A Passion for Aviation
There are constantly openings all over the world.
DJ Parness
Myrtle Beach Campus, SC
Programs:
Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT)
Employment:
Sierra Nevada Corporation, A&P Mechanic II
DJ Parness always loved the ideas of flight, airplanes, and hands-on work: “I enjoyed taking small electronics apart growing up — anything I could stick a screwdriver to.” After graduating from PIA he received job offers from AMES and Express Jet, but the growth opportunities at Sierra Nevada Corporation in Florida led him to accept an offer there.
Sierra Nevada has a number of programs: Defense & National Security, Space Systems, and Commercial Solutions. DJ appreciates the travel benefits he gets, but most of all he enjoys the hands-on aspect of work on the tarmac: “I do routine maintenance on aircraft. Any problem on the aircraft, I’m trained on the whole thing. I use my A&P to the fullest extent. My favorite days are when I come home covered in grease and grime.”
When talking to people about PIA, DJ always emphasizes the variety of career opportunities available: “There are constantly openings all over the world. It’s a really good field, it’s challenging and fun. And it’s easier to get under a plane than to get under a car.”