Making a Mark in the Field; Next Gen Aircraft Maintenance Tech Earns Peer / National Recognition
“I was working in customer service for Spirit Airlines at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe, PA, when I fell in love with aviation,” says Kerrigan Batsa, an aircraft maintenance technician for PSA Airlines, Charlotte, NC.
Her journey to becoming one of the premier young aviation mechanics began while solving customer service issues, handling countless arrivals and departures and quick turns. This interest turned into a passion and led her to research options and asking for advice about for entering the aircraft maintenance field. That advice led her to Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA)’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program.
“My coworkers at the airport had all attended PIA, and they had nothing but good things to say about the school and their jobs.” Basta continued to work as a station lead for Spirit, while attending PIA’s Myrtle Beach campus, where she earned her A&P license.
In January of 2020, Basta received a job offer, and was hired as an aircraft maintenance technician for PSA. She brings with her valuable lessons from her time at PIA, including the critical lesson of teamwork. Basta now works daily line shifts, where she responds to active maintenance calls, performing critical repairs for outgoing flights. She also works in the hangar, providing overnight maintenance and insuring a safe operation.
“Every day is different,” says Batsa. “You never know what you could be fixing next.”
Aircraft Maintenance Technology Magazine recognized and awarded Basta as one of 2020’s Next Gen Aircraft Maintenance Professionals, 40 Under 40. The awards honor outstanding young aviation maintenance professionals who stand out in the field.
Basta is proud to serve as a role model for other young women who are considering roles in aviation, a pedestal she does not take lightly. “If you have common sense, you can do this job,”
- Research by PR Newswire.
- Reporting by David Ishmael
