network. Anthony, thank you for being here today.

Anthony Hinton: Thank you, it’s a pleasure.

Stephanie Bento: We’ve grown our service network considerably, talk to us about what your team is doing to accelerate the recruitment and training of skilled technicians.

Anthony Hinton: So, recruitment certainly has changed post-COVID, it’s a multi-faceted issue. We use the conventional, we use social media to a large degree to make sure that we’re reaching the target audience. We’re also engaged with the community colleges in all 3 states around our centres to make sure that we’re engaged with the AMP programs and recruiting them. We’re actually at the point now where we’re giving tours to middle school students. We invite them in and take them to the hangar and try to spark an interest within the aviation industry as a whole.

Stephanie Bento: Talk to us about the apprenticeship program. How does that work?

Anthony Hinton: A phenomenal program, been in existence for a few years. It allows us to bring somebody with no experience within aviation at all into our facility. We test them to make sure that they’re mechanically inclined. We bring them in and over a three-year period they are able to obtain the training requirements and the hands-on training requirements to allow them to set and test for their AMP. We tend to find that someone who goes through the apprenticeship program stays with us long-term.

Stephanie Bento: So, what is it like in the service centres? How would you describe the team that you’re building?

Anthony Hinton: There’s commitment to the community, there’s commitment to the team, teamwork before everything, and they’re all driven to provide a great service for our customers. We still try to very much keep that family feel about the operations.

Stephanie Bento: Some of our technicians have been with us for many years so that must just speak volumes of the team that you’re building, the dedication to the trade. Talk to us a little bit about that.

Anthony Hinton: We’re very fortunate. We have some technicians that have 40-plus years of service with us. Again, we want this to be a generational organization. At the end of the day, it’s truly our technicians that make us successful. Without them, certainly, our business would not exist and from a technician point of view, without the technicians the aviation industry doesn’t exist. So, they truly are the cornerstone of everything we do.

Stephanie Bento: Absolutely, I couldn’t have said it better. Thank you so much for your time, I appreciate it.

Anthony Hinton: Thank you!

EXCITING JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT OUR SERVICE CENTERS

Working for MHIRJ is more than working for a company in aviation but being part of a community that is passionate about what they do and offer in this industry. We are driven by leaders who know the ins and outs of the world in aviation. Being part of the CRJ series, a long-standing legacy, and aircraft program success enables our people to deliver maximum value to all our partners.

BENEFITS OF BEING PART OF THE TEAM

> Compensation and Benefits: We offer competitive pay, annual bonus, fair pay equity, and premiums for all – whether working in an office or as a Service Center technician. Those working on the shop floor have access to pay scale transparency and pay raises based on individual performance. As the largest regional MRO in the world, we pride ourselves on offering our technicians competitive bonus plans.

> Health and Well-being: MHIRJ offers a full suite of healthcare benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, prescription drug benefits, life, and disability insurance. We value our people and put their health first.

> Stability: Having been an OEM for over 30 years and constantly growing, we offer long-term job security while benefiting from long-standing relationships with our customers. We are backed by the multinational Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group - one of the world’s leading industrial groups.

> Work-Life Balance: We offer flexibility to our employees. Establishing a healthy work-life balance is a priority for MHIRJ. We accommodate versatile schedules. Office employees benefit from a flexible work-from-home policy, personal days, and sick days. Your family is our family.

> Work Environment: We put safety first and take pride in creating workspaces that invite collaboration and innovation. Our Service Centers are world-class hangars. Our technicians work in climate-controlled facilities that are clean, comfortable and promote a culture of safety.

> Opportunity and Growth: Learn something new every day, ability to grow, learn quickly, and be curious with continuously varied experiences; transparent growth trajectory. Room for growth in a collaborative atmosphere (mentorship program and annual training). Most technicians with us find they have a great degree of autonomy to ‘move up the chain’ or continue in roles they enjoy. Opportunities to expand the scope of job responsibilities and work cross-functionally; you can grow your career here.

KICKSTART YOUR CAREER WITH HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

We provide an environment where ideas can thrive and lead to great services and customer experience. We welcome new perspectives and fresh ideas.

At MHIRJ, we have a well-ordered paid-internship program that encourages professional growth for current students and recent graduates.

With our Mentorship Program, new Service Center technicians will learn something new every day while training with senior technicians.

MHIRJ offers a 3-year Apprentice Program where technicians can get hands-on experience at our Bridgeport facility and receive their AMP license after 3 years.

GET IN TOUCH

At MHIRJ, we connect our communities and people. Our Service Centers are open to new recruits. Are you ready to be part of our team?

We currently offer opportunities for:

• Structure (Sheetmetal) Technicians

• A&P Technicians

• Avionics Technicians

• Crew Chiefs

• And more!

Around the world, aircraft technicians are retiring quicker than they can be replaced. At MHIRJ, our Service Centers business is growing and we are always looking for ways to increase our service with additional talent. To cater to the increased demand for aftermarket services and continue to offer world-class services to our customers, the MHIRJ Quality Assurance Team created an Apprenticeship Journal which covers all regulatory requirements for Title 14 CFR part 147 Appendix B, C and D.

Before moving forward with the program, the Quality Assurance Team first ensured that the FAA was onboard with the program and would accept the Apprentice Journal. As part of this process, the QA Team worked with the Department of Labor (DOL) to complete all the forms required to become a registered program.

FIRST REGISTERED PROGRAM FOR AVIATION IN THE STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA

Televised on local news, the signing ceremony of the first registered program for Aviation in the State of West Virginia took place with the Accountable Manager and the Director of operations. We also worked with the DOL and West Virginia Department of Commerce to gather grants to offset the cost of the program and have received over $290,000 to date. Funds still under consideration for 2021 by the FAA are in the amount of $500,000.

A METHODICAL, STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS

To be eligible for the program, candidates must first complete applications and attend several interviews. Next, candidates go through two weeks of orientation during which they meet with upper management, including the Director of Quality, Director of Operations, and HR. They also meet with Quality Assurance to discuss the Apprenticeship Journal and to set expectations - a step that eliminates the use of On-the-Job Training (OTJ) forms used previously.

PAIRED APPRENTICES WITH MENTORS

Once in the program, apprentices are paired with experienced technicians who act as mentors. During this stage, QA tracks the status of the Apprentice and meets with the technicians for up to two years to ensure all requirements are met. Typically, it takes 18 to 24 months for Apprentices to complete the program. Three months before their expected completion date and before meeting with QA, Operations Supervisors review each candidate’s Apprenticeship Journal and determines if their training meets all the requirements needed to move to the next step. At this point, QA meets with the Apprentices and uploads their information into the federal database.

YOU’VE COMPLETED THE APPRENTICESHIP JOURNAL. WHAT’S NEXT?

Upon completion of each Apprentice’s Apprenticeship Journal, an FAA form 8610-2 application is prepared as well as a copy of the Pilots Bill of Rights (PBR) and a copy of the Apprentice’s driver’s licence. Then, the complete Apprenticeship Journal is submitted for review to the local FAA Flight Safety District Office (FSDO). Representatives from the FAA then meet with the Apprentice and sign off the applicant to test for the General, Oral and Practical examinations for Airframe Certification.

During this step, MHIRJ assists the Apprentices as they get ready to sit for their licence test. All training aids are provided to the technician via digital format from Quality Assurance. Also, Baker School of Aeronautics training curriculum, Jeppesen and/or ASA test books are provided to Apprentices.

Once all testing is complete and Apprentices have passed all the requirements to receive Airframe certification, they are closed out in the federal register. HR then meets with the technician to discuss their pay increase. After getting their Airframe certification, the technician can move forward with documentation for Powerplant certification. The Apprenticeship program not only helps build the best technicians, but it’s also a career path that has resulted in four Apprentices becoming Crew Chiefs.

The final result of these efforts is expertly trained technicians who are ready to provide high-quality service and maintenance at our strategically located MHIRJ Service Centers in Bridgeport, West Virginia and Tucson, Arizona.

Contributor: Mary Cheuvront, Director of Material Support & Supplier Management, MHIRJ

For more information about our Apprenticeship Program, please contact our representative through the link below

CONTACT

SUCCESS BY THE NUMBERS

2018

40 Apprentices registered

16 Received airframe certification

2019

27 Apprentices registered

12 Received airframe certification

2020

35 Apprentices registered

4 Received airframe certification

26 In training

2021

24 Apprentices registered

24 In training

AMEL BELKHAMSA LINKS FORESIGHT WITH TEAMWORK TO ASSURE A STEADY SUPPLY OF AIRCRAFT PARTS

A company is only as strong as its weakest link. If that link happens to be the supply chain and it’s disrupted by COVID, then experiencing grounded planes and service interruptions may occur too frequently. That’s precisely the reason why Amel Belkhamsa, Head of Aftermarket Commercial Services, took bold steps to ensure parts availability through a series of creative measures such as the partnership with Regional One. With an integrated portfolio of solutions, Regional One, located in Miami, Florida, is a leading distributor of regional aircraft offering engines and rotable components on operating leases to airlines internationally. This agreement promotes MHIRJ’s Component Repair and Overhaul (CR&O) business and allows MHIRJ to further establish itself as a dependable provider of Used Serviceable Material (USM).

IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO PARTS

Operators around the world depend on CRJ Series aircraft and on MHIRJ to continue supporting them. With many components in inventory and more under management, the agreement with Regional One opens immediate access to parts available for sale or exchange. Besides utilizing the abundance of used parts inventory owned by Regional One for the CRJ series, this will also increase overall maintenance capabilities through expansion and diversification of bases. Further cost and time-saving benefits can be extended to MHIRJ customers with personalized exchange agreements

STAYING ON COURSE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STORM

Supply chain management has always been key to any industry operating smoothly, particularly when businesses are experiencing growth. Knowing that supply chain disruptions could drive up costs and risk slowing down the aerospace industry’s recovery, Amel and the team worked tirelessly at redefining MHIRJ’s service offerings to meet these challenges.

A courageous leader, Amel knew that she had to stay the course, even when it got really scary. ‘’We foresaw what was coming, we knew the industry was resilient,history proves it, so when demand was completely depressed, and when some providers had no choice but to curtail their spend, we maintained our normal investment cycle which brought great relief when airlines started getting ready for recovery.’’ Amel doesn’t hesitate to credit the ability to make these investments to the fact that the CRJ Series is now part of the greater MHI family, noting ‘’MHI brought stability to our company while we, and all players in our ecosystem, had to navigate the uncertainties of the pandemic.’’

A PROFILE IN STRENGTH

Over the past 18 months, the industry has put forward innovative, agile, and flexible approaches. As the weight of customer expectations mount, Amel continually rises to the challenge, just as she has done throughout her career. From Montreal to Munich and back again, no matter the changes or the obstacles, she has never let up and never backed down. As Head of Aftermarket Services at MHIRJ, Amel still sees her work with the same drive she had when she started and makes it her mission to pass it on.

To learn how MHIRJ is solving supply chain challenges and more, watch this personal interview with Amel Belkhamsa.

‘’MHI brought stability to our company while we, and all players in our ecosystem, had to navigate the uncertainties of the pandemic.’’

At MHIRJ, we are committed to playing a leading role in the education and development of the next generation of aviation professionals. To help ensure we benefit from having the best and brightest work with us at MHIRJ, we have partnered with universities across Canada to create a pipeline for talent. Our partnership with Carleton University and their Co-operative Education Program (Co-op) is a prime example of this commitment.

The Carleton Co-op program started in the Faculty of Engineering and Design some 30 years ago and has grown to over 150 study streams today. This innovative and practical program combines academic studies with hands-on experience and is structured so that study terms are alternated with paid, full-time work terms that are directly related to the co-op student’s program of study. For MHIRJ, the program enables us to identify, educate and ultimately hire the right talent across a wide range of areas, including Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Finance, Computer Science and Information Technology.

GETTING A HEAD START IN THE INDUSTRY

To qualify for the Co-op program, applicants need to be full-time students in good standing, attain and maintain GPA requirements for their program, and show a commitment to completing the program. The program’s Co-op work terms allow for the development of key employability skills, exploration of career options and graduation with tangible, workplace experience. As a result, students gain a competitive edge in the job market after graduation.

For many students, the Co-op program is their first professional work experience and the first time they will undergo a formal employer interview. To help students be fully prepared, they take a “prep course” and are assigned a Co-op student advisor who provides guidance and service (e.g. shares career advice, conducts a mock job interview) to ensure that each Co-op student is ready to shine when they interview with MHIRJ or another employer.

UP TO SIXTEEN MONTHS OF 100% REAL WORLD LEARNING

In the Co-op program, landing a job with an employer works just like in the real world. MHIRJ posts the job opening and Co-op students compete for it. After the job interview, successful applicants are onboarded the same way as full-time employees with an emphasis on ethics and compliance in our industry. For four to sixteen months, students experience the work-life of an aviation professional with all the associated responsibilities. As opposed to other internships, participants aren’t treated like summer students. Instead, they are treated as an employee and are expected to perform in the same manner as a full-timer. The intent is to offer a 100 percent real work experience.

INVALUABLE INTANGIBLES

While the Co-op program emphasizes experiential learning, the intangibles experienced by students are invaluable as well. This includes working with a team in a real-world setting, getting tasked with projects that have meaning outside the classroom, adhering to deadlines that have an impact on the finances of the company and learning how to effectively communicate and collaborate within a company setting.

Before securing their first Co-op Work Term, students must complete a minimum of two years of study. Students who complete the required number of co-op work terms receive a Co-operative Education designation on their degree. This special designation indicates to future employers that they have successfully demonstrated both strong academic performance and realworld experience and dedication.

A WIN/WIN PROPOSITION

The Carleton Co-op program offers many important advantages to both students and MHIRJ. Firstly, students get to build a solid resume and earn income at the same time – all while still in university. There are a lot of tertiary benefits that extend beyond the internship itself as well, such as making valuable network contacts, forging relationships with industry professionals and most of all, gaining a gateway into kickstarting their careers. For MHIRJ, the benefits of taking part in the Co-op program are numerous. The flexibility of Carleton’s hiring timelines, professionalism of their Co-op Team and ease of use of their Co-op hiring platform, make hiring enthusiastic and talented Co-op students a pleasure.

The Co-op program also helps make our permanent hiring process more efficient and effective as these students are ready to hit the ground running when they are hired back as full-time employees. We know exactly what we are going to get because our chosen candidates have interned with us for 16 months. Co-op students are fully versed in the job at hand and are immersed in the culture of our company, making them an ideal fit within our organization.

As a past graduate now working at KF Aerospace in Kelowna, British Columbia, Andre Lawrence states the Co-op program is a great way to prepare for the real world work environment and gain the experience needed to qualify for a position.

“Having job experience through the Co-op program definitely gave me a leg-up. It’s an excellent way to get up close and personnel on how things work in commercial aviation and have the opportunity to make a real contribution to on a daily basis,” said Andre. “I didn’t feel like I was a student, I was part of the team. And by participating in the program, I was hired before I got out of University.”

FACILITATING FUTURE SUCCESS

Creating partnerships with the institutions that are training the future generation of the aviation industry is important to MHIRJ. We believe it’s vital that academia and industry are more closely linked, so that graduating students are matching what the industry genuinely requires. By working with the Carleton Co-op program, we are facilitating the future success of MHIRJ with talent that is tested and ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow.

Contributor: Margaret Haswell, Business Development & Maintenance Engineering Manager MHIRJ

ELIO HAS OVER 25 YEARS OF AEROSPACE EXPERIENCE IN ENGINEERING, OPERATIONAL, AND EXECUTIVE STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP ROLES.

Currently at MHIRJ as Senior Vice-President, Head of Aircraft Development and Quality, he holds the strategic and technical responsibility for Product Safety, Engineering, Product Strategy, Design, Repair, Certification, Testing, Quality, Flight Ops and Technical Publications.

A strategic leader responsible for end-to-end Product Strategy, Elio is recognized for building strong team networks, for bringing continuous strategic improvements to meet evolving business requirements, and for implementing step-change evolutions to adapt team culture and mind-sets. He is results-driven and known for his accountability and for consistently achieving or exceeding results year after year.

In an industry that is known for being tough but rewarding, Elio shares a passion with his colleagues in continually seeking to find ways to make regional air travel safe and accessible with the purpose of bringing people together worldwide.

Elio leads the Product Development Team that collaborates closely with the MHIRJ Aftermarket Team and CRJ Series operators, developing solutions that help operators improve their business, reduce costs from their operations and remain competitive

“I think that the most important thing that MHIRJ brings to the CRJ platform is continuity. It’s so important that our customers understand that we were here before, we’re here now and we’re going to be here tomorrow.”

In addition, he leads the Aerospace Engineering Center, which takes the expertise, knowledge and methodology developed over the last 30 years and for the first time, offers full product lifecycle capabilities as a service.

Born in Montreal, Canada, Elio is a proud husband and a father of two girls. His passions include aviation, music, running, swimming, travel and cooking. He holds an Engineering degree, speaks five languages, and is known for bringing leadership, commitment, innovation, professionalism and expertise to issues, roundtable discussions and conferences. He was part of the Industry Advisory Board at Concordia University, and has been the Campaign Director of the annual Centraide fundraising campaign for many years.

Students learn to work on a wide range of aircraft, from small general aviation aircraft to transport category aircraft. (Source: Pierpont Community and Technical College)

From the technicians who ensure aircraft are airworthy to the pilots that fly passengers around the globe and the engineers behind technological advancements in flight, plus countless others, the aviation industry is one big family that shares a rich history of innovation, quality workmanship, and a passion for helping the next generation enter this exciting community.

At MHIRJ, our people are passionate about sharing their industry knowledge and being mentors to future industry professionals. One such example is Anthony Hinton, Head of Service Centers for MHIRJ Aviation Group in Bridgeport, West Virginia. As a member of the Board of Trustees at Pierpont Community & Technical College, Anthony collaborates with fellow trustees in developing strategic goals, objectives, and policies related to Pierpont’s Aviation Maintenance Technology, A.A.S. program.

FURTHER DEVELOPING A WORLD-CLASS AMP PROGRAM

Pierpont offers the only Federal Aviation Administration-approved training program in the state of West Virginia in aviation maintenance technology that leads to careers with some of the largest international and local companies in the aviation industry seeking certified aviation professionals. The aviation program focuses on the areas of knowledge qualifying students to take the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 147 Airframe and Powerplant (AMP) certification examinations. The technical areas of study focus on mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and propulsion systems used on modern aircraft. Graduates of the program are qualified for entry-level positions to work as AMP Technicians. To help bring more people to the market sooner, Pierpont has also launched a fast-track AMP program where students study for 11 months to qualify for their Airframe license or Powerplant license.

MEETING AN EVER-GROWING INDUSTRY NEED

As tens of thousands aviation professionals reach retirement age over the next decade, educational outreach and career pathway programs will be critical to inspiring and recruiting the next generation. According to industry outlooks, it’s estimated that 739,000 new technicians will be needed worldwide over the next 20 years. With such significant growth opportunities on the horizon for the aviation industry, Pierpont and the State of West Virginia are further positioned to build their reputation as an aviation center. To that point, Anthony is currently collaborating with Pierpont on ways to increase enrollment in the program from 100 students per year to 200 students annually.

OPENING THE DOOR TO A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES

As Anthony has experienced, a career in aviation can open the door to a world of opportunities. Prior to joining MHIRJ, he worked with leading companies such as Pratt & Whitney, UTC Aerospace Systems, and Collins Aerospace to name but a few. “An Airframe and Powerplant license from Pierpont is your ticket to the dance,” said Anthony. “How you dance when you get there is completely up to you. Once you have your license you can work virtually anywhere in the world in aviation production or in a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, or you can be a traveling Maintenance Repair Technician (MRT).”

BUILDING ON A LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP

Anthony’s involvement with the college is the latest step in a long-term relationship between MHIRJ and Pierpont. But the commitment to developing the next generation of aviation technicians doesn’t stop there. In addition to having MHIRJ technicians teach at Pierpont, MHIRJ itself offers a 3-year internship program where attendees get hands-on experience at the Bridgeport facility and receive their AMP license after three years.

A LASTING LEGACY

Helping to develop fulfilling careers within the aviation industry and bringing new people into the fold is an honor and a privilege shared by many in aerospace. For Anthony who was born and raised in Bridgeport, it’s also very personal. “I’m excited to be back in West Virginia and to invest in the community where we operate,” said Anthony. “To help West Virginia become an aviation center and feed the futures of many. That’s what I want my legacy to be.”