Ricardo Wheeler
Chehalis
Summary
Dedicated aviation mechanic with extensive experience in Army and DOD civilian aviation, demonstrating a strong background in operations management, operational planning, and organizational leadership. Holds an Associate's degree in Computer and Electrical Engineering from ITT Technical Institute-Seattle, along with certifications in FCC licensing, radar technology, and advanced fiber optics from the Fiber Optics Association (FOA). Committed to continuous professional development, having completed the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) Basic Qualification Course and U.S. Army SERE School for high-risk survival training. Actively contributes to community service as a volunteer with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and as a member of the Washington State ATV Association.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sys Engr-Field Tech Support Sr.
Sikorsky
JBLM, Wa
10.2017 - Current
- Directed organizational and intermediate support initiatives for MH-60M aircraft. Guided personnel in the effective use of specialized tools and test equipment. Identified training needs to enhance team capabilities. Championed safety protocols to ensure compliance. Delivered expert technical guidance to resolve challenging maintenance problems. Recommended strategies to improve customer aircraft readiness.
- Facilitated communication with Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin) and Boeing Sikorsky Aircraft Support (BSAS) regarding aircraft maintenance needs. Assisted in reporting urgent maintenance issues and material requirements to support operator readiness. Collaborated with teams to streamline information exchange for effective maintenance solutions.
- Provided 24/7 customer support to military personnel and civilian contractors. Assisted in on-the-job training for maintenance and operations techniques. Supported fault diagnostics and use of support equipment for MH-60M aircraft repair.
- Collaborated with Systems Readiness Directorate Liaison Engineer and local AMCOM Logistics Assistance Representative to optimize maintenance engineering call process.
- Achieved significant cost reductions by identifying areas for operational improvement. Maximized on-site repair capabilities, decreasing the need for off-site repairs.
- Collaborated with quality control teams to assess damage thresholds and clarify procedural language within maintenance manuals.
- Facilitated customer preparation and submission of 2028's, enhancing technical maintenance manuals.
General Mechanic 2 Aircraft Technical Inspector
Zenetex
Ft. Lewis, WA
08.2017 - 10.2017
- Government Contractor for 4/160th Special Operation Aviation Regiment (Airborne). As a technical inspector I tasked to conduct data mining of archived historical information, analyzing drawings, managing Critical Safety Items (CSIs), Safety of Flight (SOF), Safety of Flight characteristics and modification work orders. I provide oversight over in-depth Un-Scheduled Maintenance inspections, Reset- maintenance inspection, Corrosion Control Inspections, Phase Maintenance Inspection and Test aviation Equipment on MH-47 and MH-60 series aircraft. Conducting final Inspection for any repairs for Fuel cells on MH-60 / MH-47 internal as well as Robertson Aviation auxiliary internal fuel tanks. With an additional duty as site foreign object damage [F.O.D.] Manager to a 50 member team. Took part in our local aviation safety council on-site.
General Mechanic II / Test Flight Crewman MH-60L/M, Technical Inspector
KAI
Ft. Lewis, WA
04.2013 - 08.2017
- Conduct General Maintenance Test Flights, on MH-60 L/M for 4/160th Special Operation Aviation Regiment (Airborne). Conduct several in-depth Un-Scheduled Maintenance inspections, Reset- maintenance inspection, Corrosion Control Inspections, Phase Maintenance Inspection and Test aviation Equipment for MH-60 series Black Hawk.
- I've also worked on MH-47 E/G since 2006. Conducting several in-depth Un-Scheduled Maintenance inspections, Reset- maintenance inspection, Corrosion Control Inspections, Phase Maintenance Inspection and Test aviation Equipment for MH-47 series Chinook.
- I also conduct an established Inspection schedules for Fuel cell inspects on MH-60 L/M internal Fuel Tanks (Robertson Aviation) 185 gallon and 200 gallon tanks. Along with MH-47E/G main long range fuel Tanks, as well as there 500 gallon and 800 gallon internal Fuel Tanks (Robertson Aviation).
- Oversaw contractual compliance and conducted thorough surveillance of critical safety items and safety of flight characteristics during both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. Managed F.O.D. initiatives for a team of 65 personnel. Engaged with local aviation safety council to enhance safety protocols.
Helicopter Mechanic / Test Flight Crewman MH-60L
M1 Support Services
Ft. Lewis, WA
04.2010 - 03.2013
- Conduct General Maintenance Test Flights, on MH-60 L for 4/160th Special Operation Aviation Regiment (Airborne). Conduct several in-depth Un-Scheduled Maintenance inspections, Reset- maintenance inspection, Corrosion Control Inspections, Phase Maintenance Inspection and Test aviation Equipment for MH-60 series Black Hawk.
- I've also worked on MH-47 E/G since 2006. Conducting several in-depth Un-Scheduled Maintenance inspections, Reset- maintenance inspection, Corrosion Control Inspections, Phase Maintenance Inspection and Test aviation Equipment for MH-47 series Chinook.
- I also conduct an established Inspection schedules for Fuel cell inspects on MH-60 L/K internal Fuel Tanks (Robertson Aviation) 185 gallon and 200 gallon tanks. Along with MH-47E/G main long range fuel Tanks, as well as there 500 gallon and 800 gallon internal Fuel Tanks (Robertson Aviation).
- Part of my additional duty as a crew member include being the assistant F.O.D. Manager to a 65 member team. Took part in our local aviation safety council on-site.
Helicopter Mechanic / Test Flight Crewman
DynCorp International
Ft. Lewis, WA
08.2006 - 04.2010
- Was hired as one of the original, to start up the contractor positions out at Ft. Lewis. Conduct General Maintenance Test Flights, on MH-60L for 4/160th Special Operation Aviation Regiment (Airborne). Conduct several in-depth Un-Scheduled Maintenance inspections, Reset- maintenance inspection, Corrosion Control Inspections, Phase Maintenance Inspection and Test aviation Equipment for MH-60 series Black Hawk.
- I've also worked on MH-47 E/G since 2006. Conducting several in-depth Un-Scheduled Maintenance inspections, Reset- maintenance inspection, Corrosion Control Inspections, Phase Maintenance Inspection and Test aviation Equipment for MH-47 series Chinook. Help start-up the(H-47) Long range fuel tank Inspections, and build-up.
- Took the lead of a 3 member fuel cell repair team. I conduct an established Inspection schedules for Fuel cell inspects on MH-60 L/K internal Fuel Tanks (Robertson Aviation) 185 gallon and 200 gallon tanks. Along with MH-47E/G main long range fuel Tanks, as well as there 500 gallon and 800 gallon internal Fuel Tanks (Robertson Aviation).
- Part of my additional duty as a crew member include being the assistant F.O.D. Manager to a 65 member team. Took part in our local aviation safety council on-site.
Helicopter Mechanic / Flight Crewman U/MH-60K/L
160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne)
Ft. Campbell, Ky
01.2003 - 09.2006
- I was assigned to 1st Battalion 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) Ft. Campbell Ky. As an Operational Crew Chief maintainer on MH-60 L/K. I was tasked to support United States Special Operations Forces around the world at a moment’s notice. As an operational Crew Chief, I had to perform as a leader of others and manage aircraft Critical Safety Items (CSIs)/Safety of Flight (SOF) and Safety of Flight characteristics identified during scheduled and unscheduled maintenance actions. During that period I have personally been a part of 200 Direct Action sorties, counterterrorism, rescue missions, equipment testing, resupply mission, medical aid, and reconnaissance mission.
- Diagnosed and resolved complex mechanical issues on aircraft, enhancing safety and operational readiness.
- Led routine inspections and maintenance protocols, ensuring compliance with aviation safety standards and regulations.
- Developed training materials for junior mechanics, fostering skill development and knowledge transfer within the team.
- Trained junior mechanics on technical procedures and safety protocols, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in maintenance practices.
- Optimized workflow processes by coordinating with pilots, ground crew, and other support personnel as needed during scheduled maintenance events.
UH-60 Mechanic
US Army
South Korea
01.2002 - 12.2002
- 2/2 Aviation South Korea-Conducted Air Assault missions, joint training missions with Korean military forces, and also preform airborne firefighting utilizing Bambi Buck Operations.
UH-60 Helicopter Repair/Aircrew Member 67T/15T
US Army
Ft. Eustis
08.2001 - 12.2001
- Assigned to United States Army Aviation Logistics School (USAALS) and the 128th Aviation Brigade. These schools provide training and education for Army aviation personnel.
- Learning to perform and conduct to standard. Under supervise inspections, prepare aircraft maintenance forms and records, supervise inspections. To accomplish essential flight missions.
- Documented maintenance activities and completed required forms accurately to maintain thorough aircraft records.
- Performed detailed assessments of mechanical systems during inspections, identifying potential issues before they impact flight operations.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
11B Infantryman
US Army
Ft. Campbell, Ky
05.1998 - 12.2001
- Employs, operates, and maintains assigned equipment and weapons. As well as employs proper dismounted movement techniques, cover, concealment, and camouflage as part of dismount team. Performs basic communication functions and operates platoon communications equipment. Constructs individual or squad fighting positions. Collects and reports tactical information as member of combat or reconnaissance patrol. Assists in target detection, identification, and surveying areas. Assist in the breaching of minefields and obstacles.
- Preformed On the training UH-60 Black Hawks with 5/101 Aviation Battalion for 6 mouths before being assigned to Ft. Eustis Va United States Army Aviation Logistics School (USAALS) for re-class into MOS 67T.
Infantry Soldier
US Army
Ft. Benning, Ga
01.1998 - 05.1998
- Assigned to Fort Benning, Georgia is a top duty station for 11B Infantrymen, where soldiers enter into the U.S. Army starting with basic training to becoming an Infantry. Fort Benning is home to the Infantry School and the US Army Maneuver Center of Excellence.
Education
Associate's degree - Computer and Electrical Engineering
ITT Technical Institute-Seattle
01-2008
Skills
- Team Building
- Team Leadership
- Field operations
- Workplace safety
- Network connectivity
- Technical support
- Root-cause analysis
- Component repair
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking Abilities
- Project management
- Quality assurance
- Self motivation
- Risk assessment
- Professionalism
Certification
- General Radiotelephonic Operator License (GROL), w/Radar Endorsement
- Communicating Across Cultures Virtually
- Creative Problem Solving for Technologists
- Ten Habits of Mentally Strong People
- FAA 2nd Class Flight Certificate
- Advance Fiber Optics License
Timeline
Sys Engr-Field Tech Support Sr.
Sikorsky
10.2017 - Current
General Mechanic 2 Aircraft Technical Inspector
Zenetex
08.2017 - 10.2017
General Mechanic II / Test Flight Crewman MH-60L/M, Technical Inspector
KAI
04.2013 - 08.2017
Helicopter Mechanic / Test Flight Crewman MH-60L
M1 Support Services
04.2010 - 03.2013
Helicopter Mechanic / Test Flight Crewman
DynCorp International
08.2006 - 04.2010
Helicopter Mechanic / Flight Crewman U/MH-60K/L
160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne)
01.2003 - 09.2006
UH-60 Mechanic
US Army
01.2002 - 12.2002
UH-60 Helicopter Repair/Aircrew Member 67T/15T
US Army
08.2001 - 12.2001
11B Infantryman
US Army
05.1998 - 12.2001
Infantry Soldier
US Army
01.1998 - 05.1998
Associate's degree - Computer and Electrical Engineering
ITT Technical Institute-Seattle
Honors-Awards
Air Medal with Valor, Air Medal x7 Combat Action Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army Good Conduct Award x2, Army Commendation Medal x2, Army Achievement Medal x5, Korea Defense, Sikorsky 1500 Flight Hours Award, Sikorsky Superior Maintenance Award.