Student Spotlight - Shad Fleshman-Cooper

Pathway: Aviation Maintenance Technology

Shad Fleshman-Cooper has a passion for aviation. That's why, after working in an unrelated field, he chose to enroll in EvCC's Aviation Maintenance Technician school. "It was an easy choice for me," says Fleshman-Cooper. "I was already familiar with the program from when I attended the aviation program my senior year in high school as a Sno-isle student. I’ve always held the program in high regard and EvCC has been training AMTs for decades." After finishing with the program, he hopes to become an aircraft on the ground (AOG) mechanic.

Why did you choose EvCC?

It was an easy choice for me. I was already familiar with the program from when I attended the aviation program my senior year in high school as a Sno-isle student. At the time we were affiliated with the college, and I was able to see a lot of the projects the EvCC students were working on. I’ve always held the program in high regard and EvCC has been training AMTs for decades.

Why did you decide to study Aviation Maintenance Technology? 

Aviation has been a lifelong passion of mine and I always wanted a career that required handling aircraft. Due to life circumstances, I ventured on a career path outside of aviation. After many years, the desire was burning in me to make a career change and becoming an AMT was the best avenue to achieve this goal.

What are your educational and career plans?

I plan to continue to add additional certificates to further my career and expertise in this field. I desire to get the experience to become an AOG (aircraft on the ground) mechanic.

How do you think the skills you are learning at EvCC are helping you reach your goals? 

I am amazed by the broad set of skills and knowledge taught in this program. An aircraft mechanic must have a general understanding of how an aircraft’s multiple complex systems function, to aid in diagnosing and maintaining those systems.

Who helped you succeed at EvCC (faculty member, staff, etc.)? What did that person do to help you? 

I cannot pick just one single person, we have an amazing group of instructors, all with different backgrounds and experiences in the aviation field that are willing to help when needed. I am also thankful for the high caliber of students enrolled in the program to team up with during lab weeks. It is a winning combination for me.

EvCC Aviation student Shad Fleshman-Cooper works on landing gear of aircraft while instructor, Christopher Russell, and fellow students look on.

Describe the best experience you had at EvCC. 

I look forward to lab weeks and being out in the hangar. Many of our projects are hands-on. Some of my favorites have been building a wooden rib, covering a wing structure with fabric, and fabricating an aluminum bulkhead. All these projects required us to repair damaged areas to get us acquainted with FAA approved repair techniques.

What advice do you have for new students?

Companies such as Snap-on, Matco and Aircraft Tool Supply offer student trade discounts to help build your toolbox. Course textbooks are available online for free through the FAA website and I highly recommend purchasing a subscription to ASA Prepware within your first quarter. I use the software as a study aid to test my knowledge and additionally prepares you for the FAA written and oral exams.

Anything else you want to add?

There are some cool aspects an aircraft mechanic can experience, like having the opportunity to taxi and perform engine run-ups, but I think there is much more. The decision to become a certified aircraft mechanic comes with great responsibility that I find quite rewarding. Our primary mission is to certify that an aircraft is repaired and maintained to an airworthy condition. Failure to do so could cause the loss of the aircraft or worse, the lives of those on board. Following maintenance procedures and performing thorough inspections can save lives. That is the mindset I plan to bring to work every day. 

EvCC Aviation student Shad Fleshman-Cooper (center) with fellow students (from left to right) Elijah Kariuki, Alina Nazarchuk, Laura Pollard, Ben Menken and Teaho Noh.