Imran Zaveri was motivated to get into the aviation industry because of the "opportunities to work with cutting-edge technology, learn a diverse technical skillset, and because I find airplanes fascinating."
Mentors include instructors at Rock Valley College: Greg Heckmann, Elroy Hilbert, and Todd Morgan.
Zaveri is currently receiving training to obtain his Airframe and Powerplant licenses at Rock Valley College in Rockford, IL. He has received numerous scholarships from Association of Women Aviation Maintenance (AWAM), Aircraft Electronics Association, and Rock Valley College Foundation. He is a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.
Currently, Zaveri is a repair technician at GE Aviation in Loves Park, IL. He inspects, disassembles, assembles, and tests field commercial aviation components. Previously, he was an inbound receiving inspector and shop technician at AAR Aircraft Services in Rockford, IL. "These roles gave me experience working on aircraft and taught me the importance of understanding maintenance publications, correctly filling out paperwork, and working as part of a team to make sure that the work is done right and within the specified time frame."
Nominated by Greg Heckman, Aviation Maintenance Technology Instructor, Rock Valley College: "Imran has been an excellent student, both in the academic and hands-on portions of our curriculum. It is obvious with Imran that he just doesn’t want to learn the material, but dig deeper to gain a greater understanding. He often asks questions or seeks advice to be more prepared for his work as an aircraft technician. During both semesters completed so far he has achieved a 4.0 GPA. With mechanical skills also being an important part of this occupation, Imran has shown outstanding abilities in this area as well. All assigned projects and tasks are completed with great skill and care, even in areas where he might not possess those skills yet. I would also add that Imran shows great character, possessing the moral and ethical standards that are required in this industry. Outside of school, he has been active in the aviation industry and currently works full time as a second shift repair technician at GE Aviation. Prior to this, he held positions as a shop technician and shipping and receiving clerk with AAR in Rockford, IL. In these positions he has diligently applied the same meticulous skills and strong work ethic demonstrated in school. In addition, he is active in the local aviation community through his volunteerism with EAA chapters 22 and 1414, helping with cleanups, pancake breakfasts, and Young Eagles events."
Zaveri gives back to the industry by being active in the local aviation community and inspiring the next generation of aviators. This includes being involved in local EAA chapters (22 at Cottonwood Airport and 1414 at Poplar Grove Airport). In 2017 he volunteered at EAA AirVenture and assisted with running a Redbird P-51 Mustang simulator to give children the experience of flying a classic warbird. And he has worked to provide Boy Scouts with Young Eagles flights.
His short-term goal is to gain as much experience as possible flying, maintaining, building, and modeling aircraft. He would like to work as a powerplant, composites, or avionics technician for GE, be part of the cutting edge of aerospace technology, and obtain a degree in engineering or physics. Long term, he aspires to educate the next generation of those passionate about aviation or space and start his own commercial space company.
