Curiosity, that’s what Zachary Flora says got him started in aviation – that and a little help from Grandma’s house.
“My grandma happened to live on the final approach flight path of Tulsa International Airport. At a very young age, I remember sitting for hours on end, staring straight up, wondering how these mechanical marvels could defy gravity and take to the sky,” Flora remembers.
At Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Flora learned not only how airplanes defy gravity, but how to make sure they keep doing it.
Flora earned his A&P license, as well as being IPC certified, Solidworks Associate certified, is trained in non-destructive testing. OSHA certified and EASA Part 145 Essentials.
He got his first job at Drake Air as an aviation technician, where his responsibilities included in process inspection and diagnosis of aircraft components, repair of pneumatic, mechanical, electrical and hydraulic components, and working with the engineering team to streamline new product developments.
Since 2013, Flora has worked at Camtronics as a production, product and maintenance manager, taking him from Oklahoma to Ireland, and handling a variety of responsibilities, including: Managing projects and work orders for production, engineering and quality assurance; developing and implementing engineering team-based design and repair projects; increasing the engineering staff’s operating efficiency by providing structure, operating procedures, engineering tools, guidelines and handbooks; the management of production work orders; providing leadership and hands on training to over six production employees and three product engineers; streamlining repair capability and processes by developing/perfecting management tools, analyzing and controlling program phases and operations; reducing program costs by effectively aligning production requirements with quality, purchasing, engineering, and customer service representatives; conducting training course, content, and managing each program.
“Mr. Flora has held multiple positions within the organization including technician, supervisor, production manager, quality assurance, and engineering. Through his efforts and dedication to the company, Camtronics has been successful in adding customers and capabilities to support the industry. Mr. Flora is an A&P License holder and currently contributes to the training and education of all employees serving a technical role within the company. Few employees have the ability to be effective and efficient in their daily responsibilities while also elevating co-workers and the organization to a higher level as he does,” Nathaniel Blake Ellers, director of operations, at Camtronics.
In the future, Flora says he hopes to own and operate his own 145 repair station and is giving back to the future generation of mechanics right now by “educating our future! I make a positive effort to provide our younger generation of AMT’S with the knowledge and patience I have acquired in the industry.”
