Avionics News December 2022 - 61

How do you think your years of hands-on
experience helps you today in leading
your group?
There's no doubt that hands-on
It's very important that we attract more
experience is helpful. It helps me relate
to the challenges our team members face
repairing, servicing and maintaining the
aircraft and components on a daily basis. It
allows me to ask better questions to make
sure the team members have the tools they
need to make their job easier and to have
the best work environment possible.
Do you have any observations you would
like to share about how the industry has
changed over the years and the importance
of adapting and changing along with it?
The technology has changed so much in
34 years. The equipment and systems are
so integrated today, and as a result, they have made the aircraft
safer and more reliable. They're also much more complex, so the
skill sets and training required to be an avionics technician has
changed dramatically.
An avionics tech now has to be part software engineer, avionics
tech and A&P to troubleshoot and repair a modern aircraft. The
AEA has done a great job adapting training programs by proactively
partnering with the schools, military, avionics manufacturers and
service providers to offer training opportunities for the latest and
greatest avionics systems.
What important trends are you seeing in the industry?
The need for qualified technicians continues at an all-time high.
Also, sustainability concerns and the development of electric and
hydrogen-powered vehicles aren't coming, they're already here. This
is a step change in aviation that we need to be preparing to support.
Do you see any possible pathways to solving some of aviation's
biggest challenges?
Recruiting and retaining the next generation of technicians is the
biggest issue in my mind. Our industry no longer just competes with
each other for technicians, we're competing with other industries
that are looking for technicians with similar skill sets. Our pay and
benefits must be competitive, so we need to be able to charge rates
that support the value of the work they do.
diversity to this industry and that the work
environment and culture is welcoming and
inviting for everyone. Education, outreach
and special programs at all levels of
education will be the key.
What do you think our industry does well,
and are there ways we can expand or
build on that?
Our industry is innovative and does a
great job of finding solutions to unique
and difficult problems to keep aircraft
flying, airworthy and safe. Using that
innovative and solution-based approach
to support and find new and unique, safe
and economical solutions for the next
generation of aircraft will be important.
What do you like most about the AEA?
The AEA focuses on supporting education and representing
members' concerns and interests. The AEA truly engages its
members to understand the issues that confront them. AEA
members have benefited greatly through educational outreach
and programs and the focus on regulatory representation in
Washington, D.C.
Why did you want to serve on the board?
I wanted to get more involved. I felt like I should leverage my
experience to do what I could to help represent the interests of our
industry and those who have made a career in it. The AEA board felt
like a good opportunity for me to do that.
Is there anything specific you hope to accomplish
as a board member?
It's an honor to be elected and serve on the board. I have a
responsibility to do whatever I can to contribute to the mission
and strategic goals and objectives that the board has established.
Specifically, I'd like to help attract and grow the next generation
of aviation professionals by supporting the strategic workforce
development initiatives identified by the AEA board and committee. q
To learn more about Duncan Aviation, visit duncanaviation.aero.
avionics news * december 2022 61
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Avionics News December 2022

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