By learning how to repair propellers, Tucker Johnson, Aircraft Mechanic IV, saved Lynden Air Cargo over $100,000.
Johnson started at Lynden Air Cargo as an apprentice while in the University of Alaska Anchorage airframe and powerplant program. With his A&P certificate attained, a positive attitude and commitment to aviation, Johnson went on to become the youngest aircraft mechanic at Lyndon Air Cargo to receive company authorizations for run and taxi as well as RII (required inspection items) for the Lockheed L-100-30 Hercules (L-382G).
Next, training from PPI Technical Services taught him how to repair 54H60 propellers, and Lynden Air Cargo started doing this work in-house.
Johnson also attended an engine run and taxi CAE course in Florida, and he’s not done learning yet.
“There’s always more to learn,” he says.
Johnson has been chosen to be the flight mechanic for some unique charter missions. While enroute from the United States to Bolivia to deliver temperature- and time-sensitive vaccines, the airplane encountered maintenance issues. Johnson read through the maintenance manuals and was able to troubleshoot complex wiring systems and complete the repairs during the flight crew changeover. On another humanitarian aid mission, Tucker completed daily inspections and prepared the plane outdoors with temperatures below freezing and winds blowing at 20 knots. With his help, an emergency supply of drinking water was flown to a remote village in Canada.
“I never thought that I would be flying with a plane with vaccines or hauling water out to a village,” he says. “It’s just kind of mind-blowing, even humbling.” And, in a word, “amazing.”
No longer the youngest in the company, Johnson comments on what it takes to work in aircraft maintenance: “You don't have to be some kind of genius. It just takes wanting to learn, trying to get hands-on experience, pushing yourself to continue working for it, even if you get disinterested or tired.”
Johnson said he strives to be someone AMTs can look up to and ask questions. According to his nomination, he’s already there.
