While many may default to images of the cockpit when thinking about aviation, the reality is that there is an entire support network ensuring the safety of those who take to the skies. Yaro Karashchuk, Aviation Maintenance Technician with the Kentucky Department of Aviation, spends his days ensuring that state aircraft are safe, efficient, and ready for the task at hand in completing various missions across the Commonwealth.
Tell us a little about your aviation background and how you developed an interest in aviation.
From an early age, I enjoyed working on pocket bikes, go-karts, and lawnmowers for my neighbors. When I went to high school, I spent two years in the automotive course through the Regional Occupation Program (ROP). After high school, I found out that my local community college had an evening A&P program. I had a love for working on mechanical equipment and disliked the thought of long, boring days in college – so I went for it!
I later moved from California to Kentucky and quickly realized that, no matter where you are, there is always an airport and a job waiting to be filled.
Thinking about your day job, what requirements were there in taking on the role of an aircraft mechanic?
For my current position, you must possess a valid Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license and four years of experience. It is also preferable that you have your Inspector Authorization (IA) certificate.
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
When showing up for work, we check our maintenance program to see if any new maintenance issues have come up with our fleet and look to address those. From there, we are typically performing scheduled maintenance to keep up with requirements and ensure that our aircraft are safe for flight.
That seems like a lot of responsibility for sure - but what about the rewards?
The most rewarding part of my work is that I get to be and work around aircraft and the aviation community.
What seems to be the biggest challenge for you in your career as an aircraft mechanic?
One of the biggest challenges in my line of work is the pressure to ensure that maintenance is performed on aircraft in a timely manner to meet the demands of scheduled missions throughout the year.
Is there a particular quality or character trait that you feel serves someone well with your occupation?
Integrity is extremely important to me, as well as a working knowledge of aircraft and repair equipment. The lives of our pilots and their passengers and the success their missions really fall into our hands.
What makes aviation so interesting for you?
Aviation has been a blessing. Personally, I am able to support my family. Professionally, I am able to to learn about different types of aircraft and grow in my own knowledge. We work on more than old piston and propeller-driven aircraft.
Are there any memorable moments that stand out for you across your career or flying in general?
I traveled to Hawaii to help with maintenance on a Pilatus PC-12. We changed the engine out, completed some other maintenance work, and vacationed all at the same time!
How do you feel about the current state of the aviation industry as an aircraft mechanic?
There is a lot of exciting things happening in aviation. Our industry is leaning more towards unmanned and experimental category aircraft. But regardless of where we may end up 5-10 years from now, from drones to spaceships and everything in between, there are A&Ps everywhere.
Our industry needs to work hard to help students understand the opportunities within aviation. Whether its attending tradeshows, advertising, or being involved at school career days, we need to do a better job at sharing aviation with younger generations.
If you could take to the younger version of yourself, is there anything you would say or encourage him to do differently?
I would encourage myself to start on my A&P in high school and also get my Private Pilot License – something I still hope to achieve in the near future!
Sounds great! Last question - what is your favorite aircraft?
It would have to be a Bell helicopter – they’re fun to work on and to fly in!
Yaro’s story and experience serve as just one voice across the vast number of aviation professionals and enthusiasts spread across Kentucky. Be sure to be on the lookout for additional interviews and insights into the many career opportunities presented by our state’s aviation community!