Norman has over 40 years as a certified A&P Mechanic. Before becoming a certified mechanic, he was an airport “rat” hanging around the airport on weekends, helping move, clean and fuel aircraft just for fun, sometimes for rides. He started to fly at age 13, getting his private pilot’s certificate before his driver’s license. During this time, he was able to help the A&Ps in certain maintenance tasks and enjoyed this as much as flying. After losing several friends in aircraft accidents, he decided to pursue a career in maintenance rather than flying. He thought he could make a bigger contribution to safety rather than as a pilot. He attended Park’s College where he obtained his A&P.
Since then, he has enjoyed a varied and rewarding career in aviation. He has worked in general aviation, business, military, commercial and international aviation operations as an A&P mechanic, Inspector, Aeronautics Instructor, Director of Maintenance, Director of Quality, Director of Audits for an Internationally recognized Safety Audit standard, and as a sought-after Aviation Business and Regulatory Compliance Consultant.
His hands-on work experience in maintaining, repairing and restoring aircraft ranges from fabric covered, wood, and steel-tube aircraft, World War 2 fighter aircraft, current general aviation single and multi-engine aircraft, commercial airlines, and to some of the most modern corporate jet aircraft.
As he nears the end of his career in aviation, he feels it is important to pass on his knowledge to aspiring mechanics, helping them obtain their FAA certifications, and ensure the continued high level of safety the industry has built over the years.