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Alumni Career Feature – Matt Altobelli

• B.S., Aviation Maintenance Technology, 2001
• York Aviation
• belli17@yahoo.comMatt Altobelli

Matt’s Background

You could say Matt Altobelli was born into the field of aviation. Since Matt’s father and grandfather are pilots, an interest in aviation was inevitable growing up. He started taking flight lessons in high school and at the suggestion of a friend, decided to explore the aviation program at Penn College. Thanks to his friend, Matt Sprenkle ’99, Matt applied to Penn College and graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology.

York Aviation

Matt is a professional pilot for York Aviation. Flying approximately 450 hours a year, he and another pilot are responsible for all the company’s business travel. When grounded, Matt handles the routine maintenance of the plane and prepares for the next trip by checking weather conditions and flight traffic. His decision to attend Penn College was the best decision Matt could have made as a high school student. Partnering his education and piloting experience has prepared him well. He has a better understanding of the mechanical systems of airplanes. As a pilot, knowing what the plane can and cannot do mechanically and then troubleshooting problems as they exist, gives him an advantage in the industry. York Aviation not only hired someone who could fly the plane, but someone who knows the mechanical aspects as well.

Advice

Matt found success in the business sector of aviation but encourages those interested to conduct a thorough review of the entire industry. Understand all opportunities and match your skill sets accordingly. Pilot or aircraft mechanic, safety is the number one priority. You must be confident in your abilities and be able to communicate to your clients appropriately. Technical knowledge and experience are extremely important but teamwork and communication also play a significant role. According to Matt, excellent customer service is part of the complete package employers look for when hiring for this industry.

Future

Matt enjoys all aspects of being a professional pilot for York Aviation. He looks forward to the responsibilities and challenges of each trip. His current travel schedule allows him to teach flight lessons on a part-time basis. This part-time interest of sharing his knowledge and experience with students could develop into a fulltime interest in his retirement years but for now, Matt plans to concentrate on helicopter pilot training. Adding a helicopter license to Matt’s credentials makes him more desirable in the aviation industry.