Flight Path: James Simmons Aerospace entrepreneur, Madison, Alabama, USA Quick Facts CURRENT JOB: I am the founder and general manager of Avolatus, an aerospace consulting firm. FIRST VERTICAL AVIATION JOB: My first job with helicopters involved serving as a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk repair technician in the US Army. FAVORITE HELICOPTER: My favorite helicopter is the UH-60 Black Hawk, the aircraft in which I began my career as a US Army crew chief. The Black Hawk holds a special place in my heart, and I’ve dedicated much of my career to ensuring its operational excellence and safety. How did you decide helicopter aviation was the career for you? Growing up around US Army airfields, I was captivated by the daily operation of helicopters, which sparked in me a deep curiosity about how they fly and operate. How did you get to your current position? When I enlisted, I had very little experience in any form of maintenance and was both excited and nervous about the role. I barely knew how to change the oil on a car, yet I was about to become a helicopter technician. I’m incredibly grateful for the teachers and mentors I have had the privilege of working with throughout the years. To further my career, I earned an FAA airframe and powerplant (A&P) certificate, and I continuously expanded my skill set and knowledge base while working for various employers. Also, once eligible, I obtained FAA inspection authorization (IA), further broadening the opportunities available to me. After completing my military service, I attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, earning degrees in aviation technical management, aviation maintenance, and management. Several key positions throughout my career have significantly contributed to my professional growth, ultimately leading to the establishment of Avolatus. What are your career goals? My career goals are centered around continuing to drive innovation and excellence in the aviation industry. Additionally, I aspire to help the next generation of aviation professionals achieve their full potential by sharing my knowledge and experience as a mentor. I also stay actively involved in industry organizations and initiatives, contributing to the ongoing evolution of aviation standards and workforce development. What advice would you give someone pursuing your career path? I would offer the following advice to anyone interested in aviation maintenance: Start with a strong foundation: Begin by gaining hands-on experience and foundational knowledge. Whether through military or civilian roles, immerse yourself in the practical aspects of aviation maintenance and operations. Pursue education and certifications: Earning degrees in aviation-related fields and obtaining certifications such as the FAA A&P certificate and IA can open many doors. Embrace continuous learning: The aviation industry is constantly evolving, so commit yourself to a lifelong-learning mindset. Stay up-to-date with the latest technology, regulations, and best practices. Seek mentorship and networking opportunities: Build relationships with experienced professionals in the industry. Their guidance and insights can be invaluable. Be resilient and persistent: Learn from your setbacks and use them as stepping stones to growth and improvement. Focus on quality and safety: Always prioritize quality and safety in your work. Set clear goals, and plan: Define your career goals and create a roadmap to achieve them. Regularly assess your progress and be willing to adjust your plans as needed. Who inspires you? My grandfather served as a mechanic for the B-25 bomber during World War II, and his dedication and expertise left a lasting impression on me. One of the best days I spent with him involved walking through the National Museum of the US Air Force, near Dayton, Ohio. As we toured the different aircraft, he shared stories about his unit and the old days in the US Army Air Corps. His passion for and commitment to aviation continue to inspire me. Tell us about your most memorable helicopter flight. It was my first time in a crew seat in the Black Hawk. The sensation of lifting off the ground vertically, combined with the coordination of the crew and the guidance from the tower, was astonishing. I’ll never forget the exhilarating feeling of hanging out the window, truly being part of the crew. From that vantage point, you can look all around the aircraft with no barrier or window between you and the open air. What still excites you about helicopter aviation? The ability of helicopters to perform a wide range of missions never ceases to amaze me. Every day in helicopter aviation presents new challenges and the chance to make a positive impact, which is incredibly fulfilling. What challenges you about helicopter aviation? Ensuring that all maintenance and operational procedures adhere to the highest standards while also meeting tight deadlines and mission requirements is a constant challenge. Additionally, keeping up with rapidly evolving technology and regulations requires continuous learning and adaptation. The dynamic and often unpredictable nature of helicopter missions also demands quick decision-making and problem-solving skills. These challenges, however, are what drive me to stay dedicated and strive for excellence in every aspect of my work. Complete this sentence: I love my job, but I’d rather work for a paper company in Scranton when … Never. There is no other place that I would rather be than dealing with the everyday needs of organizations to perform effective and quality maintenance on aircraft at all times. I am by nature a problem solver. I enjoy the challenge of the helicopter industry today and look forward to being part of the evolution that it will go through in the years to come. Hi, I'm Jay Clark
