Becoming an aircraft mechanic gave Drew Vaughn a sense that he was carrying the torch for his late-grandfather. At a young age, Vaughn discovered his grandfather’s belongings and decorations from WWII, where he served as an aircraft mechanic for the 9th Army Air Corps.
“Looking through all his pictures working on many of my favorite warbirds, I was drawn to the sense of adventure involved with aviation and later recognized the heroism involved with bringing his fellow team home safely,” said Vaughn, describing what inspired him to pursue a career in aviation.
When he received his A&P license in 2003, entry-level aircraft mechanic positions were challenging to find. “The competition for A&P positions was very tough when I joined the industry as the market was still saturated with experienced mechanics looking for work after 9/11 and so I started my career working as a parts clerk for Ameriflight in Oakland, California,” he said. “Once the maintenance team found out I had my A&P, I began assisting them with maintenance tasks and was eventually brought on as a full-time aircraft mechanic.”
After a few years with Ameriflight, Vaughn pursued an opportunity with another MRO in business aviation, led a maintenance team and managed the maintenance program for eight private jets and services for jets transiting through the FBO.
With the avionics experience that Vaughn gained, he pursued a maintenance position working at Panasonic Avionics and that is where he works today. Here, he has had the titles of avionics mechanic, field engineer, operational account manager and his current title: sales director for MRO services (including aircraft maintenance, in-flight entertainment equipment and repair services) in the Americas and Asia-Pacific regions.
Vaughn trained at the Sierra Academy of Aeronautics in Oakland, California. In parallel to his A&P training, he obtained his general radiotelephone operator license from the FCC. As his aviation maintenance career progressed, he received formal training on Bombardier airframes, and Pratt & Whitney and GE power plants, engine run-up and taxi certifications, and several avionics platforms. In addition, he has been trained in product management by the Pragmatic Institute and in strategic selling by the Miller Heiman Group.
Cherie Johnston, a business analyst for Panasonic Avionics, nominated Vaughn for the 40 under 40 award. Johnston said, “Given where Drew began as a hands-on frontline worker until today, where he leads the sales and strategy for a multi-million-dollar MRO sales team within a global organization, he has demonstrated that there are many ways to participate and contribute successfully within this industry.”
