Allan Foote is a third-generation aviator. His grandfather flew deliveries to aircraft carriers during World War II. “My dad has worked as an aviation mechanic, and often as an airport manager, for as long as I can remember,” he said. “Some boys spend time with their fathers in the garage or at the lake, but we were always in the hangar.”
His dad, Jon Foote, has been his biggest mentor in aviation, especially as an A&P/IA mechanic. “I worked with my dad at his general aviation maintenance shop from 2010 to 2018, working on mostly single and light twin aircraft,” he noted. “We did several full historic and current restoration projects. We restored (almost built from scratch) a 1917 Curtiss JN-4 Jenny biplane.”
The father and son duo also taught an aviation science class for the local high school. “Several of our students were inspired and went on to pursue careers in aviation,” he said, adding he’s also had three apprentices under him become A&P mechanics.
In 2018, he was hired to maintain a Dassault Falcon 50 for Jesse Duplantis Ministries (JDM), which then upgraded to a Falcon 900. Foote also serves as director of maintenance for a Part 135 operator and manages the maintenance for a second Falcon 900.
As Foote transitioned to maintaining jets, Neil Prejean, chief mechanic for Jesse Duplantis Ministries, has been his mentor. Prejean nominated Foote for this year’s 40 Under 40 award.
“Allan came to work for me about 2 and a half years ago,” he said. “He had only worked on reciprocating aircraft. He has his Inspection Authorization and has actively used it. Working with his dad at a small shop, he has gotten a lot of experience on small aircraft. With JDM, he has now been able to expand on his capabilities. He is director of maintenance for a 135 operation and continues to take care of other aircraft around the area. I have given him as much knowledge as I can on a Dassault F50 and F900. He has grown considerably in his talents. His electrical troubleshooting skills have excelled more than any other area. My goal for him and his experience is for me to be able to take a two-week vacation and have him handle everything. I have no doubt that that time is approaching very soon. He is extremely dependable and friendly. He is very aware of anything that needs to be done and takes care of it. I do see him being director of maintenance of good aviation department one day.”
Foote said he would like to continue learning and developing his skills and he includes a bachelor’s degree in aviation in that plan. More than anything, he said. “I love working on corporate jets.”
