Like Son, Like Father? Father Follows Son's Career Footsteps through PIA AMT Program
Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) recognizes that just because two people are related, it doesn’t always mean they see eye to eye on topics like education, jobs, or future planning. But for father and son Troy and Garrett Stanton, making the choice to become AMTs by training at PIA has been a life-changing decision that they were happy to agree on.
After seeing his son, Garrett, succeed at his PIA training and land a post-graduation job that provided the healthy work-life balance he valued, Troy decided to follow in his son’s footsteps and pivot from his veteran career in aerospace to becoming an entry-level AMT. Today Garrett and Troy each work at BWI Airport in Baltimore, where Garrett is a senior technician at Spirit Airlines and Troy is an AMT for Flightcheck Commercial Aviation Services, LLC.
Troy: Aviation has been my passion and obsession for as long as I can remember. I grew up going to airshows and consuming whatever information I could lay my hands on. I earned my pilot’s license at 17. I was always fascinated with the maintenance side of it as well, but before I could accumulate the flight time required for an airline transport pilot (ATP) license, life got in the way. I ended up having a successful career as an aerospace composite tech, but I topped out. After my son, Garrett, earned his A&P certification at PIA, I made the decision to change careers at age 55 (thankful for a supportive wife).
Garrett: When I was in high school, a PIA representative came to my [technical education] class right as I was trying to figure out what I should do for a career. It was perfect timing. I chose to work in aviation maintenance because I enjoy learning and repairing things. Fixing planes seemed like the next step up from fixing cars and computers.
Troy: Before PIA, I had done aerospace composite work for a Department of Defense (DoD) contractor for 15 years, and I built wind tunnels for 5 more. I also possessed my pilot’s license, so I did some light “apprenticing” under a mechanic at the local airfield, where I traded work for flight time.
Garrett: I had a bit of a random skill set, including composite fabrication knowledge from my dad, carpentry skills from model rockets and school, and troubleshooting skills from playing with computers at home, which has surprisingly helped me a lot in this field. Being at Spirit has given me a great work-life balance that I couldn’t have at other places. Spirit’s “8 on, 6 off” work schedule option allows me to visit family and keep my romantic relationship with the love of my life healthy. It’s also awesome being able to drive across the airport and yell at my dad that he’s a nerd while he’s installing a winglet on a 747.
Troy: Although Garrett and I work at different companies in BWI, we do see each other often during any given week. Sometimes we have lunch together and bounce ideas, challenges and solutions off each other. Frequently, we just talk shop. It’s proven to be one more thing we can bond over, because it transcends any generational or familial roles that otherwise exist. We’re just a couple of mechanics sharing about the job we love. It adds a tremendous dynamic to our relationship that I’m not sure would exist otherwise. His continuing success fills me with a pride beyond words. He’s an amazing mechanic, a true asset to the industry. I’m just glad he seems to enjoy it.
Garrett: Aviation maintenance and its core skills are highly in-demand. Although aviation is always changing and evolving, having my A&P certification will allow me to choose the best work-life balance or income-driven path forward, depending on where I’m at in life.
Troy: AMT is, and has always been, my first best destiny. Best decision I could have made.
PIA offers more than just high-quality training that helps graduates earn stable and rewarding careers as AMTs; it's also where families have the opportunity to learn, work, and grow together. For more information, visit https://pia.edu/aviation-technician-programs/aviation-maintenance-technology-program.