Flight Engineer - Army Aviation

A transformative experience serving as a Flight Engineer and UH-60 Crew Chief in the Army Aviation.

Role Overview

During my service in Army Aviation from 2018 to 2020, I served as a Flight Engineer and UH-60 Black Hawk Crew Chief, responsible for critical aircraft maintenance and flight operations.

Key Responsibilities

Aircraft Maintenance

• Conducted pre-flight and post-flight inspections
• Performed routine maintenance and repairs on UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters
• Ensured aircraft airworthiness and safety standards
• Maintained detailed maintenance logs and documentation

Flight Operations

• Served as crew chief on operational flights
• Coordinated with pilots and ground crew for mission success
• Managed cargo loading and passenger safety
• Executed emergency procedures and protocols

Leadership & Training

• Mentored junior engineers and crew members
• Led maintenance teams in complex repair operations
• Developed SOPs for improved operational efficiency
• Conducted safety briefings and training sessions

Skills Developed

Technical Skills

• Aircraft systems knowledge (hydraulic, electrical, mechanical)
• Troubleshooting and diagnostic techniques
• Precision tool operation and maintenance
• Technical documentation and reporting

Operational Skills

• Mission planning and execution
• Risk assessment and mitigation
• Emergency response and crisis management
• Team coordination under pressure

Leadership Skills

• Personnel management and mentorship
• Decision-making in critical situations
• Communication with diverse teams
• Process improvement and optimization

Impact & Achievements

• Maintained 100% aircraft readiness for assigned helicopters
• Completed over 200 successful flight missions
• Zero safety incidents during tenure
• Recognized for outstanding performance and dedication
• Contributed to operational excellence of aviation unit

Lessons Learned

This experience taught me:

• The importance of attention to detail in high-stakes environments
• How to work effectively under pressure and time constraints
• The value of systematic problem-solving approaches
• Leadership through example and mentorship
• The critical nature of communication in team operations

These lessons continue to influence my approach to DevOps engineering, where reliability, precision, and operational excellence are paramount.