Since Justin Paniagua was a little kid, he has always been fascinated with airplanes and flying. As he got older, he enjoyed building, modifying and working on pretty much anything with an engine. Paniagua took a personality test in college that suggested he should be a financial advisor, consultant, counselor or pastor, among other careers. At the bottom of the list was mechanic; so that began his journey to mix his passion for fixing things with aviation.
“My grandfather had a big part to play in my inspiration with airplanes as he was an F-4 mechanic for the US Marine Corps,” said Paniagua. “Along with him, I’ve been privileged to have a few experienced mechanics and IAs at Gibbs who invested in me and have helped me grow. Also, because there’s always something new to learn in our industry, I’m not above taking good advice from peers and leaders in the industry.”
Paniagua was a 23-year-old pizza delivery driver finishing up college when he started as a “quiet grunt” mechanic at Gibbs Service Center in San Diego, CA. That was more than nine years ago and since then, has become the shop supervisor under the director of maintenance. “I’m not really one for titles, because I feel the shop thrives when we utilize our strengths and mix our ideas together,” he noted. “I always say, ‘Between all of us, the shop has a good head on it’s shoulders.’ As for tasks, I’m usually doing log entries/paperwork, inspecting or working on airplanes and, if needed, making decisions, organizing the workload or communicating with customers.”
Paniagua hasn’t received any industry awards before AMT’s 40 Under 40 Award, but after a lot of studying, he received his IA last year — which he says, felt like an award. He completed the A&P program at San Diego Miramar Community College and used Gleim online software and self study for his IA test. As for advanced training, Paniagua completed factory training for Diamond Aircraft (Austro Engines) and ICON Aircraft. He also says he gained a good amount of Beechcraft experience over the years.
Considering his start in aviation was at a young age, he says he feels a slight calling to help the next generation when he can. When he learns something new or important, he tries to pass on those hints, tips or tricks, when applicable. Paniagua says this not only helps the team to become a better shop, but hopefully leads to even better quality in the field.
When it comes to the future, Paniagua says he wants to use his passion for aviation and creating things to produce something that people would be confident in and proud of flying. “Being in this community has changed my life and opened my eyes in many ways; thus I’m now working on my pilot’s license,” he noted. "My long-term goal is to create a legacy for my two boys to step into and possibly catch a glimpse of why dad does what he does."
