Flight Training - November/December 2022 - 20

PREFLIGHT FIVE QUESTIONS
BY JULIE SUMMERS WALKER
CHELSEA SMITH
HIGH MAINTENANCE...IN A GOOD WAY
CHELSEA SMITH SPENT HER SUMMERS IN TENNESSEE WITH HER
uncle who introduced her to flying. She started taking flying
lessons but then had to go home to Louisville, Kentucky, to
finish high school. She finally got her certificate-after flight
schools closing and instructors moving-but then faced another
hurdle. What, her college advisor asked, are you declaring as
your major? Aviation maintenance was at the top of the list.
Even though her advisor asked her if she was sure three times,
Smith opted for the maintenance program at Eastern Kentucky
University. " It was the best thing I ever accidentally walked
into, " she says. Today she is a freelance A&P who recently spent
the summer working on radial engines and has been accepted
for a Pratt & Whitney PT-6 engine course. " I'm only taken seriously
when I'm on the shop floor once I start work alongside
the other mechanics, " says the petite and self-acknowledged
" girly girl. " " I've only ever met one other female aviation
mechanic. Sometimes in the pilot sector they'll puff their chest
out and ask me 'tough' maintenance questions, but usually I am
treated very well. "
How did you get started in aviation? My root to aviation is
my Uncle Mike, who began construction on a full-scale Fokker
Dr.1 triplane when I was in middle school. Unlike most homebuilds,
this is not a kit-it is being constructed from blueprints
and raw materials, taking an immense amount of time and additional
craftsmanship. When I was in high school, Uncle Mike
began to plant seeds of curiosity beyond his project, like what it
would be like for me to fly, maybe become a pilot, to experience
freedom and adventure. Years later I completed both my pilot's
license and an airplane mechanic's license, and now we are
finishing the airplane together.
Biggest challenges? My biggest challenge in aviation has been
navigating a very nontraditional path while trying to cultivate a
career that utilizes both flying and maintenance.
Favorite aircraft? My favorite aircraft is the Yak-18T. It is a
beautiful, rigid, aerobatic, four-seat aircraft, which sits behind
the incredible M14P radial engine.
Favorite aviation activity? My favorite aviation activity is
spending a CAVU [ceiling and visibility unlimited] day inspiring
the next generation of pilots and aviators through Young
Eagle flights, surrounded by dear friends and other general
aviation enthusiasts, followed by an airport cookout.
Advice for students? First, get involved and volunteer
throughout your entire journey. This is the best way to learn
more about the industry, to network and hone your people
skills while giving back. Many unpredictable opportunities will
present themselves when you start showing up for your community.
Second, find a few good mentors. I think it is so important
to have people in your life who have been where you are or who
wound up where you want to be. They will all help you in different
ways as you grow and navigate. Third, be patient. Don't rush
the process, or you'll end up cheating yourself out of valuable
experiences and incredible lessons.
julie.walker@aopa.org
LOGBOOK
WHO: Chelsea Smith
HOURS: 800
RATINGS AND
CERTIFICATES: Airframe
and powerplant mechanic
with inspection authorization,
and instrument-rated
commercial pilot.
highmaintenance_chels
20 FLIGHT TRAINING NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022
DAVID TULIS
Flight Training - November/December 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Flight Training - November/December 2022
