Sam Collins, AMT 2018 Next Gen 40 Under 40 Award Winner

When Sam Collins was a freshman in high school a representative from Spartan College of Aeronautics spoke to his class about aviation as a career path. "I really enjoyed what he had to say and have always had a strong interest in airplanes, so from that point forward I planned to obtain an A&P license and a bachelor’s degree in aviation management." He received his degree and A&P from Spartan College of Aeronautics. He earned an MBA in technology management from the University of Phoenix in 2006.

Advanced training includes FAA DAR-F Designee Training (OKC and recurrent), ASQ Quality Auditor Certification, and Pilot: Multi-Engine, IFR, High Performance and High Altitude Training.

Collins has always felt that it is necessary to have a mentor and also be a mentor simultaneously. The greatest mentor that he has had throughout his career was Marcus Abendroth, vice president of operations at Avcon Industries Inc. He is responsible for "Jumpstarting my career in the right direction and bringing me up within the company."

His career has included positions at Chromalloy as director of quality, Cirrus Aircraft as director of technical services, AIRCO as director of quality, Avcon Industries as quality manager, Beechcraft Corp., Cessna Aircraft, and Business Jet Services. He received a Leading Edge Award from Cessna along with FAA FAAST Gold and Bronze certificates of training. Currently he is director of quality and supply chain at Aircraft Propeller Service.

Nominated by Dan Colbert, President and CEO, Aircraft Propeller Service: "From an early age, Sam Collins has had a passion for aviation. He indulged this passion by attending air shows with his family, and on occasion, also renting a small plane to truly experience the joys of flying. Sam’s aviation career began in earnest during his junior year of college when he worked as an A&P technician for Business Jet Services. While at Avcon, he received his Inspector’s Authorization Certificate and became a Designated Manufacturing Airworthiness Representative (DAR) of the FAA with nine function codes, including: Airworthiness, Conformity, and Export of Product. He is one of just 400 manufacturing DARs in the USA. Today, Sam serves as director of quality and supply chain for Aircraft Propeller Service (APS) and continues to drive measurable cost reductions and quality improvements. He led APS’ successful completion of the AS9100 Upgrade to Revision D and the initial accreditation of its Latin American facility. His contributions at APS have included: developing a robust Corrective Action Reporting program; rewriting RSM, QCM, AS9100D, EASA, and CAAM manuals; introducing, monitoring, and measuring customer satisfaction, product conformity, TAT, and vendor processes; and developing a Supply Chain Cross-Training Matrix and establishing a process to handle Temporary Importation Bonds to avoid unnecessary tariff fines." 

"As a mentor to others," Collins says, "I do my best to share as much knowledge as possible and look for ways to improve efficiency and reduce defect rates, which will benefit the customer."

His goals for the future are to "continue to advance and expand my knowledge base within the aviation industry."