Christopher Van Zandt
Gulf Shores
Summary
A highly organized, take charge professional with extensive structural maintenance experience. Strong problem solving and decision making skills with the ability to develop and implement effective action plans. Commitment to detail in doing the job right the first time and completing all projects on time and within budget while meeting quality standards.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mechanic 2
VSE Corporation
Kadena Air Base Okinawa, Japan
11.2020 - Current
- Lead Structural Mechanic for corrosion sheet metal repairs on USAF's KC-135 and F-15.
- Supervise sheet metal repairs performed by mechanic ones.
- Write engineering technical assistance request's when damage is beyond T.O. Limits and repair guidance.
- Replaced damaged, missing or defective parts with new and refurbished components.
Aircraft Structures Technician 4
Lockheed Martin
Greenville
06.2017 - 10.2020
- Rebuilt crashed F-22 changing skins, webs, brackets, longerons, and bulkheads following blueprints and engineers guidance.
- Secured Storage Facility Manager for South Korea F-16 Modification.
- Executed F-35 modernization modifications by removing and replacing 518 bulkheads and 503 frames.
- Expertly drill close tolerance holes on F-22 and F-35 composite panels, webs, and skins.
Aircraft Structural Maintenance Craftsman
DynCorp International
Thumrait Air Base, Oman
11.2014 - 05.2017
- Supervisor for all inspections, repairs, and modifications for 23 Omani F-16 Block 50 aircraft.
- Removed and replaced outboard horizontal tail support beam with engineers from Hill AFB Utah.
- Trained Omani Air Force technicians on both structural and corrosion techniques and theory.
- Established repair procedures for bathtub hinge repair, reducing repair time from 14 hours to 6 hours.
Aircraft Structural Maintenance Craftsman
Advanced Military Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul Center
Al Dhafra Air Base, UAE
12.2012 - 10.2014
- Lead technician for Depot Level and Field Service Report repairs and modifications.
- Streamlined maintenance procedures for F-16 Block 60 Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System and AN/AAQ-33 'SNIPER' mod, reducing man-hours required from 32 hours to 10 hours.
- Work center Hazardous Material Monitor, designed and implemented storage, usage, and disposal methods for corrosion preventive compounds.
Aircraft Structural Maintenance Craftsman
AECOM
FOB Sharana, Afghanistan
01.2012 - 11.2012
- Performed 25 optic system bracket TCTO's on AH-64 Apache Helicopter.
- Accomplished kevlar, fiberglass, and graphite repairs and MOD's for UH-60 Blackhawk.
- Operated 800 ton crane for blade installations and removals for UH-60 Blackhawk.
Director of Sales
CSCF Distributors
Lenoxdale
01.2010 - 12.2011
- Oversaw sales, installation, and service of gas, wood, and pellet stoves.
- Coordinate local permit and inspection process prior to each installation.
- Directed work of efficient administrative team maintaining accurate sales, inventory and order documentation.
Aircraft Structural Maintenance Craftsman
United States Air Force
Hill AFB
03.1999 - 12.2009
- Airframe experience: U-2, T-38, F-16, A-10, F-22, H-60, KC-135.
- Design, fabricate, repair, modify, and assemble aircraft structural components.
- Held special duty assignment position as Expeditionary Depot Maintenance Assessor.
- Provide training to newly assigned personnel on Depot Level Maintenance Team.
- Assist Program Engineers with damage evaluation and repair development.
- Lead structural maintenance technician for one time aircraft repairs.
- Aids damage evaluations to implement Air Force's only Battle Damage Repair Squadron.
- Deployed to Egypt to repair crashed F-16 and perform wing MOD's for Egyptian Air Force.
- Replaced 341 bulkhead and drag brace fitting on crashed F-16 at Osan AB, South Korea.
Education
High School Diploma -
Lee High School
Lee, Massachusetts06.1998
Skills
- Blueprint Translation
- Depot/Modification Technician
- DOD Secret Clearance
- Advanced Composites
- Aircraft Maintenance Records Review
- Training
- Weight and Balance
- Corrosion Control
Certification
- Level II Advanced Composite Repair,2007 OO-ALC Center Training Organization, Hill AFB, Utah
- F-16 Blueprint Tracking, 2004 OO-ALC Maintenance Directorate, Hill AFB, Utah
- Supervisor Safety Training Course, 2004 Air Education and Training Command, Hill AFB, Utah
- Airman Leadership School, 2003 Air Education and Training Command, Spangdahlem AB, Germany
- Aircraft Metal Bonded Repair, 2001 Air Education and Training Command, Pensacola NAS, Florida
- Apprentice Aircraft Structural Maintenance Specialist, 1999 Air Education and Training Command, Pensacola NAS, Florida
Timeline
Mechanic 2
VSE Corporation
11.2020 - Current
Aircraft Structures Technician 4
Lockheed Martin
06.2017 - 10.2020
Aircraft Structural Maintenance Craftsman
DynCorp International
11.2014 - 05.2017
Aircraft Structural Maintenance Craftsman
Advanced Military Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul Center
12.2012 - 10.2014
Aircraft Structural Maintenance Craftsman
AECOM
01.2012 - 11.2012
Director of Sales
CSCF Distributors
01.2010 - 12.2011
Aircraft Structural Maintenance Craftsman
United States Air Force
03.1999 - 12.2009
High School Diploma -
Lee High School
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