Thomas R. Howard

About Tom

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My aviation career has spanned over 40 years as a certified Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) technician and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). After my time in the US Air Force working B-52s, I worked as a line / avionic technician and maintenance manager for two US air carriers. I then moved to Boeing's Commercial Airplanes Product Development and Advance Concept organization as Chief Mechanic. As Chief Mechanic my responsibility was to establish the maintenance philosophies including the safe to maintain plan, durability, reliability and maintenance cost targets for programs which were in early stage development. These programs included several commercial and military platforms now in service and technology maturation programs used to demonstrate and advance technology and sustainability concepts.

I have also been a commercial pilot for 25 years and hold a CFI certification. As a flight instructor I have mainly concentrated on specialized training for mountain flying, high performance / complex ratings, Cirrus SR20 transition and seaplane operations.

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In addition to my A&P and pilots licenses, I have earned my Bachelors of Science and Masters of Science in Aeronautics with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University where I also served as an industry advisor for their Aviation Maintenance Science department for over 10 years.

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I am now semi-retired living in Phoenix AZ where I operate my aviation consulting business. I focus on safety improvements, innovation across the aviation environment and operational excellence for in-service operations. On a voluntary basis I enjoy helping aviation academia institutions to empower the next generations of aviators.

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I continue to fly for enjoyment and my wife and I are now spending more time traveling, enjoying the sunny outdoors hiking, biking, kayaking and exploring the beautiful Southwest.

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Good day,

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Tom

My Aviation Journey

Jan 2017 - Present

Dec 2005 - June 2021

Nov 2003 - Nov 2005

Jan 2002 - Oct 2003

Sept 1999 - Dec 2001

May 1986 - Sept 1999

Boeing Commercial Airplanes

Chief Mechanic

Northwest Airlines (NWA)

Aircraft Maintenance Manager 

American Trans Air (ATA)

Aircraft Maintenance Manager 

Northwest Airlines (NWA)

Aircraft Maintenance Technician 

American Trans Air (ATA)

Aircraft Maintenance and Flight Technician