Soaring to New Heights

By Jerry Lopez

College Student and Avionics Technician at Virgin Galactic

Born at Antelope Valley Hospital in Lancaster, California in 2000, I have two older brothers and a younger sister. On the surface, the AV (Antelope Valley) may not look like an exciting place to grow up. We are a distant suburb of Los Angeles, but the AV is in the high desert terrain and with its rich history with aviation and aerospace development, is now referred to as Aerospace Valley. Summers are long and hot, and winters are cold but short. Because of the unusually dry conditions and a significant ancient dry lakebed (perfect for emergency landings), this place was chosen in the 1930’s as the main Army flight test and training range. In 1947, the Air Force was established as a separate entity from the Army and our desert became the home of the Air Force Flight Test Center. The most significant flight test, development, and aerospace achievements happened here, but I didn’t know this at the time.

I’ll admit that while my mom was driving along Ave P to the center of town, I didn’t realize how special our valley is. At the edge of the Air Force Flight Test Center’s Plant 42 in Palmdale, our route took us directly in front of the Blackbird Airpark where a display of Lockheed’s Skunk Works’ reconnaissance spy planes, the A-12, SR-71, and U-2 spy planes prominently stood at attention. I would think “cool.” I didn’t have a deep appreciation of the planes, their significance, or their place in history. They were fixtures in my hometown and on my drive to the mall.

As a child I had a natural interest in all things aviation and space exploration, but in third grade I wanted to be a professional soccer player! Later in middle school, I wanted to be an architect! But by the end of 8th grade, I started thinking a little more about my interest in aerospace. A new charter high school was opening: The Palmdale Aero Academy. My parents Rosa and Gerardo Lopez, have always supported me through every step of my life. When they encouraged me to apply I knew it was the best decision for me. They talked to me about the opportunities in the AV, in my own hometown and we discussed a future that might be a little different than the family business in contracting and building. I could still design and create, but maybe in the aerospace engineering space… I was accepted at TPAA and the curriculum definitely had an aerospace focus. I was encouraged by my teachers and family and my natural interest grew into a real passion.

In the Spring of 2016, I learned of an opportunity to intern at the same Blackbird Airpark I had driven by my whole life. The Junior Test Pilot Summer (JTPS) program was designed by the Flight Test Museum Foundation to teach elementary to middle school students about the basics of flight, flight test, stealth, and to think like an engineer. By this point I knew that the AV was a pretty special place, and I thought that helping teach kids about aerospace engineering and the planes designed and developed in their own hometown would be a fun way to spend the summer.

The JTPS program has a strong career focus, and I had the opportunity to help teach the children about all of the different aspects about flight, test, and design by taking them on tours every day at the Blackbird Airpark and adjacent Joe Davies Heritage Park. We guided the Junior Test Pilots in analyzing the shapes and length of wings, engine positions, payload space, and all aspects of airplane design. I learned while I helped the little guys, but the program also featured aerospace professionals from a variety of fields who came out every day to talk to the kids about their jobs and career paths in aerospace. I was able to get a sense of the variety of careers available in the industry. From that summer on, I didn’t question what my future career would be. I viewed every individual who volunteered to speak that summer as an inspiration of where I wanted to be. I loved it all.

At the end of my internship, I received a scholarship from the Flight Test Museum Foundation and I had the opportunity to work at the Blackbird Airpark in the gift shop. The volunteers all had amazing stories too, and I became further entrenched. I was already taking courses in electronics and aerospace in my program at TPAA, and the experience at BBAP helped me connect the dots between academics and practical application.

The biggest challenges I faced were in math. I was never the best at it, but I knew if I worked hard at it, I could learn it. I put a lot of time into my studies and math became easier. If it’s not easy for you, know it’s not impossible. I did it and now I love it.

After High School, I attended the Antelope Valley College and began taking my general education courses along with courses in avionics to earn a Certificate in Avionics. With my certificate, I was able to interview for positions in the aerospace industry as an Avionics Associate Technician. In January of 2019, I was hired at Virgin Galactic full time. Even though I am very new to the industry, I have been blessed to have mentorship from two very special people, Bernardo Bustamante and Carlos Gonzalez. They have passed down their knowledge to me and motivate me to continue to learn everyday. I balance my college classes and my job, but I have a plan. I’m going to keep on my path to becoming an aerospace engineer while moving up in responsibilities at Virgin. This past Spring, I was promoted to Avionics Technician.

Once I earn my college degree in Aerospace or Electrical Engineering, my plan is to transfer from the manufacturing department to the engineering side of the business. I know that my practical experience in my job now will help me in my future.

I’ve lived my whole life in the AV, and I’m proud of the history but also the current innovation happening here. I recognize how incredible this place is for all of the amazing achievements conducted here from the breaking of the sound barrier, development of the Space Shuttle, and now our next phase of commercial space travel and exploration.