From a young age, Rachel Klebe says she has loved to fly and when she started on the question of picking a career, she knew she wanted something that would challenge her as well as fulfill her and her passions. The answer was aircraft mechanic.
Graduating from A&P school in 2012, Klebe was hired straight out of school at Clover Park Technical College in Puyallup, Washington, by Greg Woodruff, director of maintenance at Galvin Flying, who she says has been her biggest mentor since she entered the aviation field.
“I would have to say that Greg Woodruff, who has been my boss for the entirety of my career, has been my biggest mentor. He hired me when I was straight out of school and has always encouraged and believed in me. He pushes me to step outside of my comfort zone and is always willing to help me in any way he can. I would not be where I am today without his encouragement and mentorship,” said Klebe.
“I hired Rachel straight out of A&P school in 2012. She has become an integral part of our day to day operations to include being my lead technician and scheduler. Rachel is a very capable and trustworthy person who really cares about our customers, and getting them back into the air as soon as possible while maintaining the utmost in professionalism. She earned her inspection authorization a couple years ago and now is working on earning her private pilot license. She is really a ‘go-getter,’” Woodruff described when nominating Klebe for the Next Gen awards.
At Galvin Flying, Klebe’s responsibilities as lead mechanic include conducting 100 hours and annual inspections on the flight school aircraft, as well as private customers. She oversees a team of mechanics and works with the fleet manager at Galvin Flying to schedule upcoming maintenance.
Klebe is also a member of Women In Aviation, and volunteers her time with the Amelia Aero Club through The Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington, mentoring young girls about pursuing aviation as well as speaking with girls in the STEAM fields about being a female in aviation maintenance.
“If you love any aspect of aviation pursue it. The world of aviation needs new minds and new ideas who are passionate about seeing growth in this field. Aviation Maintenance in general can seem overwhelming but is honestly one of the best jobs a person could have,” Klebe tells those thinking about joining the aviation world.
In the future, Klebe hopes to continue helping and inspiring others by way of flight.
“My next career goal is to achieve my pilot’s license. I eventually desire to fly in undeveloped countries to support the local communities in gaining resources and ease of transportation for emergencies,” she said.
