Chelsea Smith

She started taking flying lessons but then had to go home to Louisville, Kentucky, to finish high school. She finally got her certificate—after flight schools closing and instructors moving—but then faced another hurdle. What, her college advisor asked, are you declaring as your major? Aviation maintenance was at the top of the list. Even though her advisor asked her if she was sure three times, Smith opted for the maintenance program at Eastern Kentucky University. “It was the best thing I ever accidentally walked into,” she says. Today she is a freelance A&P who recently spent the summer working on radial engines and has been accepted for a Pratt & Whitney PT-6 engine course. “I’m only taken seriously when I’m on the shop floor once I start work alongside the other mechanics,” says the petite and self-acknowledged “girly girl.” “I’ve only ever met one other female aviation mechanic. Sometimes in the pilot sector they’ll puff their chest out and ask me ‘tough’ maintenance questions, but usually I am treated very well.”

How did you get started in aviation? My root to aviation is my Uncle Mike, who began construction on a full-scale Fokker Dr.1 triplane when I was in middle school. Unlike most homebuilds, this is not a kit—it is being constructed from blueprints and raw materials, taking an immense amount of time and additional craftsmanship. When I was in high school, Uncle Mike began to plant seeds of curiosity beyond his project, like what it would be like for me to fly, maybe become a pilot, to experience freedom and adventure. Years later I completed both my pilot’s license and an airplane mechanic’s license, and now we are finishing the airplane together. 

Biggest challenges? My biggest challenge in aviation has been navigating a very nontraditional path while trying to cultivate a career that utilizes both flying and maintenance. 

Favorite aircraft? My favorite aircraft is the Yak–18T. It is a beautiful, rigid, aerobatic, four-seat aircraft, which sits behind the incredible M14P radial engine. 

Favorite aviation activity? My favorite aviation activity is spending a CAVU [ceiling and visibility unlimited] day inspiring the next generation of pilots and aviators through Young Eagle flights, surrounded by dear friends and other general aviation enthusiasts, followed by an airport cookout. 

Advice for students? First, get involved and volunteer throughout your entire journey. This is the best way to learn more about the industry, to network and hone your people skills while giving back. Many unpredictable opportunities will present themselves when you start showing up for your community. Second, find a few good mentors. I think it is so important to have people in your life who have been where you are or who wound up where you want to be. They will all help you in different ways as you grow and navigate. Third, be patient. Don’t rush the process, or you’ll end up cheating yourself out of valuable experiences and incredible lessons.

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