Next Start

MEET OUR EMPLOYERS

CommutAir Base Manager Bill Hartwell Talks Training for The Industry

"They’ve been very, very stable in giving us very good candidates and people who are open to learning and developing into qualified and excellent technicians. "

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!


A New Career Path Starts Here

Take 60 seconds and find out how you can get trained.

1) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.2) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.6) UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Individual circumstances and wages depend on personal credentials and economic factors. Work experience, industry certifications, the location of the employer and their compensation programs affect wages. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.7) Some programs may require longer than one year to complete.8) Does not include time required to complete a qualifying prerequisite program such as UTI’s 51-week Automotive Technology program.9) Does not include time required to complete a qualifying prerequisite program such as UTI’s 45-week Diesel Technology program.10) Financial aid, scholarships and grants are available to those who qualify. Awards vary due to specific conditions, criteria and state.11) See program details for eligibility requirements and conditions that may apply.15) Manufacturer-paid advanced training programs are conducted by UTI on behalf of manufacturers who determine acceptance criteria and conditions. These programs are not part of UTI’s accreditation. Programs available at select locations.24) UTI prepares graduates to work as entry-level automotive service technicians. Some graduates who take NASCAR-specific electives also may have job opportunities in racing-related industries. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.63) Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Wind Turbine Technicians, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/wind-turbine-technicians.htm. BLS projects total employment will increase from 11,400 in 2023 to 18,200 in 2033. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.77) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. UTI prepares graduates for entry-level careers using the provided training. UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than those listed.79) UTI aviation maintenance programs prepare graduates to apply and test for FAA mechanic certification. Graduates who don’t obtain certification may have fewer career opportunities. Some graduates get jobs in aviation or related industries other than as aviation maintenance technicians. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment, salary or FAA certification.128) UTI will pay for certain third-party FAA certification exam fees for qualifying students. See catalog for details and requirements.

Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

*Registration Fee Waiver will apply to any student who enrolls by July 31, 2025, with a start date between March 31, 2025, and September 25, 2025.

Privacy PolicyLegal NoticeAccessibilityDisclosures

Do Not Sell My Personal Information