Devin Watson, AMT 2018 Next Gen 40 Under 40 Award Winner
Devin Watson's motivation in aviation started as a kid, he always wanted to fly airplanes and understand how they worked. His aviation career started in the Air Force and continued as an A&P shortly after.
Watson's current mentors are Sam Cryer and Bill Polachek, but he has had others throughout his career.
Watson received most of his training while in the Air Force but got his A&P through the aviation program at Milwaukee Area Technical College, ran by John Prybil and Mark Mohen. He is a Rotax certified mechanic and works on various light sport aircraft. As for industry recognition, he received an accommodation while in the Air Force for aviation maintenance. He has taken Rotax advancement courses to obtain certification. He has also taken Cessna 210 courses and plans to attend Continental and Lycoming training. Watson has a broad mix of aircraft experience including turbine and enjoys learning something new everyday.
Currently he is supervisor at Plane Safe Aircraft Maintenance. He works in general aviation and also on some transit corporate aircraft. The facility maintains several planes associated with Warbirds of America, as well as planes for the Commemorative Air Force. His day-to-day activities consist of mostly general maintenance. "I am the floor supervisor and keep things going around the shop assisting my director of maintenance."
Nominated by Samuel K. Cryer, President/Owner, Plane Safe Aircraft Maintenance: "Devin started working at Plane Safe even before he received his license. As of February 2018, he has earned his Powerplant and is scheduled for his Airframe. Devin has exhibited an earnest interest in all aspects of aircraft maintenance. He has shown that he will be the next generation to continue serving the needs of aircraft owners through quality workmanship, premier customer service, ever-increasing knowledge base, and a great enthusiasm for our industry. Devin truly loves aircraft and the people who fly them. Devin was promoted to supervisor and all mechanics report to him in the absence of the director of maintenance. Devin is given the list of priority aircraft and he determines how the aircraft get completed IAW that priority list. Devin has been to Rotax school and has propelled himself into becoming a guru on the light sport aircraft and heads up our satellite operation at another airport. Devin had interjected himself into a higher level meeting and when quizzed on why, he simply stated "Well, I have to know how to deal with situations so when I take over (the business) I will be ready." Devin is a instrumental part of my business and he has already earned the respect of our customers after only a year and a half of employment."
His future plans are to obtain his pilot's license, own the company he currently works for, and continue to grow his knowledge. He plans to join the CAF and continue to volunteer his time to the Warbirds of America. "Aviation has always been a passion and I am glad I have worked in a manner to get me to this point," Watson says.
