Being so close to Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Alec Vancil's grandfather always brought him to the museum and the Urbana Airport to show Vancil all the planes. His grandfather was a pilot and he always talked about airplanes and his love of his work.
"From there I knew I wanted to be in aviation," Vancil recalled. "So, I joined the Marine Corps as an MV-22 Osprey Helicopter mechanic. After five years and a deployment to the Middle East in combat desert elements, I was ready to get out of the Corps and pursue a path in aviation as a civilian." Once Vancil's contract was up, he went on to get his A&P certificate and work for PSA airlines working on CRJ-7/900s.
From there he was quickly promoted to lead mechanic. That's when his previous employer, Spectra Jet, offered him a job so close to home at the very same airport he grew up watching planes take off. There, Vancil was a full-time A&P mechanic at Spectra Jet, working on Lear 60s. He currently works for Lone Mountain aircraft as one of the aviation mechanics working on the floor, working on Cirrus SR22T aircraft. "I am looking forward to the rewarding career ahead," he stated.
Vancil received his formal training at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training from the Marine Corps. Upon leaving the Marine Corps, he received his A&P license from GW Aviation in Wilmington, Ohio.
He says he has had several great mentors over the years, some younger, and some far older. One meaningful mentor that comes to mind the most is Keanu Kinney. "My mentor Keanu Kinney was in charge of me in the Marine Corps and he not only taught me how to be a mechanic, but a better well rounded mechanic. He helped me achieve all my qualifications such as plane captain and collateral duty inspector."
Vancil says he helps give back to the industry by helping to train all of his mentees that the number one rule in this industry is safety.
As for future goals and aspirations, Vancil hopes to one day get his Inspection Authorization, Repairman's Certificate and to become a director of maintenance.
