Dustin Lyons
Oklahoma City
Summary
Highly skilled and dedicated Aviation Structural Mechanic with 21 years of experience in the aviation industry. Specializing in structural maintenance, repair, and inspections. Specifically, 8 years of expertise on the E-6B aircraft and 3 years as a Quality Assurance Representative for the E-6B. Proven track record in troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and ensuring operational readiness in high-stakes environments. I am seeking a challenging position to utilize my extensive experience and technical expertise.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Aar Corp.
Oklahoma City, OK
04.2025 - Current
- Performed routine inspections and maintenance on airframe structures and components.
- Diagnosed mechanical issues using advanced troubleshooting techniques and tools.
- Collaborated with engineers to implement safety protocols and compliance measures.
- Led team in executing aircraft repairs, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.
- Read and interpreted manufacturer and airline maintenance manuals, service bulletins and other specifications to determine feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.
- Serviced and repaired fuel, electrical, hydraulic and other aircraft systems.
- Performed routine equipment inspections and maintained and completed corrective actions by referring to workbooks and technical publications to determine specifications.
- Rigged and adjusted flight controls.
- Worked within guidelines established by internal, manufacturer and regulatory authorities.
Aviation Structural Mechanic
United States Navy
03.2004 - Current
- E-6B Aircraft VQ-4 (2021 – Present): Provided comprehensive structural maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on military aircraft, specializing in the E-6B aircraft for the past 3 years. Led a team in performing routine and emergency repairs to maintain mission readiness. Conducted inspections, corrosion control, and modifications in accordance with military standards and safety regulations. Ensured airframe integrity, including composite repairs, and sheet metal work.
- Rigged, tested, and troubleshot all flight control systems on the E-6B aircraft, ensuring the proper operation of flight surfaces and control linkages.
- Worked with both hydraulic and manual systems to ensure proper rigging and calibration of flight controls for optimal aircraft performance.
- Ensured that all flight control systems met military standards and operational readiness requirements.
- F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (2018 – 2021): Served at VFA-122 on the F/A-18E/F, performing maintenance on advanced systems including flight controls, avionics, and airframe components.
- Managed troubleshooting efforts and repairs of critical structural and mechanical systems. Coordinated preventive maintenance schedules and supported aircraft in maintaining high mission readiness rates.
- F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (2015 – 2018): Worked at VFA-103 on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, performing structural maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs to the aircraft. Responsible for repairing and testing flight control surfaces, hydraulic systems, and fuselage components. Ensured that all work adhered to Navy standards and completed all inspections to ensure operational readiness. Led efforts to troubleshoot and resolve critical mechanical issues, ensuring minimal downtime for aircraft.
- FRC Pax River, MD (2011 – 2014): Worked in the Hydraulic Work Center at FRC Pax River, MD, specializing in testing, troubleshooting, and repairing hydraulic systems and components on military aircraft, including the E-6B and F/A-18. Conducted in-depth analysis and testing of hydraulic parts, identifying malfunctions and ensuring proper functionality. Collaborated with engineering teams to implement effective solutions for system failures and performance issues. Performed routine and emergency repairs on hydraulic systems, including pumps, valves, actuators, and lines.
- Managed functional tests on hydraulic, pneumatic, and flight control systems, ensuring full operational capability for all assigned aircraft.
- Trained and mentored personnel in maintenance procedures, safety protocols, and technical skills.
- VQ-3 Maintenance Department (2007 – 2010): Served in the maintenance department at VQ-3, providing structural maintenance and repair on E-6B aircraft, ensuring operational readiness and supporting training and deployment activities. Worked on troubleshooting and repairing airframe structures, system components, and advanced avionics. Coordinated maintenance schedules and ensured compliance with safety standards and regulations.
- F/A-18A/B/C/D Hornets (Aug 2004 – 2006): Worked on F/A-18 Hornets, performing airframe and structural maintenance, including repairs to flight surfaces, fuselage, and system components. Led troubleshooting efforts and maintenance activities for airframe structures and components to ensure mission readiness.
- Key Achievements:
- Successfully supported multiple deployment cycles with a 98% mission readiness rate for the E-6B aircraft.
- Contributed to the implementation of new repair techniques that reduced downtime by 15%.
- Played a key role in several large-scale aviation maintenance exercises, improving team communication and operational efficiency.
- Led critical repair efforts at FRC Pax River, reducing aircraft downtime by 10% through effective troubleshooting and coordination.
- Enhanced hydraulic system testing procedures, improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing repair time by 20%.
- Supported F/A-18E/F Super Hornet with a 95% mission-ready rate during assignments at VFA-103 and VFA-122.
Quality Assurance Representative (E-6B Aircraft)
United States Navy
08.2022 - 04.2025
- Served as a Quality Assurance (QA) Representative for the E-6B, overseeing all maintenance activities, inspections, and repairs to ensure compliance with military standards, regulations, and safety protocols.
- Conducted detailed inspections and audits of maintenance work to ensure adherence to proper procedures, quality standards, and operational readiness.
- Provided guidance and corrective action on maintenance discrepancies, ensuring timely resolutions and preventing recurring issues.
- Trained and mentored team members on quality control procedures and best practices for ensuring superior workmanship and operational integrity.
- Key Achievements:
- Improved the overall quality assurance process, reducing inspection discrepancies by 20%.
- Recognized for maintaining a high level of attention to detail, contributing to a 100% compliance rate during annual inspections.
Aviation Structural Mechanic
United States Navy
03.2004 - 04.2025
- Performed airframe and structural repairs on various aircraft, including inspecting, repairing, and modifying flight surfaces and fuselage.
- Utilized advanced diagnostic tools and maintenance procedures to troubleshoot and resolve mechanical issues.
- Documented all maintenance and repairs in compliance with federal and military aviation regulations.
- Ensured all work was completed within required timeframes to ensure flight safety and operational readiness.
- Key Achievements:
- Awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for outstanding performance during a major aircraft overhaul.
- Played a key role in several large-scale aviation maintenance exercises, improving team communication and operational efficiency.
Quality Assurance Representative (F/A-18E/F Super Hornet)
United States Navy
01.2015 - 01.2021
- Served as a Quality Assurance (QA) Representative at VFA-103 and VFA-122 for 4 years, overseeing maintenance and inspections of F/A-18E/F Super Hornets to ensure compliance with Navy standards and safety protocols.
- Conducted in-depth audits and inspections on all maintenance procedures, addressing discrepancies and ensuring the accuracy of repair and maintenance records.
- Collaborated with maintenance teams to resolve recurring issues, providing corrective actions to improve work quality and minimize downtime.
- Ensured proper documentation of all maintenance and inspections, meeting all federal and military regulations.
- Key Achievements:
- Streamlined quality assurance processes, reducing inspection discrepancies by 15%.
- Contributed to achieving a 95% mission-ready rate during assignment at VFA-103.
Education
Aviation Maintenance Technology
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
01.2030
Skills
- Structural Maintenance & Repairs
- Aircraft Systems Troubleshooting
- Hydraulic Systems Expertise (Testing & Repair)
- E-6B Aircraft Expertise (8 years)
- F/A-18A/B/C/D Hornet Expertise (2 years)
- F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Expertise (5 years)
- Quality Assurance Representative & Compliance
- Preventive Maintenance
- Technical Documentation & Compliance
- Aircraft Inspections
- Safety Protocols & Regulations (FAA, MIL-SPEC)
- Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems
- Blueprint & Schematic Reading
- Team Leadership & Mentorship
- Quality Control & Process Improvement
- Proficient in MS Office & Aircraft Maintenance Software
Certification
- Computer Operator (2000 hours)
- Sheet Metal Worker (4000 hours)
- Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic (5000 hours)
- Airframe Mechanic (3100 hours)
- Correction Officer (2000 hours)
Timeline
Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Aar Corp.
04.2025 - Current
Quality Assurance Representative (E-6B Aircraft)
United States Navy
08.2022 - 04.2025
Quality Assurance Representative (F/A-18E/F Super Hornet)
United States Navy
01.2015 - 01.2021
Aviation Structural Mechanic
United States Navy
03.2004 - Current
Aviation Structural Mechanic
United States Navy
03.2004 - 04.2025
Aviation Maintenance Technology
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Awards and Honors
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (5x), Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal (4x), Letter of Commendation (2x)