Justin Vallen started his aviation career in the Military working as a F-16 Avionics technician for the US Air Force. After the military, he worked in the flight test department at Honda Jet. "Getting to help build the first Honda Jets ever made was an amazing experience," Vallen noted.
Next came a move to Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked for Constant Aviation. Vallen was a corporate avionics mechanic and then worked in the commercial maintenance department before ending his time there. Finally and currently, Vallen is a current a lead aircraft maintenance technician at Sky Quest in Cleveland Ohio. There, he is responsible for managing his assigned aircraft and providing any service that is needed to maintain the aircraft to the highest standards.
Vallen says he has had a few mentors throughout his career and at different levels of the industry teaching him things to help better not only his maintenance ability and knowledge, but his leadership skills, as well. He tries to pay it forward and when young individuals that are interested in the industry visit Sky Quest for either a co-op or just to see planes, he says he tries to show them "everything I can, so they can experience something that you normally wouldn’t get to unless you’re in our industry. Hopefully this will encourage these kids to get into our industry that is always looking for new and talented people," he said.
"This man is a true example of the up in coming technician that everyone should strive to be like," mentioned Darren Fronk, QA manager at Sky Quest and the person who nominated Vallen. "Always trying to learn something new each day with a positive attitude and a commitment to the company culture. The I can-do attitude is contagious and makes those around him to strive for excellence. Justin is a team motivator and a born leader."
As for aspirations for the future, Vallen hopes to one day become a director of maintenance.
