Gary Kappa
Laughlin,USA
Summary
Accomplished aviation professional with over 50 + years of extensive experience in maintenance inspection and oversight within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Proven expertise as a Principal Maintenance Inspector and Senior Principal Avionics Inspector, overseeing compliance for a diverse range of air carriers and repair stations, including significant roles in the recertification of major airlines. Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough investigations, audits, and training programs while maintaining high standards of safety and regulatory compliance. Committed to professional development, supported by a strong educational background in aeronautical studies and multiple industry certifications.
Overview
10
10
Certification
50
50
years of professional experience
Work History
AFS-330 Air Carrier Maintenance Inspector
Federal Aviation Administration
09.2017 - Current
- The 135 Air Carrier Maintence – Air Carrier, provides staff assistance to division management, technical review and assistance to flight standards district offices, and division level oversight of the region’s Air Carrier aviation Flight Standards Programs. With comprehensive oversight and involvement, this unit ensures consistent application of agency regulations, standards, directives, and policy. My current assigned duties are as follows:
- ETOP’s
- RVSM (Oceanic and Domestic)
- Avionics Certification
- CFR Part 121, 135 certificate transfers
- EIR review and coordination with AWP-7 Legal.
- Supervisors name: Mr. Tim Weaver
- Phone number: 661-305-6697
- Hours per week: 40
- Salary: 181,067.00 dollars per year
Aviation Safety Inspector (Geographic Avionics) FG-1825-13
Federal Aviation Administration
09.2004 - Current
- Geographic Avionics Air Carrier Inspector develops, administer, and enforce regulations and standards concerning Civil Aviation Safety. I monitor the domestic (121) and foreign (129) airworthiness of aircraft and aircraft systems, the competence of pilots, mechanics, and other aviation personnel, and the safety aspects of aviation facilities, equipment, and procedures. As a Geographic Avionics Inspector, I have the knowledge and working experience (hands on) about the operation, maintenance, inspection and repair of aircraft, and aircraft systems for large air carriers at the Los Angeles International airport. My most recent assignments are to ATOS as a Geographic Avionics inspector for Hawaiian and Aloha airlines and assigned Acting Airworthiness Supervisor and point of contact during a reexamination of an IA out of the Riverside Flight Standards District Office.
- Supervisors name: Ms. Robyn L. Miller
- Phone number: 310-215-2150
- Hours per week: 40
- Salary: 118,470.00 dollars per year
AWP-230 Technical Branch Specialist FV-1825-J
Federal Aviation Administration
05.2012 - 09.2013
- The Technical Support Branch – General Aviation, provides staff assistance to division management, technical review and assistance to flight standards district offices, and division level oversight of the region’s general aviation Flight Standards Programs. With comprehensive oversight and involvement, this unit ensures consistent application of agency regulations, standards, directives, and policy. My assigned duties were as follows:
- Part 91 Support K, Fractional Ownership Programs - Capstone and NAS Free Flight Programs
- Local Altimeter Settings Sources – Major Alteration/Repair 337/STC
- RVSM (Oceanic and Domestic) - Laser Incident Investigations
- Public Aircraft Certification - Part 145 Repair Stations
- Invalid Mode C Reports - Avionics Certification
- Supervisors name: Mr. Joel Harris
- Phone number: 310-725-7203
- Hours per week: 40
- Salary: 122,336.00 dollars per year
Aviation Safety Inspector (Principal Avionics) FG-1825-14
Federal Aviation Administration
09.2004 - 05.2012
- Principal Avionics GA Inspector develops, administer, and enforce regulations and standards concerning Civil Aviation Safety. I monitor the domestic (121) and foreign (129) airworthiness of aircraft and aircraft systems, the competence of pilots, mechanics, and other aviation personnel, and the safety aspects of aviation facilities, equipment, and procedures. As a Principal Avionics Inspector, I have the knowledge and working experience (hands on) about the operation, maintenance, inspection and repair of aircraft, and aircraft systems for aircraft in the LAX FSDO District.
- Supervisors name: Mr. James Magill
- Phone number: 310-725-6603
- Hours per week: 40
- Salary: 122,060.00 dollars per year
Aviation Safety Inspector (Airworthiness) FG-1825-13
Federal Aviation Administration
08.1996 - 09.2004
- Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI) develops, administer, and enforce regulations and standards concerning Civil Aviation Safety. I monitor the airworthiness of aircraft and aircraft systems, the competence of pilots, mechanics, and other aviation personnel, and the safety aspects of aviation facilities, equipment, and procedures. As a PMI, I have the knowledge and working experience (hands on) about the operation, maintenance, inspection and repair of aircraft, and aircraft systems. I have also, performed the duties of temporary Acting Airworthiness Supervisor during my 6 years with the Riverside FSDO.
- Supervisors name: Mr. Joel S. Harris
- Phone number: 909 276-6701
- Hours per week: 40
- Salary: 83,542.00 dollars per year
Aircraft Mechanic
Riverside County Sheriff's Aviation Unit
04.1992 - 08.1996
- Responsibilities included setting up a complete working Sheriff's Aviation Unit consisting of 2 MDHC 500E helicopters. The installation of avionics, to include all wiring, sheet metal modifications, and installation of the following equipment: Dual KMA 24H, KY96's, KT-76 transponder with encoder, King 985's, GE 800 MHz police band radio GPS, FLIR, search light (night sun), auxiliary fuel tank, airframe fuel filter (STC), Public Address System, airframe wire strike kit (STC). The first aircraft I completed by myself and it also included the manufacture of all the parts for the second aircraft. In addition I performed annual/100/300 hour inspections on Goose, OH6, OH58, Aero commander 690B, Cessna 180,182, L-19 (Bird Dog) and was responsible for purchase of all shop equipment and spare parts need to do maintenance.
- Supervisors name: Mr. Thomas Arnold
- Phone number: 909 925-9591
- Hours per week: 40
- Salary: 41,204.00 dollars per year
Aircraft Mechanic 1
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Aviation Unit
06.1985 - 04.1992
- Responsibilities included working with the Sheriff's Aviation Unit consisting of 4 MDHC 500DAE, 2 BHT-206 L-3, 1 BHT-212, 1 BHT-222, 2 BHT UH-1 helicopters. The work performed included installation of avionics, to include all wiring, sheet metal modifications with the installation of the following types of equipment. KMA 24H, KY96's, KT-76 transponder with encoder, King 985's, Motorola 800 MHz police band radio GPS, FLIR, search light (night sun), auxiliary fuel tank, airframe fuel filter (STC), Public Address System, airframe wire strike kit (STC). In addition, I performed annual/100/300-hour inspections on 500D, E, Bell Helicopter UH-1B, 206 L-3, 212, 222, Cessna 404, Merlin II B Turbo-Prop aircraft. Also did component overhaul of BHT-206, BHT 212, rotor head, main rotor transmission, Tail rotor gearbox, and aircraft painting.
- Supervisors name: Mr. Dick Silva
- Phone number: 909 356-3800
- Hours per week: 40
- Salary: 41,125.60 dollars per year
Avionics Mechanic (lead Inspector)
Air Comm Systems
09.1984 - 06.1985
- Responsibilities included working with Avionics during the initial design phase of the installation in the aircraft to provide drawing and data necessary to complete the job. Types of aircraft but not limited to include MDHC 500D&E, BHT-206 L-3, BHT-212, BHT-222, BHT UH-1, helicopters and Forestry OV-10 and C-130’s, and Sikorsky Sky Crane. The work performed included installation of avionics, to include all wiring, sheet metal modifications with the installation of the following types of equipment. KMA 24H, KY96's, KT-76 transponder with encoder, King 985's, Motorola 800 MHz police band radio GPS, Loran, Wulfsburg RT 30, 138,450, 9600, FLIR, search light (night sun), auxiliary fuel tank, airframe fuel filter (STC), Public Address System, completion of all paperwork (337) and aircraft paint touch-up. Trouble shooting to component level on Navigation, Communication, audio mixer boxes, DME, ADF and Transponders.
- Supervisors name: Mr. Gene Snell
- Phone number: 909 824-8860
- Hours per week: 40
- Salary: 25,564.00 dollars per year
Education
Associate of Science -
Skills
Job-related skills: Private Pilot License, November 15, 1967
Airframe and Powerplant License, June 15 1973
Inspection Authorization, April 20, 1982
Commercial Pilot License, May 28, 1974
Senior Parachute Rigger, March 12, 2010
Designated Mechanic Examiner, October 26, 1989
DME surrendered due to FAA employment, August 5, 1996
Commercial Multi-Engine/Instrument add on, October 11, 1991
General Radio Telephone License (FCC), February 6, 1985
Ship Radar Endorsement, August 10, 1988
NDT level II Inspector for Liquid Penetrant, December 2 1983
NDT level II Inspector for Magnetic Particle, November 30 1983
Computer Software proficiency in 2013 Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Avionics equipment proficiency in testing and troubleshooting
FAA FSEP Auditor qualified September 2014
FAA and Civil AS9100 Lead Auditor qualified February 2014
Job-related honors, awards, and special
Accomplishments Time off Award AWP-240 for 30 Hours August 15, 2015
Time off Award AWP-240 for 20 Hours October 15, 2014
Air Fair 1 hour presentation to 42nd St May 29, 2008
Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Los Angeles, CA
Career Service Emblem 20 years of FAA service March 2011
Career Service Emblem 15 years of FAA service March 2006
SPM Assistance 3 Hour presentation on 337 forms September 21, 2005
and Field Approval process
SPM Assistance 3 Hour presentation on 337 forms September 14, 2005
and Field Approval process
ACE 2 Hours talking to high school students July 26, 2005
about aviation careers in aviation
Star Quality Award Mentor of the Year February 17, 2004SPM Assistance 3 Hour presentation on 337 forms January 15, 2004
And Field Approval process
Special Achievement R item completion and additional October 2003
Workload due to Iraq War
($ 50000 cash award)
Special Achievement R item completion July 9, 2001
Career Service Emblem 10 years of FAA service March 2001
Letter of Appreciation Presentation on FAR’s April 19, 2000
Incentive Award Work performed at office December 9, 1998
Career Service Emblem 5 years of FAA service October 26, 1998
Letter of Appreciation Customer letter October 19, 1998
Letter of Appreciation Aviation Safety Program March 31, 1998
Letter of Commendation Excellence in Human Relations March 2, 1998
Letter of Appreciation Workmanship October 13, 1993
Letter of Appreciation Customer relationship April 20, 1984
Letter of recommendation Employer April 16, 1976
Accomplishments
50 Year Charles Taylor Award ( Mechanic for the Wright Brothers)
Certification
- Job-related skills:
- Private Pilot License, November 15, 1967
- Airframe and Powerplant License, June 15 1973
- Inspection Authorization, April 20, 1982
- Commercial Pilot License, May 28, 1974
- Senior Parachute Rigger, March 12, 2010
- Designated Mechanic Examiner, October 26, 1989
- DME surrendered due to FAA employment, August 5, 1996
- Commercial Multi-Engine/Instrument and on, October 11, 1991
- General Radio Telephone License (FCC), February 6, 1985
- Ship Radar Endorsement, August 10, 1993
- NDT level II Inspector for Liquid Penetrant, December 2 1983
- NDT level II Inspector for Magnetic Particle, November 30 1983
- Computer Software proficiency in 2013 Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Avionics equipment proficiency in testing and troubleshooting FAA FSEP Auditor qualified. September 2014
- FAA and Civil AS9100 Lead Auditor qualified. February 2014
Timeline
AFS-330 Air Carrier Maintenance Inspector
Federal Aviation Administration
09.2017 - Current
AWP-230 Technical Branch Specialist FV-1825-J
Federal Aviation Administration
05.2012 - 09.2013
Aviation Safety Inspector (Geographic Avionics) FG-1825-13
Federal Aviation Administration
09.2004 - Current
Aviation Safety Inspector (Principal Avionics) FG-1825-14
Federal Aviation Administration
09.2004 - 05.2012
Aviation Safety Inspector (Airworthiness) FG-1825-13
Federal Aviation Administration
08.1996 - 09.2004
Aircraft Mechanic
Riverside County Sheriff's Aviation Unit
04.1992 - 08.1996
Aircraft Mechanic 1
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Aviation Unit
06.1985 - 04.1992
Avionics Mechanic (lead Inspector)
Air Comm Systems
09.1984 - 06.1985
Associate of Science -
Job-related honors, awards, and special Accomplishments.
Time off Award AWP-240 for 30 Hours August 15, 2015, Time off Award AWP-240 for 20 Hours October 15, 2014, Air Fair 1 hour presentation to 42nd St. Elementary School (Grades 3-5) Los Angeles, CA May 29, 2008, Career Service Emblem 20 years of FAA service March 2011, Career Service Emblem 15 years of FAA service March 2006, SPM Assistance 3 Hour presentation on 337 forms and Field Approval process. September 21, 2005, SPM Assistance 3 Hour presentation on 337 forms and Field Approval process. September 14, 2005, ACE 2 Hours talking to high school students about aviation careers in aviation. July 26, 2005, Star Quality Award/Mentor of the Year February 17, 2004, SPM Assistance 3 Hour presentation on 337 forms And Field Approval process. January 15, 2004, Special Achievement R item completion and additional Workload due to Iraq War. October 2003, Special Achievement ($ 500.00 cash award) R item completion July 9, 2001, Career Service Emblem 10 years of FAA service March 2001, Letter of Appreciation Presentation on FAR’s April 19, 2000, Incentive Award Work performed at office December 9, 1998, Career Service Emblem 5 years of FAA service October 26, 1998, Letter of Appreciation Customer letter October 19, 1998, Letter of Appreciation Aviation Safety Program March 31, 1998, Letter of Commendation Excellence in Human Relations March 2, 1998, Letter of Appreciation Workmanship October 13, 1993, Letter of Appreciation Customer relationship April 20, 1984, Letter of recommendation Employer April 16, 1976
Job Information
- Title AFS-330 FAR 135 Air Carrier Maintenance Technical
- Personal Information Gary J. Kappa 2037 Duke of York Drive Laughlin, Nevada. 89029
- 661-305-6697 Work
- 661-305-6697 Home
- I was hired on August 5, 1996, and worked as a Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI) at the Riverside Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) for 6 years with surveillance and oversight responsibility of a large 135 EMS helicopter operator and other 135 air taxi operators. This included approximately 22 repair stations, with some of these providing maintenance and support for the 135 operators. My workload included FAR Parts 133, 137, 141, 145 and 183 with surveillances, oversight responsibility of External Load, Agriculture, Flight Training Schools, Designated Maintenance Examiners (DME) and Designated Airworthiness Representatives (DAR). This included conducting enforcement investigative reports.
- Experience includes working as a Senior Principal Avionics Inspector at the Los Angeles; Flight Standards District Office experience spans a total of 9 years with FAR 121, 129, 135 and 145 surveillances.
- During my LAX FSDO assignment as a Avionics GS-14 Inspector I had oversight responsibility including ATOS, with assignment to Hawaiian and Aloha Airlines as a Geographic Avionics ATOS Inspector.
- As a Principal Avionic Inspector (PAI) LAX FSDO I was assigned (Team Member) the recertification (Original issue) of the FAR 121, Federal Express Air Carrier, for their FAR 145 repair station authorization located at the Los Angeles International airport.
- On October 4, 2011, I accepted the position of General Aviation Technical Branch Specialist, at the Western Pacific Regional Office, AWP-230. At AWP-230 I performed as a General Aviation Technical Branch Specialist, Principal Avionics point of contact (POC) and Laser incident specialist and review of Enforcement Inspection reports submitted from the Western Pacific Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO). I have completed Special Emphasis Evaluation Designee (SEED) Lead auditor and performed Designated Mechanic Examiner audits. Performed OJT for new employee assigned to AWP-230 as a new SEED lead auditor.
- On September 22, 2013, I accepted the position of Air Carrier Technical Branch Specialist, at the Western Pacific Regional Office, AWP-240. During the year of 2014-15, performed Flight Standards Evaluation Program FSEP audits and was accepted and scheduled for Instructor Evaluation Training, (IET) course for OKC Academy Instructor in February 2016 and was allowed to teach and support the Academy for the Compliance and Enforcement Courses (21000148).
- On August 20, 2017, the FAA closed the AWP-230/240 Branches and I was assigned to the AFS-300 Branch in AFS-330 as an Avionic Specialist. My work assignment included MEL review for extensions, EIR review and support, review, and update of 8900.1 and JTA training guidance.
- On August 18, 2021, I was assigned to AFS-330, as a Maintenance Technical Branch Specialist, with assignments in FAR 119/121/125/129/135/136, AAIP, Aging Aircraft, Avionics AW0, TAWS/EGPWS, TCAS, CAMP, still performing Avionic Inspector review of LLM for 121, 135 Air Carrier Operators.
- My previous employment as avionic specialist began in June 1973, spans 29 years with maintenance and avionic installations and repair of electronic equipment on numerous types of aircraft and helicopters.