Brittany Qualls graduated from CNCC’s Aviation Maintenance program this spring and is becoming a full-time mechanic for United Airlines at Washington-Dulles. She started her aviation journey as a ramp lead with United Airlines in the Chicago area. There, Brittany was able to get a look at the ‘behind the scenes’ operations of what the mechanics did, and she was hooked! Her excitement and enthusiasm is reflected in how she talks about the program and her profession! In her words, “I saw them take stuff apart, fix things on the job at the gate, and said I want to do that.”

Brittany started her program search on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA’s) website and called a few schools in states that interested her. She settled on Colorado and at CNCC following a conversation she had with Program Director, Ty Harrison. The outdoor life style and smaller class sizes that this program boasts, was exactly what she wanted.

Brittany working in the maintenance shop!

Initially, Brittany thought that she would struggle with the material, but as she states, “the instructors are good about taking time one-on-one and coaching you through everything”. This helped her overcome barriers and obstacles she had. Part way through her program Brittany was also given the opportunity to work as a part-time mechanic at CNCC’s flight training program. This allowed her to immediately apply what she is learning in a real-life situation and provide her a well-rounded education and work experience.

Her education and work experience is what helped her to land her current job with United Airlines at Washington-Dulles Airport. Her long-term goal is to obtain her Inspection Authorization (IA) certification. Working with United Airlines and increasing her maintenance time and experience will help her achieve that goal. The best advice she can give to those looking into a career in Aviation Maintenance is to simply, “…do it – sit down and talk with the program director and go through everything. This is something that’s worth it.”

Learn more about CNCC’s Aviation Maintenance program by contacting Program Director, Ty Harrison (ty.harrison@cncc.edu).