Ken MacTiernan, a 33-year American AMT at San Diego International Airport (SAN), was an integral part of creating legislation for National AMT Day. Thanks to him, the day is observed across the country. American also uses the day as an opportunity to honor all of its AMTs worldwide as well.
“I’ve been fortunate to be a part of the skilled AMT craft for more than three decades,” Ken said. “Being responsible for providing safe, airworthy aircraft is a humbling privilege that I don’t take lightly.”
AMTs ensure the airline’s fleet remains safe and reliable — a task that comes with enormous responsibility. As highly-skilled professionals, the important work they do directly impacts how aircraft perform during flight.
Tom Aurilio, a 35-year AMT at American’s Base Maintenance facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma, understands that their work directly impacts the type of experience customers and team members have when traveling.
“Knowing that we are responsible for the airworthiness of the aircraft and helping to ensure our customers arrive at their destinations safely, I often envision parents taking their kids to see their grandparents, or a family going on vacation,” Tom said. “They not only trust us with their well-being, but they depend on us to make sure their trip goes without interruption and they arrive at their destination safe and on time. I want their memories to be great ones and to remember that American was part of it.”
As the airline navigates through this unprecedented time amidst the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, AMTs are on the frontlines supporting the fight, keeping our aircraft in their best condition, so those who rely on American — such as medical personnel, first responders and others helping those in need — can travel seamlessly and confidently to the areas impacted by the outbreak.
In addition to maintaining the airline’s idle aircraft — and ensuring they’re ready to return to service when travel demand increases again — American’s AMTs are also adapting to the current circumstances by shifting their focus and skills on work that spans beyond their normal responsibilities to care for their fellow team members and customers. In response to the pandemic, they’re making masks and face shields, coordinating the shipment and distribution of thousands of gallons of hand sanitizer and making plexiglass guards for the airport operations, among other efforts. AMTs have been instrumental in helping to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 across the airline.
The work AMTs do is critical to running a safe and reliable operation. Whether they’re performing engine work, heavy maintenance or line maintenance, each function is equally important in the overall health of the aircraft.
Elena Gonzalez, a five-year American AMT at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), has worked in several different areas of aviation maintenance since joining the company.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work in overhaul, heavy maintenance and line maintenance, which I do currently,” Elena said. “Being an AMT is more than just fixing airplanes. It is about recognizing that what we do keeps people safe and it requires hard work and dedication. For many of us, this is more than just a job. It is a passion.”
This National AMT Day, American is thankful for our AMTs around the globe and everything they do to care for customers and their fellow team members.