October_2021 - 8

Stephen R. Snyder, 39, Aircraft Mechanic, State of Utah Division of Aeronautics, Salt Lake City, UT
S
tephen Snyder, an aircraft mechanic, was hired by the State of
Utah Division of Aeronautics in April 2019. There, he assists in
maintaining the state's executive transportation as well as the
Division of Wildlife's aircraft.
" Within a week of his hiring, it became readily apparent that he is
a dedicated professional with an awesome work ethic and skillset, "
said Jeremy Wilde, a fellow aircraft mechanic with the State of Utah
Division of Aeronautics who nominated Snyder for this year's 40
Under 40 award. His dedication and commitment to safety is evident
every single day. His sheet metal skills are unmatched, and he has
saved the state a huge amount of money by utilizing this skillset. "
During his career, Snyder has freelanced as a mechanic for various
flight schools, individuals and FBOs, maintaining and repairing
everything from gliders to business jets. " Stephen gets the job done, "
Wilde said. " His customers appreciate the service he offers. They
trust him, they respect him and they appreciate his attitude and
straightforward demeanor. "
Recently, Snyder achieved FAA certification as IA. He completed
this training and certification on his own time, while still maintaining
his duties to his employer and customers. Other training he's
received includes Abaris composite training, the Beechcraft King
Air 200 Series Introduction and flight safety. At Duncan Aviation
in Provo, Utah, he completed sheet metal and composite repair
training. Duncan Aviation is also where he
began his career in 2012, working as an airframe/structures
tech.
When asked why he chose to work in
the field of aviation maintenance, he said,
" I always had a love for airplanes and aviation. "
After studying mechanical engineering
for two years, he decided he didn't want to be
an engineer. " I wanted to do something more
hands-on. My love for aviation and my mechanical engineering
background both kind of dovetailed together and aviation maintenance
just kind of became the perfect fit. "
He has been fortunate to have several mentors. He said, " The
three that have had the biggest impact on me were Ward Cranor,
Structures at Duncan Aviation; Monte Evans, Structures at Duncan
Aviation; and Harold Jackson, who taught me GA. "
Snyder, in turn, loves to share his knowledge with others. He is
currently mentoring five people and helping them earn an A&P.
Snyder said his career goals are pretty simple: " I just want to
continue doing what it is that I do. Work, learn and share what I
have learned with others - Get a new generation of people excited
and educated on what it takes to keep aviation safe. "
James Scott Smith, 38, Crew Lead, Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems, LLC, Greenville, SC
J
ames Smith (Smitty) always liked airplanes growing up, but
never really had been around them up close. He also enjoyed
fixing things and learning how certain components operate. Then
in his junior and senior years of high school, he had the opportunity
to receive high school credit plus college credit with his local
tech school, Greenville Technical College. " I saw that an aircraft
maintenance class was available so I took that opportunity and
never looked back, " he explained.
Smith started with Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems in
2003 as a line service technician. Then, about a year later, worked
his way in to the hangar. It was then he started working on King
Airs, Piaggios, Barons and Bonanzas in the Electrical Shop. The
shop handled all electrical items (minus electrical for avionics)
and air conditioning. " Then, about a year later, the maintenance
manager at the time asked me if I wanted to go on to an airframe
crew, so I did, " he said. " I still got to work a lot of the electrical side
of the aircraft along with my new responsibilities. "
He started to gain more engine maintenance experience and
began to take on more leadership roles. So, in 2016, he decided to
make it official and become a crew lead, which is Smith's current
position. " You get to take care of and oversee just about every aspect
of the project, big or small, " he noted. " It's been a great experience
so far, but it can get a little challenging. Especially when you have
bigger multi department projects like phase
inspections with avionics mods, paint and
interior refurbishments. "
As for career goals, he says he is pretty content
with where he is now. " You never know
though, that could change with whatever
opportunity comes up, " he stated. " Stevens
is always looking into new areas and ideas,
so anything is possible. "
" Smitty has become an extremely talented troubleshooter
and possesses a wide variety of talents, due to his willingness
to volunteer for special projects, attend special training events
and study any available resource, to acquire and master new
skills, " commented Smith's nominator, Stan Soper, lead inspector,
Turboprop Division, Stevens Aerospace and Defense Systems
LLC. " Smitty is a very valuable asset to the Stevens team and
his projects are always well-managed, continually delivered on
time and on budget. He is a very honest, reliable and committed
aviation maintenance professional, with both lead technician
and inspector capabilities within our organization. Smitty holds
very high standards, and definitely deserves to be recognized in
this way, for his hard work and dedication to both our team and
his chosen profession. "
8 OCTOBER 2021
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY

October_2021

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