CommutAir Base Manager Bill Hartwell Talks Training for The Industry

With over 43 years of experience in the aviation industry, CommutAir Base Manager Bill Hartwell knows a thing or two.

He started in 1979 and his passion for the field has remained strong. “I love the regional side. You get to work more with the younger people – the people out of school and early trainees. It’s really, really gratifying to work with this group,” he states.

As a manager at the CommutAir Houston base, Bill says the staff has the responsibility of monitoring and maintaining all the aircraft coming through Houston. This can average 12 to 18 aircraft throughout the day and night. There are also 33 gates that need to be kept in good condition.

With this traffic comes a need for skilled technicians. “We do have a very strong demand for skilled technicians here at this base specifically and other bases. We have many opportunities in other bases, not just Houston. But Houston is our largest base currently for CommutAir,” he explains.

The Qualities of a Great Technician

Those interested in a career in aviation might be wondering what employers like Bill are looking for when hiring their technicians.

“When hiring new personnel,” Bill explains, “I look for the work ethic … not as much worried about experience as their developmental capabilities. Those are the bottom lines of getting people into the organization.”

The relationship that CommutAir has fostered with trade schools like Universal Technical Institute help with the development of aviation mechanics that the industry needs.

When asked about trade school graduates who are recruited, Bill states, “They come with well-rounded experience and training…we look at every facet when we’re doing the interviews, and we try and find the best out of each candidate.”⁷⁹

Students in UTI’s Airframe & Powerplant Technician program learn hands-on in labs that simulate the real-world environments. Instructors with lived experience in the aviation industry help to teach and mentor students so they’ll feel prepared for entry-level careers.

Sharing His Passion

One of the key focuses for Bill when working with new hires at CommutAir is providing a helping hand and ensuring they get development opportunities.

“Once they get in, we do a lot of mentorship and training at each level and each system. They go through schools and once they get here, we try and develop them,” he states.

His passion for working with the next generation of technicians is apparent, as he enthuses that his favorite part about working in the industry is the opportunities he gets with the younger crowd.

“Working with the younger people is that much more gratifying. You can take a young person that maybe hasn’t got a lot of experience and mold them,” Bill says.

Advice for Pursuing an Aviation Career

When it comes to pursuing a career in the aviation industry, having the right education behind you is extremely helpful.

Bill agrees when asked about what advice he would give potential students. “I think the most important thing they can do is get through their schooling, develop themselves, get their A&P license, work through that program and develop a good solid base foundation and ethics.”

Fortunately, for those interested in UTI’s Airframe & Powerplant program, students and graduates  are prepared to test for their FAA certification and have a good understanding of topics covered in the industry.¹²⁸

Sound like a good fit for you? Check out our program page here for more info!