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Alumni Career Feature – James P. McCaffery, A & P, IA

We feature alumni with interesting careers from a variety of career areas. To find out more about the alumnus profession contact them via the e-mail provided. Or if you are interested in being featured, e-mail us at alumni@pct.edu.

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James P. McCaffery, A & P, IA

• Certificate, Aviation, 1983
• Rocky Mountain Helicopters
• jpm62@bellsouth.net

How did you choose your present career? Please explain how you decided to major in your area of study during college.

My father was in the Air Force. I talked with him and saw the photos of the planes he worked on. That's what got me started in the aviation mechanic field. I waited one year after high school before I started college. I worked at a gas station and that was one of the things that made me decide to go to college. I was friends with one of the mechanics who worked on Geisinger's Life Flight helicopters. We did a lot together and I started hanging around the hospital helping him out. That's when I realized I liked working with helicopters instead of fixing wing airplanes.

What advice do you have to offer to a student who is struggling with identification of a major/career field in college?

The best thing I can say is make sure you choose something you enjoy. If you don't enjoy what you are doing you won't want to go to work. The money might be good but it won't get you there everyday. I've been in aviation for 21 years and I like what I'm doing. You won't excel at your job if you don't enjoy it.

How were you hired at your present position?

I was originally working for US Jet Aviation in Washington, D.C., as the director of maintenance. A competitor bought out our company. I had worked for Vanderbilt University through US Jet and I knew they were looking for mechanics. I talked with them on the telephone, interviewed, looked for a house and then moved. I have been at Vanderbilt for 11 years and enjoy my job.

What positions did you hold before this one?

I was a line mechanic then became a general manager of the repair station and eventually became director of maintenance. I am now lead mechanic/chief mechanic for a four-person crew.

What would you tell a Penn College graduating student about your career field?

Get as many courses or factory schools (each manufacturer conducts courses for their products) as you can. Most aircraft manufacturers have their own schools. Be patient with the job. It takes time to work into the position. I work in the field of rotorcraft. There are a lot more moving parts and vibrations and troubleshooting is a must. The more moving parts, the more maintenance is required and the more challenges you encounter. Fixed wing aircraft (airplanes) have less moving parts and a different approach to maintaining them is required.

What was the most significant thing you learned on the job during your first year?

Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you are just starting out in aviation, you don't take chances. You need to learn all you can as you progress through your job training.

What was most difficult about your transition to the world of work?

I worked a year before I went to college and also during my college years. I really didn't have a transition as I had been working with the mechanic at Geisinger.

What was the greatest strength of your Penn College/Williamsport Area Community College education? (What did you learn at Penn College that helped you a great deal in your career?)

When I went through school, we worked on different engines. We had a variety of turbo props, turbine and reciprocating engines (gas powered) to learn on and were exposed to many manufacturers. Being near Avco Lycoming was a plus.

What should students in your field do to prepare themselves for their career?

Math is very important in this career. You also need to be mechanically inclined. Electrical or electronics courses would also be helpful.

What do you find the most enjoyable about your career field and your present position?

Every day is different. It's not like a factory where you walk in, do a job and go home. There is always something new and something that you haven't seen happen. It gives you variety and you don't get into a rut. I'm on a five day on, four day off schedule. I'm on call 24 hours a day during the five days I am working. It also offers some flexibility to set your schedule.

How do you see your field changing in the next three-five years? Will this change require you to obtain additional training?

I have over 20 different certificates from factory training schools. The aircraft I work on is over 18 years old. These aircraft are being phased out and new models are being introduced. With my company, I have to have factory training for every type of aircraft I work on. The newer models will be more automated and computerized.

What are your plans for the future? Where do you see yourself in three years?

I'm very happy where I am. I like my position and the flexibility of the hours. I really like being the lead mechanic. I hope to work on additional aircraft.

If you could redo your college experience, how/would you prepare differently to enter the workplace?

I don't believe I would prepare differently. I might get more training or an additional degree. I can't emphasize enough that you should get as much training as you can and take advantage of any opportunities available. It's important to continue learning - it's a lifelong process.

From your perspective, what are three to five needed skills that your employer was seeking in a new employee?

You need to have turbine experience, electrical/electronics and sheet metal. You need a pretty good understanding of the engine, rotor system, electronics and the medical gear in the back. When I was at Williamsport Area Community College, I received a lot of different training. With a medical aircraft, there are more parts and you need to be able to repair the whole component. When you work on medical aircraft, it's more of a challenge. There is a lot of troubleshooting involved.

Have you received any special recognition or awards through your employment or professional organizations to which you belong?

I've received several safety awards - three and five years without accidents or incidents on the job. I have a Helicopters Association International (HAI) safety award for five years. American Eurocopter (AEC) award for master technician with 15 years of excellence in helicopter maintenance.