DAVID KIRKPATRICK
Austin,TX
Summary
Accomplished operations manager with over 15 years of specialized experience in aviation maintenance, airport operations, and logistics, demonstrating a proven track record of developing and overseeing complex aviation projects, managing multimillion-dollar budgets, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. Excels in leading diverse teams, driving innovation, and forging strong partnerships with high-level executives, government officials, and industry stakeholders. Brings strategic vision and hands-on expertise in infrastructure planning, policy development, and emerging aviation technologies, uniquely positioning any organization to achieve exceptional results and drive progress in aviation leadership roles.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Aviation Instructor & Manager
UNITED STATES ARMY
- Served as the senior maintenance test pilot and standardization instructor while providing integral guidance by maximizing the department’s capabilities across all rated metrics
- Key accomplishments include supervising and managing flight training programs, organizing field training operations, enabling flight hours and security objectives, and assisting in the establishment of cross-border operations.
Senior Aviation Maintenance Technician
UNITED STATES ARMY
- Orchestrated development of infrastructure repair projects during rapid deployment operations; coordinated schedules between military personnel and government contractors to complete the project
- Key accomplishments include developing standard operating procedures for maintaining government helicopters, being top-ranked among supervisors, analyzing violations and administering disciplinary actions, reviewing and ensuring security assignments compliance, and overseeing the accountability and maintenance of government aircraft.
Business Operations Project Manager
TxDOT Aviation Division
01.2023 - Current
- Coordinates project activities with local airport sponsors, state agencies, governmental jurisdictions, industry partners, and consultants and assures coordination and approvals through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Develops and manages project budgets, schedules, work plans, resource requirements, cost estimates, and projections
- Monitors and manages project cost, schedule, and quality to ensure the project is completed within budget and to ensure deliverables are acceptable and fulfill the terms of the project contract or specifications
- Reviews and recommends projects for inclusion in TxDOT’s Aviation Capital Improvement Program to management.
Airport Manager / Assistant Public Works Director
City of Castroville
01.2019 - 01.2023
- Maintained continuous airport operations by managing project budgets, evaluating proposals, and analyzing cost estimates and projections
- Coordinated tenant needs and ensure safety across runways, taxiways, and fueling stations
- Simultaneously managed city public works operations, utility infrastructure, project procurement, and personnel with the supervision of 20 employees
- Key accomplishments include developing executive airport hangars, coordinating pavement rehabilitation, advocating for employee performance, and implementing a vehicle fleet replacement program.
Aviation Maintenance Program Manager
UNITED STATES ARMY
01.2007 - 01.2018
- Performed highly complex aviation missions and project oversight on a global scale and coordinated operations with multinational stakeholders and senior leaders in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations
- Key accomplishments include creating relationships with allied foreign military leadership, managing equipment and assets worth over $600M, overseeing helicopter maintenance work orders, and strategically planning cost-saving measures.
Education
Associate of Science - General Studies
Barton Community College
Hays, KSBachelor of Arts - Aviation Maintenance Management
Embry Riddle
Daytona Beach, FLSkills
- Mac; Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Office Business Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook)
- Aviation Business Operations
- Senior Leadership / Manager
- Acquisition / Procurement
- Project Management
- Process Improvement
- Staff Training / Development
- Airport Planning
- Workflow Allocation
- Budget Forecasting
Training
- Airframe & Powerplant (A&P Certified)
- Fixed Wing Certified
- Helicopter Pilot School
- Occupational Safety Management
- Maintenance Test & Analysis
- Program Management Course
- Management & Leadership Development
- Helicopter Repair & Maintenance Technician
Timeline
Business Operations Project Manager
TxDOT Aviation Division
01.2023 - Current
Airport Manager / Assistant Public Works Director
City of Castroville
01.2019 - 01.2023
Aviation Maintenance Program Manager
UNITED STATES ARMY
01.2007 - 01.2018
Aviation Instructor & Manager
UNITED STATES ARMY
Senior Aviation Maintenance Technician
UNITED STATES ARMY
Associate of Science - General Studies
Barton Community College
Bachelor of Arts - Aviation Maintenance Management
Embry Riddle