Aircraft Maintenance Technology - 14

Troy J. Billard, 28, Nondestructive Inspection Section Chief/Technical Sergeant, US Air Force, Whiteman AFB, MO

roy J. Billard's aviation journey began when he joined the Air
Force. "I started my career at Ellsworth AFB as a brand new
Airman and Nondestructive Inspection Trainee," Billard said. He
would spend the next seven years at Ellsworth learning his trade
and deploying to the Middle East twice in support of the B-1 Bomber.
After gaining the rank of Staff Sergeant, he took on a leadership
and mentoring role as the section's lead trainer. He held that position
until he left Ellsworth and was transferred to Whiteman AFB, where
he served as the section's number two and the Noncommissioned
Officer in Charge. Later, he would be promoted to Technical
Sergeant. He then was promoted to Section Chief and led a shop
of 12-14 people in support of the B-2 mission. He is currently in
route to his next duty station at Eielson AFB Alaska.
Billard trained at the Naval Air Station Pensacola and has taken
advanced training in ultrasonics and eddy current inspection procedures and computed radiography.
Many mentors have helped Billard to his current position. "Master
Sergeant Matthew Baker and Technical Sergeant Steven Otto were
two that made the greatest impact on my career. Technical Sergeant
Otto was there when my career started and welcomed me into
the industry, while Master Sergeant Baker came along later in my
career and showed me how to be a leader and professional in my
field," Billard said.

Baker, who nominated Billard for this
award, noted that Billard has high standards
when it comes to his work. "... this is proven by
the lab's top performance and almost perfect
quality control rates which was accompanied
by seven separate Quality Assurance Honor
Roll Awards in 2019." Baker also pointed out
that Billard's strong work ethic has inspired
others close to him. "Through hard work and
astute dedication he was able to graduate from Community College
of the Air Force with an Associate in Applied Science degree -
Nondestructive Testing. This act directly influenced his team to
pursue over 36 college level credits, earn two Associate degrees
and one Professional Managers Certification.
As a member of the Air Force, Billard has received the Lt. General
Leo Marquez Award, ALS Distinguished Graduate Award, ALS
Leadership Award, 2019 Supervisor of the Quarter and 2019
Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.
As a trainer, Billard has and continues to train the next generation. "Many of my airmen are still in the military but several have left
and enjoy great careers in the civilian industry," Billard remarked.
After he completes his 20-year career in the Air Force, he hopes to
retire into a civilian career in the aviation field.

Benjamin Everett, 33, Aircraft Maintenance Technician/Inspector, Boeing Aircraft Company, Snohomish, WA

or Benjamin Everett, a love for aviation runs in the family. His
father is a manufacturing engineer and his grandfather was an
expediter in the aviation industry. They were a big influence on
Everett's choice to join the aviation industry.
Everett started working for Boeing on Sept. 28, 2007. He began
in the factory and later went to A&P school. He attended Everett
Community College for its Part 147 program from 2014 to 2016. He
then started on the flight line in Everett on Aug. 6, 2018.
Everett's current responsibilities include preflight and postflight
inspections, preparing the plane for FAA ticketing, working on
towing crews, replacing defective parts and making sure everyone's
tools are accounted for at the beginning and end of shifts. He also
runs various functional tests including initial fueling, APU checks,
weighing aircraft, camera alignment, ELT tests, flight controls
coordination checks, potable water system disinfection, avionics
checks, right seat on engine runs, compass swings, AC pack checks,
NGS checks, dry/wet motoring of engines and ground support on
all manner of operations.
Everett said he has had many mentors in the past, though not
a long-term mentor, per se, since he has moved around to several
different work areas.
Being precise is important to Everett. "I make sure everything I
touch is correct before the airplane is delivered to the customer and
flies away," he said. "If I see someone else working on something

OCTOBER 2020

that looks a little bit off to me, I'll mention it
to them." Everett believes this is the best way
to help his colleagues learn and correct their
mistakes. "I've noticed that the people around
me learn better when I ask them about it, then
let them come to the conclusion themselves,"
he commented.
For now, Everett's career goals include
continuing to work on the Everett flight line.
Craig Christon, who nominated Everett for this award, said, "I
have witnessed Ben Everett turn into a highly professional AMT at
Boeing. He mainly works on the B777-200 and -300 aircraft on the
Boeing Everett Flight-Line. He works on all ATA Codes on the final
testing and maintenance of this aircraft." Christon commended
Everett's ability to work alone or in a team environment, as well
as dealing with extreme weather while working on the flight line.
Christon also noted, "he can also work on boom lifts, working on
the highest points of the aircraft." Christon also pointed out that,
as a Level Nine AMT at Boeing, Everett has several certifications
that help him in his role, such as oxygen and electrical certification.
The 2020 AMT 40 Under 40 Award is Everett's first industry
award; however, in the past, he has received certificates and pins
for five and 10 years of seniority from his employer.

AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY

Aircraft Maintenance Technology

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