Alumni Spotlight: ADAM ROOP

Aviation Maintenance Technology, Georgia Northwestern Technical College ‘16

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in aviation maintenance?

AR: From a young age, I was fascinated by airplanes. My dream was to become a fighter pilot in the Air Force and fly F-15s, which remain my favorite fighter jets. When I was about nine, I participated in the EAA Young Eagles program, where volunteer pilots take children aged 8-17 flying in their personal airplanes. I also enjoyed working with my hands, helping my grandfather repair cars and lawnmowers, and taking shop classes in high school. Combining my passion for airplanes and hands-on work, I pursued a career in aviation maintenance.

Q What factors influenced your decision to enroll in the aviation maintenance technology program at GNTC?

AR Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) was the nearest college to my home that offered an aviation maintenance program. I appreciated the program’s structure, where students complete all general classes first, followed by airframe and powerplant courses. This arrangement allowed me to become a certified airframe mechanic while still completing my powerplant training.

Q: How did your time at GNTC prepare you for your career in aviation maintenance?

AR The aviation maintenance program at GNTC provided me with the fundamental skills required to obtain my airframe and powerplant certificate. This gave me the foundation needed for employment at Delta where I continue to build my skills through on-the-job training.

Q: How did you secure your position at Delta after graduating from GNTC?

AR I applied for an aircraft support mechanic position in Cincinnati, Ohio. After being scheduled to take mechanical and spatial aptitude tests, I drove up and successfully passed them. Following the tests, I had an interview. A few days later, I received a call offering me the job, and the rest is history.

Q:What was the transition like from being a student at GNTC to working at a major airline like Delta?

AR Transitioning from working on pistonpowered airplanes to massive commercial aircraft capable of safely transporting people and cargo across the country or even the world was exciting. Even after nearly eight years, I still find it hard to believe that I get to work on these enormous airplanes.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your work in aviation maintenance?

AR I know that every time I walk into work, it’s going to be different. One day I might be working on an engine, and the next I could be on a lift 50-60 feet in the air. I truly enjoy the variety that this career offers.