Veteran Spotlight: Aaron B., Senior Aerospace Engineer

As we continue to honor our veterans this month, we are also excited to shine a light on a few of our former pilots to commemorate Aviation History Month, it is a perfect time to reflect on the people who dedicated their lives to aviation. Pilots play a vital role in the aerospace industry, from commercial airlines to military operations. In this article, we introduce you to Aaron B., a former pilot turned aerospace engineer at SNC.

As a young child, Aaron’s head was in the clouds - and not just because he wanted to see what they looked like from above. He was captivated by flying and spent much of his free time researching aircraft, spacecraft, and the people who got to fly them. During his research, he discovered that many pilots began their careers in the military. With that, he set his dream in motion by attending the U.S. Air Force Academy. After graduating in 2010, he cross-commissioned to the U.S. Marine Corps, serving for an impressive 10 years active duty and an additional three in the reserves. Aaron's passion for flying eventually led him to become an airline pilot flying the ERJ-145 for Trans States Airlines. When the pandemic hit and the airline shut down in 2020, Aaron found his way to our team at SNC, where he's been soaring high as an aerospace engineer ever since.

Aaron has been a vital member of our team for four years now, ensuring that our aircraft designs and modifications meet the rigorous standards set forth by MIL-HDBK-516C (DOD's Airworthiness Certification Criteria). As of this year, Aaron transitioned to the system safety team!

Aaron's time in the cockpit was nothing short of extraordinary, with countless unique experiences that he cherishes to this day. He said one of his fondest memories was having the opportunity to fly the V-22 Osprey in more than 15 countries, including the first trans-pacific flight of the V-22 from Hawaii to Darwin, Australia. Another unforgettable moment he shared was flying the Osprey over Baghdad on New Year's Eve, where the fireworks display was both awe-inspiring and a little intimidating. However, for Aaron, the most treasured aspect of his flying career was the deep and long-lasting relationships he formed with his colleagues.

As technology continues to evolve, the aviation industry is poised to make great strides in safety and reliability. However, achieving these advancements will require a strong human element: building robust relationships, fostering clear communication, and establishing a deep connection with operators and maintainers. Launching a career in aviation may seem daunting, but according to Aaron, taking that first step is the hardest part. For those who are eager to pursue this exciting field, he recommends starting as soon as possible.

"The great thing about the aviation industry is that people are passionate about it and the community is strong. You will meet mentors along the way that will be more than happy to teach and guide you to achieve your goals."