PEA welcomes the new year and the new opportunities PEA has to offer

By Aleksandra Miladinovic on Jan 01, 2023 12:01 PM |

Andrew Herber:

When you are 18, it feels like the world is in the palm of your hands, and although that can be overwhelming to some, it can feel equally as exciting. There are multiple paths you can take, and one decision can alter your life. This is the story of one of PEA’s own, Andrew Herber, who is the first student to finish PEA’s Rotorcraft Transition Course.

Andrew made the decision to join the Army Reserves at 18 years old, specializing in Aviation Operations. Afterwards, he attended California State University-Fullerton for three years, and studied Computer Science. However before he got to graduation, he was approached by his past Army Reserve mentors to apply for a position as an Army Aviator. Herber states that this was not an opportunity he could pass up because, “he admired the hard work, professionalism and cool demeanors of his past mentors.” They took him flying around the Los Angeles area in formation of four Black Hawks, and the rest was history. He says that’s when he genuinely could see himself not only remaining in the Army, but pursuing a career in aviation. After applying and being selected, he left to train and fly UH60L Blackhawks for a year in Alabama. There is not a day that goes by where he feels like he chose the wrong path: he has had the opportunity to fly all over the United States, ranging from his beautiful west coast hometown of Southern California, to the east coast landing in North Carolina.

As for his path at PEA, Andrew is the first person to complete the FAA Part 141 approved Rotor Transition course. This course is designed to allow any Civilian or Military Rotorcraft pilot the ability to obtain a Commercial Airplane rating on their FAA Commercial Pilot license. His journey isn’t done yet, “I plan on finishing my Airplane Instrument and Commercial Multi Engine Land next”, said Herber.

Andrew says that there are many memories at PEA he will cherish from backseating his friend’s flights to flying cross country with his instructor, Gabriel, to enjoy a sunset meal in Tampa. Herber says that his training at PEA has been a positive experience and one that he will always remember. He says that everyone is extremely intelligent, outgoing, and willing to help. His next career goal is to fly with an airline within the next couple of months, while continuing to fly helicopters for the United States Army.

Interested in becoming an A&P Mechanic?

Cricket G.:

Our fleet at PEA continues to grow; between Diamond DA-42s, Cessna 172s, and most recently, Piper Seneca’s that are currently being modernized to be added to our fleet in 2023, it is important that our aircraft maintenance remains consistent in order for our pilots to have the best flight training experience. PEA is not only grateful to have in-house maintenance, with the support and knowledge that our mechanics provide, we have been able to provide professional and successful flight training over the last 50 years. One mechanic in particular, who goes by Cricket, is the first to graduate from the A&P apprenticeship pathway program at PEA. This program allows an employee to gather enough practical experience to meet the FAA requirements to take the general, airframe and powerplant licensing exams for A&P certification. She sat down with us to share her experience.

What brought you into the mechanic/aviation industry?

I want to give credit to my sister because I originally wanted to be a car mechanic and get into the automotive world, but my sister was working in the aviation industry and helped guide me into working on planes as an aviation mechanic rather than cars.

When did you join the Phoenix East Aviation family?

I joined PEA in 2020 as an A&P Intern.

What would you like to accomplish next while being here at PEA, or what are your next steps?

I look forward to continuing my growth as an aircraft mechanic at PEA, especially now that I have completed the A&P apprenticeship, I definitely think that will help me professionally. It gives me the ability to not only work on an aircraft, but also inspect the aircraft and sign off on work that has already been completed.

What is your best advice for anyone who is considering becoming an aircraft mechanic, or any future mechanics out there!

My advice for future mechanics is to never turn down any job, or repair offer. I definitely recommend getting as much experience as possible, and to take on even the most difficult tasks. It will not only improve your confidence, but it will also help increase your knowledge. It’s so important to never stop advancing your skills!

Cricket’s motivation to complete her apprenticeship after starting as an A&P intern, is what spurred the idea for the Apprenticeship Pathway Program at PEA. We offer a limited number of positions for non-licensed individuals to apprentice with us, but with this pathway program, we can’t wait to see other mechanics become just as successful.