CAU instructor wins prestigious award

“Omar has had a great military career training sailors,” said CAU Provost Michael Berry. “Now he is making a lasting impact on the future of aviation maintenance, leading general aviation technicians to their careers. He provides his students a solid foundation that will prepare them for the time they reach the work world!”

Aguilera, a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, is an instructor in CAU’s aviation maintenance technology program. He teaches his students the skills necessary to thrive in the aviation and aerospace industries, stressing the importance of critical thinking and troubleshooting.

“My goal is to give back to the industry that I learned to love throughout my career in the military,” said Aguilera. “One of the most important lessons my mentors instilled in me was the art of troubleshooting. Anyone can change a part but understanding why you’re making that change is what makes a proficient and autonomous technician. That’s the approach I work to instill in my students every day.”

Graduates of CAU’s maintenance program have found employment at Northrop Grumman, General Electric, and other aviation-related businesses and organizations.

Aguilera received the award at ATEC’s annual conference in Norfolk, Virginia, in March. He also led a breakout session focusing on “innovative approaches to challenging concepts in airframe and powerplant education,” according to CAU’s press release.

CAU offers programs in aviation, aviation business, and aircraft maintenance at locations in California and Arizona.

Founded in 1961, ATEC is a membership-based organization composed of “aviation employers, vendors and educational institutions with maintenance technician programs,” according to its website. Its mission is to promote aviation maintenance technician education and support an infrastructure that provides resources and network opportunities, and promotes careers in aviation maintenance.