Seth Weide has always been fascinated by airplanes, so what started out as a hobby ended up turning into a lifelong learning experience.
Weide started working on a variety of small airplanes in a small FBO in Chandler, AZ, after he graduated with an associate’s degree in applied science in aviation maintenance technology and an A&P license from Cochise College in Southeastern Arizona. From there he went on to work for Aircraft Technical Services in Everett, WA, working heavy structural modifications on 737-300’s. He also had the opportunity to work for and manage a fleet of flight school aircraft in a fast pace high flight time environment. And he's worked doing builder assists on Lancair Legacy Kit aircraft. He's built G-250 wing assemblies and done depot level structural Modifications on UH-60 helicopters. He recently started his own business working on Rotax engines and light sport aircraft out of Bulverde, TX. And he also freelances as an IA A&P on general aviation aircraft, all of this, while instructing aviation maintenance technology classes full time and leading a team of very talented instructors for Hallmark University’s evening aviation maintenance technology program.
Advanced training includes composite repair phases I, II, and III from Abaris; advanced structural mechanic certification training from ATS; and heavy maintenance rating for Rotex 900 series aircraft engines through Leading Edge Airfoils.
He was nominated by Cecilio Rodriguez, director, Hallmark University College of Aeronautics: Seth’s dedication to serving this campus of over 75 evening students, has been expertly managed verified by a 67percent graduation rate for his program compared to less than 13 percent for local community colleges. He lead a team of six instructors during the re-write of 102 new more complex practical projects for the students, increasing their hands-on skills. Seth is also the coach for Hallmark’s first all-female student Aerospace Maintenance Competition team and assistant coach for the AERO Skills Tournament Team that competes against other Part 147 schools in individual and teams on five skill-testing events. Seth’s selfless effort has developed professional aircraft maintenance technicians ready to meet the increasing skills gap needs. Mr. Weide has helped make an impact on the overall aviation field having been responsible for placing highly qualified A&P certified technicians at companies such as Lockheed Martin, Textron, Endeavour Air, Sky West, PSA Airlines, and Space-X."
To give back to the industry Weide has participated in PAMA as a team coach for the Southwest Region, participated and facilitated Skills USA competition for high school students, is a FAASTeam representative; and has volunteered for the Boy Scouts to help scouts get their aviation badge.
"I give back to the industry by preparing young men and women to enter the workforce as A&P mechanics," Weide says. "As many of us know, having an A&P mechanics license is simply having a license to learn. I try to emphasize that having integrity is critical in every task that we perform in the field of aviation maintenance, being a good leader is important, but also being able to be lead is important. Being able to adapt and overcome challenges and communicate effectively is key to success. Perhaps most importantly, it is important to be dependable, showing up on time and giving it your best effort every day will take you far. I attempt to exemplify these traits and hope that the students take it to heart."
