Antonio Wooten found his love for aviation on a 6th grade field trip. At the Museum of Aviation he was fascinated by all the aircraft on display and it gave him the desire to learn more. But it was in his freshman year of high school that he knew he wanted to pursue a career in aviation. Wooten entered the exciting world of aviation in 2004 through a high school co-op program at an aviation school near his hometown in Georgia.
In college, he found a mentor, Adon Clark, who inspired Wooten with his knowledge about the aviation industry. “He was program chair, my first instructor in my college journey. Most of all, Mr. Clark inspired me to have big dreams,” Wooten said.
In 2005, Wooten won the Lowe Aviation Award of Excellence in Aviation Maintenance for being a mature, responsible role model for new AMT students. He was commended for entering the Aviation Maintenance Technology program at Georgia Aviation Technical College while still enrolled in high school. The award was made with the purpose of recognizing qualified, dedicated maintenance professionals.
In 2006, directly out of A&P school, he landed a job with Continental Express. Wooten began his career doing heavy maintenance on Executive Regional Jets and later gained some experience on corporate regional jets. Wooten moved to a lead technician position and then into a maintenance controller role. During the time Wooten was working for the company, he was also equipping himself to propel even further in the industry. While he worked for Continental Express, he earned two undergraduate degrees — aviation management and logistics management — as well as a graduate degree in aviation management. He also holds a degree in air traffic management.
Later, Wooten switched to the airport sector as an airport operations specialist. Currently, he works as an engine technician who provides maintenance, service and support on the Rolls-Royce Adour F405 engine which powers the T-45 Goshawk.
Wooten belongs to the American Association of Airport Executives. He also gives back to the aviation industry by speaking with children and young adults about how rewarding a career in aviation can be.
Wooten's future career goals include becoming a manager and eventually achieving an executive level position. In addition, one day, he hopes to share his knowledge by teaching aviation to young individuals to inspire them to work in the world of aviation, just as he was when he was young.
