In fifth grade Erik Peterson took his first flight on a DC-9 and thought it was the greatest thing ever. Ever since then, he's loved aviation and everything around it.
He received his bachelor's of science in aeronautics from the University of North Dakota and his A&P certification from Westwood College of Aviation Technology in Broomfield, CO. Advanced training includes a 40-hour Boeing 727 General Familiarization course and a Continental Engine advanced factory training course.
After graduation to moved to Everett, WA, and worked for Goodrich Aviation Technical Services for a coouple years, then on to Denver International Airport to work operations before moving on to Frontier Airlines as a production control coordinator where he coordinated and managed the flow of maintenance on C-checks on Airbus aircraft. After Frontier went bankrupt, he moved on to work for General Electric and worked outside of aviation as an environmental health and safety coordinator. Missing aviation, he and his wife decided to move back to their hometown of Bismarck, ND, and he took a position as a mechanic for Bismarck Aero Center. Currently he is chief inspector/maintenance manager. He performs hands-on maintenance and schedules work, coordinates the individual jobs, assigns mechanics to their individual jobs, manages the training for new mechanics, and provides guidance/assistance to the mechanics and sometimes to the avionics technicians.
He gives back to the industry by speaking to elementary school children about what an A&P mechanic does and how to become one. He also speaks to high school and vocational school classes sometimes about the position. He belongs to the North Dakota Professional Aviation Maintenance Association, and AOPA.
Nominated by Jon Simmers, CEO, Bismarck Aero Center: "Erik keeps his composure under the most challenging circumstances. He has the ability to smooth out rough waters that quickly helps his team maintain a high level of focus required to ensure safety in our industry. At a young age, he has gained the respect and rapport of technicians that have been in the industry for 30 plus years. Erik has brought a sense of professionalism to the organization that has transformed the culture of the maintenance department. His sense of humor brings a level of commaradarie into the organization while at the same time develops standards to help grow the consistency in which maintenance services are delivered."
Nominated by Shae Helling, marketing specialist, Bismarck Aero Center: "As lead, he takes it upon himself to work with all the new technicians in the shop and make sure they have what they need to be successful. Erik has also volunteered numerous times at a local Aviation Career Day, teaching area 5th graders about careers in aviation maintenance. His willingness to help out and teach others has made him a “go-to” guy this area. Since joining our organization and growing into a leader, Erik has built a strong relationship of trust with customers. They know that they can count on him at any time to help out. He keeps our customers safe and coming back. When it comes to promoting safety and continuous training, Erik has taken Bismarck Aero Center to the next level. He personally, makes it a priority to make sure not only himself, but everyone in our shop is up to date on new training. He is responsible for our organization receiving the NATA Aviation Maintenance Technician Employer Recognition Award and the FAA “Diamond Award” for having 100 percent of employed AMTs receive at least 12 hours of training."
Peterson is focused on expanding his mechanical knowledge and skills. As for his future goals, he'd like to become a director of maintenance in a general aviation environment.
