Aviation Maintenance The K-State Way

Drew Smith is a believer in the benefits of education. It's a good thing, too, because he has made his career all about teaching. He is the aviation maintenance section head of the College of Technology and Aviation at Kansas State University at Salina.

Smith shares a few things in common with other successful individuals in the aviation maintenance community. As a child, he loved to go with his parents to the airport and watch aircraft taking off and landing. In addition, he received much of his basic training in the military.

When Smith graduated from high school, he joined the U.S. Navy with the understanding from his recruiter that he would be trained as an aircraft structures and systems mechanic. He was stationed in Pensacola, Florida and Barbers Point, Hawaii with an airborne communications department. The military gave him his start in aviation, however, he soon learned that the officers who were leading him at the time had a formal education and that it was necessary for him to advance in his career.

Smith finished his enlistment in the Navy and attended a community college. He then enrolled at the College of the Ozarks and received his bachelor of science degree in aviation science. All the while he was in the Naval Reserves and had participated in a work-study program gaining civil aircraft maintenance experience.

The turn to commercial aviation came when he began to work with American Airlines at its Tulsa Maintenance and Engineering Center as an overhaul mechanic with experience. After a stint in Operation Desert Storm aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Nimitz, Smith returned to the job at American Airlines and applied for aircraft maintenance positions.

Smith's career from this point forward illustrates an interesting tack. The field of aviation maintenance is one that always requires some initial training, and usually requires ongoing training to keep up with the many changes in the field. When one has the true affection for a particular endeavor, it often behooves them to utilize their skill and enthusiasm in a university environment. This was something Smith thought about and he began to talk to people working in the academic field.

"One year later the airlines were in sad condition," said Smith. "My brother-in-law, a university professor, told me about the fun, enjoyment, and benefits of teaching." It was this advice that led Smith to apply for a position with some colleges and universities. After finishing his master's degree in aviation safety from Central Missouri State University, he taught at a few colleges and applied for a job in aviation maintenance education at Kansas State University. He received the job and accepted the position to lead the university's aviation maintenance program.

Smith's career has taken many memorable turns. "I have restored aircraft from the wheels up," he recalled, "and the feeling of climbing into, starting, taxiing, and taking off after this process is very special. Providing scheduled and unscheduled maintenance inspection services to quality customers is enjoyable to me."

In the classroom, a typical day includes teaching on a personal level and on a program level. It also involves interacting with students and faculty to meet their needs and their desires with regard to aviation maintenance training. "My position involves long-term planning, weekly scheduling and daily shuffles, student tours, and secondary education visits. I plan field trips, meet with possible donors, and deal with an occasional crisis as they pop up," said Smith. "Each day is full in its own special way, filled with exciting events." He now serves more as an educator than as an aviation mechanic, however, this job is quite fulfilling. The program at Kansas State fulfills the requirements of the FAA regulations for those seeking certification as an A&P mechanic.

So, what does Smith feel about the aviation maintenance career and what it has to offer? It is important to seek out formal and informal training in your areas of interest, he stated. "Our aviation maintenance industry moves fast. Strive to stay with the group, read industry journals and magazines, find special interest areas, focus on these areas, and take more responsibility when given an opportunity. Try to improve yourself in the organization you serve."

For Smith, his career has been one as a hands-on technician and in handson training. He is optimistic and believes that learning is important. "Learn how to work well with people of all attitudes," said Smith. - By James R. Romeo