A lot goes into keeping the world’s most capable air force mission ready. Whether it’s overseeing the innovation and sophistication that goes into the cutting-edge technology of the Air Force’s fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter or keeping the venerable A-10 Warthog and T-38 Talon razor-sharp years after their production lines have ended, that crucial task falls on the shoulders of AFCS aircraft maintainers.
In this episode, host Sheryl Johnson introduces you to three aircraft maintainers from the Air Force Engineering and Technical Services (AFETS) program. AFETS is responsible for providing technical assistance, training, and sustainment to Air Force field units globally.
Walter Steward, an A-10 Avionics expert with over three decades of experience, shares how his team supports not only the A-10 but also the HH-60 Pave Hawk and C-130 Hercules, ensuring their readiness for critical missions. Gary Bayer, an F-35 “Tip to Tail” maintainer, provides insight into the advanced systems of the Air Force’s premier stealth fighter and how his years of experience, both in active duty and as a contractor, uniquely qualify him to tackle its challenges. Logan Commins rounds out the discussion with a fresh perspective on the innovation and problem-solving that define aircraft maintenance today.
Together, they highlight the AFETS program’s pivotal role in maintaining the mechanical and structural integrity of Air Force aircraft while mentoring the next generation of maintainers. Whether it’s through providing real-time solutions in the field or pioneering new techniques to sustain aging aircraft, these maintainers embody the expertise and dedication that keep the Air Force’s edge as sharp as it can be.
You won’t want to miss this information-filled episode, but if you are in a hurry or have a plane to catch, you’ll at the very least want to catch these crucial highlights:
7:05 ~ Gary, Logan, and Walter share the career trajectories that landed them in their current position.
10:35 ~ Gary answers a common question asked during most Aim Hire episodes, “do you have to have prior military experience?”
10:54 ~ The three panelists contrast their civil service careers with being active-duty Airmen, as well as how their time in the private sector as contractors stacked up against their current roles.
14:34 ~ Gary, Logan, and Walter take turns describing what a typical day looks like in their particular roles.
19:42 ~ The three guests take questions from the home audience, beginning with what advice they have for someone trying to follow in their footsteps.
23:18 ~ A member of the audience asks the panelists what they do day-to-day to support the Air Force mission and what was their greatest accomplishment in doing so.
28:29 ~ A person from the audience asks how they can step into an aircraft maintainer position if they don’t have a background as a mechanic.
32:28 ~ Similarly, a person from the online audience asks if the Air Force offers opportunities to work on helicopters, particularly if you don’t have prior experience.
34:44 ~ Gary, Logan, and Walter share advice on what candidates can do to start down a similar career path.
39:57 ~ Sheryl asks the panelists, knowing what they know now, what advice they would offer their former selves.
We’d like to extend a special thanks to our panelists for sharing their time and giving us a glimpse into their incredible work. Clearly, the Air Force mission couldn’t be in better hands. Also, be sure to stay in the loop by subscribing to our automatic email notifications at https://roa.afciviliancareers.com/. That way, you’ll be alerted to every Aim Hire before it takes to the air.