Brian Felt was motivated to get into the aviation industry because his father is an AMT. “I grew up visiting his corporate hangars, watching him work and the planes take off. I always knew I wanted to work in corporate aviation in a Part 91 or 135 capacity, with emphasis not only on maintenance, but operations, as well,” Felt stated.
Felt credits his mentors Roy, Larry, Evan and Ed “...who all played a pivotal role in my inspiration, dedication and success thus far in my career and in the aviation industry," Felt said.
Felt’s first job was in a Part 145 Repair Station where he was offered an opportunity to join the team in an uncertificated assistant technician role. He worked in that capacity in the evenings while attending A&P school in the mornings. While attending school, he received the SoCal PAMA Student Scholarship. A few years later, he met his next employer at an NBAA Regional Conference. “Fast forward to today, in my role as a director of maintenance, I oversee and am accountable for a charter fleet of 15 (mostly Bombardier) aircraft and nine direct reports and counting, out of beautiful San Luis Obispo, CA.”
Felt started his aviation education at North Valley Occupation Center in Van Nuys, CA, and continues to learn more about the aviation industry. “I have attended advanced training with Flight Safety International on the Gulfstream G-650 and am nearing my Master Technician status on the Gulfstream G-IV. Currently a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, working towards obtaining my Black Belt. I am also a student pilot,” he noted. He also attends NBAA conferences as his work schedule allows and aspires to one day become a member of select Bombardier Advisory Boards and Steering Committees.
Felt says he is blessed to have found a lifelong career with a great company. His career goals include growing and refining his current maintenance department. “My ‘lead-by-example’ management style sets a tone for colleagues around me to strive to be their best and I can happily proclaim that I am surrounded by an incredible team around me. I try to demonstrate and instill values critical to our industry such as integrity, safety, service and perseverance into the up-and-comers and put them in a position to grow and succeed in their own careers.”
Evan McKeirnan says he is honored to recommend Felt as one of AMT’s 40 under 40 Maintenance Professionals. “I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Brian Felt from 2012 to 2015 as the Prime Jet FAA CFR 135 Chief Inspector. “Brian took a great pride in his work and would work day and night to ensure the aircraft were safe, airworthy, and presentable for the crew and passengers.”
