Aviation wasn’t the first choice for Miguel Angel del Rosario. Initially, del Rosario considered working in the automotive industry as a professional high-performance auto tech, but then he was presented with an opportunity to explore the Aviation Maintenance Program at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
After a brief interaction to aviation maintenance by Scott Warner, who was an aviation student recruitment officer for Western Michigan University, del Rosario said he was sold. “Aviation is a highly technical field that constantly pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, as well as how versatile the job market is after training and licensing is completed,” he said. “It’s everything any professional should consider upon enrolling in any field. Aviation has provided me with a handsome living and some of my closest peers today.”
In 2020, del Rosario became an FAA Part 145 & EASA 145 repair station manager for STS Aviation Group at Grand Rapids International Airport. A year after, he joined the U.S. Army National Guard, where he is a 15T UH60 helicopter technician.
Advanced training he has received has included Level I & II Advanced Systems for airframes, such as CRJ200/700/900. MD80, A319/320/321, B717/737/757, EMB145/175, GenFam in Challenger 300/350, Gulfstream III, IV, V, numerous single and multi-engine piston-powered aircraft, as well as Turboprop + Run-Taxi.
He currently volunteers with the Plainwell Aviation & STEM Academy at the Plainwell Municipal Airport as the marketing and technology advisor, and he also donates his time for aircraft maintenance-related matters. For the past four years, he and his wife have contributed donations to the Western Michigan University Air Race Classic team to help promote women in aviation.
His industry memberships include the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the National Business Aviation Association and the Plainwell, Michigan, EAA chapter.
del Rosario obtained a Bachelor of Science in Aircraft Maintenance Technology, with a minor in sales and marketing, in 2017. He had two internships as a student: one at Orange County Flight Center in Santa Ana, California, as an assistant technician and marketing specialist, and another at Western Michigan University, as an apprentice aircraft maintenance technician.
In 2014, he founded PistonFly LLC, an aviation business marketing and consulting firm out of his dorm room in Kalamazoo, now based out of Grand Rapids.
His career goals include owning and operating a flight and maintenance training and support facility for general aviation to help better prepare a new wave of aviation professionals.
Dan DeVillers, who is retired from Parker Hannifin, nominated del Rosario for this year’s 40 Under 40 award and said, “Miguel is very dedicated. He is a top-notch mechanic. His focus and dedication to everything aviation should be rewarded.”
