In the aviation world, safety is key and training is a priority.
Both combined Saturday at the Rowland Freedom Center in Vacaville where, surrounded by decades of flight history, aviation mechanics gathered for a refresher course in aircraft inspections, the first in-person class in the nation since the pandemic shut down gatherings two years ago.
Denny Powell, class instructor, Federal Aviation Administration Designated Mechanic Examiner and retired FAA staffer, said about 100 people had signed up but about 30 showed, likely due to traffic issues.
“They’re coming from Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, Washington,” he explained, delaying the class’ start a bit longer.
The Inspection Authorization course is important, he said, as aviation mechanics must re-certify annually. During the pandemic, Zoom courses were held but simply lacked the same flavor as in-person meets.
That changed Saturday.
“Aviation is a small community,” Powell pointed out. “This is a good thing — to come back (in person). We’re reconnecting today.”
Aviation mechanics are very important to the industry, he said, though most people don’t know about the work they do behind the scenes. The men and women, armed with highly technical knowledge, perform maintenance and conduct inspections, among other things.
“They make sure an aircraft is airworthy,” he emphasized.
It’s a great field where you use math and science on a regular basis, he shared, make a difference and are compensated well.
Powell talked about the aeronautics program at the nearby Solano Community College campus, located on the grounds of the Nut Tree Airport. Instructors dole out “tough love,” he said, and make sure students learn what they need to succeed. As well, the students usually get hired right out of college, he advised, and embark on rewarding careers.
Two of those students were part of Saturday’s instruction.
While there’s normally a cost for the annual class, Powell didn’t charge for this one. He just didn’t have the heart to do that, it seems.
“Aviation’s been good to me so this is me giving back,” he said.
Aviation has been in Powell’s blood since he was a child. Unfortunately, a tragedy sparked his interest and dedication.
“When I was 10, we used to go out and watch ag (agricultural) airplanes,” he said.”One day, we saw one crash.”
The pilot was killed, and Powell never forgot. His only thought, he continued, was to get into the business and make sure all aircraft were safe to fly so that this never happened again.
His career in flight was amazing, he said, and literally opened up opportunities across the globe.
“My job has taken me around the world,” he said. “Africa, Japan…”
He retired from the FAA in 2011.
Powell highly recommends anyone with an interest in aeronautics consider the industry, especially since there’s a program within the vicinity.
For more information, visit https://welcome.solano.edu/aeronautics/.
