Fighter Mechanic/Airlift Flight Engineer Leverages Military Experience (About author Earl Heron)

Photo LEIF RODRIGUEZ

About the author

After an unsuccessful 1977 run at an aeronautical engineering degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, author Earl Heron enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in the spring of 1980. He served three years as an F-4 and F-16 mechanic at Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nevada, before accumulating more than 900 domestic and international hours as a C-130 flight engineer, flying from Pope AFB, Fayetteville, North Carolina. After six years of Air Force service, he left the military to leverage the experience. He began by completing a baccalaureate degree in automotive technology and management at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI. Ferris endorsed the diploma with high distinction.

In 1989 he began work in Automotive industry positions ranging from Porsche technician at Champion Porsche Audi of Pompano Beach, FL, to Saturn Corporation's sales and service consultant to its retailers in New York City. Along the way he served in GM automotive customer assistance centers and wholesale automotive telemarketing centers in Lansing, MI. Earl later served at the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, MI, and in several large US cities participating in advanced technology vehicle development/customer acceptance research (GM Impact/Saturn EV1). His preparation for this PrEView Drive project included driver training, track time, and subject-matter expert briefings on the GM Proving Grounds in Milford, MI, and Mesa, AZ. After living this "car dream" for 11 years, Earl left the corporate scene in 2000 to prioritize marriage over career and joined New York City's public bus transportation system and has served in several technical and supervisory positions in their maintenance department.

Earl holds the FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic certificate, and is a member of the Air Force Association (AFA), Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA), and the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA). He calls road bike cycling and washing his Corvette C6 his primary hobbies and is now enjoying life residing near his New York City hometown.

Earl may be contacted at earlheron@jjetspress.com

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