Finding a New Path: Kendrick Garvey’s Leap into Aircraft Mechanics

At 21-years old, Kendrick Garvey never considered a career as an aircraft mechanic. He knew he had an interest in using both his hands and brain and enjoyed working on cars. But he didn’t want to do that all day long. Neither did he like the idea of sitting at a desk hunched over a computer for extended hours 5 days a week.

Clear about what he didn’t want to do, Kendrick was about to cast his career options net wider than he had ever imagined. And he was more excited than ever to find out if he had what it would take to make that leap in career vision.

How did this sharp turn toward Aviation Maintenance happen?

I googled ‘Trades” in Fresno, and it popped up. I stumbled upon the Aviation Maintenance Technology program at SJVC Fresno’s Trades Educational campus, and it caught my eye. Everything lined up in practical terms. It was not a passion of mine, but I found a love for this (field) over time.

What challenged you in the Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program?

This job requires so much specificity – you can’t make a mistake. And I enjoyed that part of it. Lives are in your hands when you’re working on aircraft, and if you get it wrong, you can’t take corrective steps when you’re 30,000 feet in the air.

That presented a challenge that I was looking forward to overcoming.

Was the AMT program a good fit?

I just love fixing broken things, tinkering with my hands. It’s that daily problem-solving that I find I really appreciate. Working as an aircraft mechanic would be several levels higher.

And I discovered I have an affinity for engines.

How did you discover that connection?

We had a class on Reciprocating Engines where we completely tear down and reconstruct engines in pairs of two. They taught us to do run-out checks, visual inspection of parts or non-destructing testing (NDT). When you finish rebuilding your engine, you mount it on a test stand then see if your engine will start. If it doesn’t start, you tear it down and rebuild it. Again.

It can be something as minor as a spark plug or as serious as a camshaft. It’s real-world troubleshooting.

Did you have good AMT instructor support?

If I had questions, they were absolutely always there – even on Fridays (non-class day). They were very knowledgeable; they’d all been in the industry for many years. There wasn’t a question they couldn’t answer.

What was your greatest struggle?

Attendance. I’ve never been one to wake up early. My AMT program started at 7:30 AM and went to 3:30 (Mon-Thrs). After a couple of months, I got used to it. The intensity of the program was a shock initially. At school 8 hours a day, four days a week. I adjusted.

I was also working part-time 3-4 days a week, about 25-hours. It made for some long days.

Did you have the support you needed at home?

I lived with my mom (Norma). My father (Mike) cosigned loans to get me started. He always told me to do something I love. My mom always said I’d do well in a trade. I wish I’d listened to her in the beginning.

What was your greatest inspiration to complete the AMT program?

I spent time at Fresno State, which turned out to be a misuse of my time. The college is fine, but I was fresh out of high school and my grades were failing. I hadn’t considered a ‘trade school’ until that point. That previous failure was my biggest motivation. I couldn’t do that again.

The SkyWest AMT Pathway Program provides a jump-start for exceptional mechanics to join SkyWest Airlines.  This program offers benefits including up to $4500 in education assistance, $1500 in moving expense reimbursement plus mileage and $1600 in A&P test fee reimbursement with a three-year commitment to SkyWest after completing initial probation.

What was one of the more consequential outcomes of the AMT program?

I’d been told about SkyWest’s AMT Pathway program when I enrolled in the AMT program. Later a SkyWest representative came and gave us more in-depth information about what the Pathway program sign-up would provide.

Any advice for those considering career training as an aircraft mechanic?

Make sure this is what you want to do. I saw a few people who didn’t have the heart for it, not showing up for class, not passing their tests, not getting their Airframe and Power Plant license. You have to complete all the elements if you want to leave with your Certificate of Completion. It’s why you go to school.

How did the AMT program prepare you for your job market?

SJVC expects you to take and pass a test as you finish each section of the program and leave with your Certificate of Completion. The three tests: General test, Airframe test and PowerPlant test to earn your A&P license.

Where did you go to work at SkyWest post-AMT program completion?

I started doing computer-based training to prepare me for where I now work in the hangar under the supervision of a trainer. My responsibilities will include all general maintenance, tires/oil change, regular inspection of all aircraft. SkyWest trained me on the specifics of how their maintenance program works.

I may be assigned 200 one night to 700 aircraft the next night that might include CRJ-200, -700, 900, ERJ-175 aircraft. I’m gaining lots of experience.

What is your Vision for the Future?

Mechanic-3 is the highest level you can reach at SkyWest – and they expect you to make it in the next 3-5 years. There are many positions available as an Aircraft Mechanic – you’re not just a mechanic. There’s Crew Lead, Supervisor, Inspector – or more administrative positions: Trainers, Parts Specialist. It’s something I’ll decide as I go through it.

I feel myself, absolutely, staying in this industry. It’s something I’ll observe, learn and decide as I go through it.