Darren Rapoza
North Las Vegas
Summary
Experienced senior manager proficient in managing reporting, budgeting and compliance areas. Adept at updating and working with executive leadership. Bringing superior skills in planning, negotiation and complex problem-solving gained several years experience. Successfully led teams to enhance safety standards and operational efficiency, ensuring adherence to FAA regulations and achieving significant improvements in maintenance program health.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Manager Quality Control
Allegiant Airlines
Las Vegas
11.2018 - Current
- Managed daily functions of Quality Control department with oversight of 2 Regional QC Managers and 1 Technical Support Supervisor and 30 aircraft Inspectors.
Reviewed ADs, parts receiving processes, and maintained RII, RI, and AWR program standards.
Planned aircraft inspections, implementing NDT techniques and borescopes across a fleet of 125 aircraft.
Chief Inspector (temporary duty)
Allegiant Airlines
Las Vegas
02.2024 - 06.2024
- Oversaw inspections, maintenance records, and inspection teams to ensure aircraft safety and compliance with FAA regulations.
Conducted thorough final inspections to verify quality control systems meet required standards.
Managed maintenance documentation effectively to support regulatory requirements.
Led teams in conducting regular audits, ensuring adherence to manufacturer protocols.
Supervised personnel, enhancing training and compliance efforts across all operations.
Collaborated with regulatory authorities to maintain oversight of operational practices.
Executed quality control measures to identify and rectify potential issues promptly.
Applied extensive knowledge in aircraft maintenance and leadership to uphold safety standards.
CASS Manager
CASS Manager
07.2016 - 11.2018
- Oversaw daily operations for CASS department, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.
- Managed four investigators and facilitated monthly meetings with FAA and Directors regarding maintenance program health.
- Monitored airline CAMP health, identifying deficiencies and recommending mitigation strategies to CASS Board.
- Investigated safety significant events to determine root causes and corrective actions, monitoring for successful implementation.
CASS Investigator
CASS Investigator
04.2014 - 07.2016
- Investigates, analyzes and reports maintenance issues resulting from human factors or process and procedures and recommends corrective actions to help ensure a safe and efficient maintenance program
Reliability Analyst
Allegiant Airlines
09.2013 - 04.2014
- Analyze Pireps and daily discrepancies, and produce reports for the reliability of the fleet of 100+ aircraft
A&P Line & Base maintenance mechanic
Hawaiian Airlines
05.1991 - 09.2013
- Performed line maintenance, daily routine cards, trouble shooting, and corrective actions for non-routine discrepancies
- Performed hangar maintenance, flight controls rigging, sheet metal and composite repairs, and engine changes
- Managed heavy maintenance checks with 120 mechanics
- 12 years Flight Mechanic for Oakland Raiders and Seattle Seahawks
- ETOPS qualified
- Strong background in composite and metal bonded repair
Education
A&P Certificate -
Northrop University
Los Angeles, Ca01.1991
Advanced Composite and Metal Bonding certificate -
Abaris Composite
Reno, NV01.2001
High School Diploma -
Saint Anthony High School
Maui, Hawaii01.1989
Skills
- Structural sheet metal repairs
- Quality control
- Aircraft inspections
- Composite repairs
- Roto peen qualification
- Flight control rigging
- Multi Aircraft systems knowledge
- Component teardown and repair
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Budget management
- Financial reporting
- RII certification
- RI certification
- ARA certification
- Borescope inspection
- Dye penetrant testing
- Composite NDT expertise
- Aviation management expertise
- C Checks management
- CASS management oversight
- Senior Quality Control Management
References
- Travis “Pono” Keene, Hawaiian Airlines Line Maintenance Manager, Travis.Keene@Hawaiianair.com, 808-864-6510
- David Figueira, Hawaiian Airlines Lead Mechanic, David.Figueira@Hawaiianair.com, 808-223-9844
- Ken Brumfield, Vice President Operations, ST Engineering, 602-363-3771
Timeline
Chief Inspector (temporary duty)
Allegiant Airlines
02.2024 - 06.2024
Sr. Manager Quality Control
Allegiant Airlines
11.2018 - Current
CASS Manager
CASS Manager
07.2016 - 11.2018
CASS Investigator
CASS Investigator
04.2014 - 07.2016
Reliability Analyst
Allegiant Airlines
09.2013 - 04.2014
A&P Line & Base maintenance mechanic
Hawaiian Airlines
05.1991 - 09.2013
A&P Certificate -
Northrop University
Advanced Composite and Metal Bonding certificate -
Abaris Composite
High School Diploma -
Saint Anthony High School