Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
References
Timeline
Generic

Rod Brekken

Casselton

Summary

Dynamic Aircraft Maintenance Training Coordinator at Fargo Jet Center, recognized for developing innovative training programs that achieved 100% compliance in FAA training hours. Expert in training delivery and employee engagement, I successfully mentored new staff and coordinated comprehensive training schedules, enhancing operational efficiency and fostering a culture of excellence in aviation maintenance. Talented professional with expertise in Trainer role. Dynamic public speaker known for meeting demanding training schedules and exceeding management expectations. Considered valuable asset to any team.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Aircraft Maintenance Training Coordinator

Fargo Jet Center
Fargo
10.2011 - 05.2017
  • Collaborated with management team to determine appropriate learning objectives for each program.
  • Suggested and offered specific training programs to help mechanics maintain or improve job skills.
  • Organized and scheduled on-site and off-site trainings for aircraft maintenance mechanics.
  • Mentored and onboarded new mechanics and staff for aircraft maintenance and flight-line positions.
  • Obtained and organized manuals, guides, and visual materials for development and training purposes.
  • Assisted in designing, developing, and implementing new training methods and techniques.
  • Scheduled, trained, and administered on-call commercial Part 121 aircraft maintenance for the airlines serving Hector International Airport.
  • Maintained required "daily current" aircraft technical maintenance data for all the types of aircraft maintained at for Part 145 Repair Station status for Fargo Jet Center and its sister company, Premier Jet Center, in Eden Prairie, MN.
  • Coordinated the approval and capability for Fargo Jet Center to be approved as a certified Cirrus Aircraft Service Center.
  • Instrumental in contributing to the groundwork that led to the AMT Award of Excellence Diamond Award. This award from the Federal Aviation Administration was awarded to Fargo Jet Center for having 100% of their aircraft maintenance personnel complete the required maintenance training hours established by the FAA. This award continues to be earned by Fargo Jet Center.
  • Initiated training guidelines enabling Fargo Jet Center to be awarded the National Transportation Association Aviation Maintenance Technician Employer Recognition Awards Program of which Fargo Jet Center has been awarded top recognition with the 5 Star Award.
  • Helped create an Airframe and Powerplant Internship Program at Fargo Jet Center enabling current aircraft maintenance students in regional A&P schools the opportunity to work alongside seasoned A&P mechanics. They gain experience working on all the different aircraft maintained at FJC and their work is mentored by the seasoned mechanics. At the conclusion of their training at these regional schools, several have become full time valued employees at FJC.

Director of Aircraft Maintenance

Dickinson Air Service
Dickinson
02.2003 - 03.2004
  • Provided aircraft maintenance for their fleet of Part 141 flight school instructional aircraft, for their Part 135 air taxi aircraft and all Part 91 locally based privately owned aircraft. Also provided on-call maintenance for the Part 121 commercial aircraft serving Dickinson Regional Airport.

A&P Mechanic

Sky Tractor Supply
Hillsboro
06.1993 - 11.2002
  • Rebuilt landing gear assemblies including struts, brakes, wheels, tires, hydraulic cylinders, linkages and related components.
  • Ensured compliance with all applicable Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
  • Conducted inspections on aircraft systems to ensure compliance with manufacturer's specifications and FAA regulations.
  • Calibrated flight control systems in accordance with approved maintenance data sources.
  • Performed operational tests on repaired components prior to returning them to service.
  • Assisted in the installation of GPS navigation radios and autopilot systems.
  • Performed routine maintenance such as oil changes on both piston-powered and turbine-powered engines.
  • Fabricated brackets to support replacement avionics units.
  • Disassembled and overhauled internal combustion engines, pumps and generators.
  • Completed all required paperwork accurately following each task performed.
  • Established a GPS Service Department and served as the GPS Systems Maintenance Manager. Serviced and returned to service for aerial applicators GPS equipment from operators throughout the United States, Canada, Columbia and South Africa.
  • I was included in an international team that traveled to Ashinsk, Siberia, (central Russia) in 1996 to install GPS guidance equipment in Russian Antinov 2 aircraft to facilitate the spraying of their regional forests to help eliminate a pest defoliating the forests there. Financing for the project came from the World Bank who deemed the project vital to preserving these forest which contain approximately 65% of the worlds supply of pine forests.

Aircraft Maintenance Instructor

Dakota Aero Tech
Fargo
06.1990 - 07.1993
  • Ensured that all maintenance activities were conducted in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and applicable regulations.
  • Documented and reported on student grades in compliance with school policies.
  • Maintained school-wide culture of respect and actively used positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) disciplinary methods.
  • Prepared reports summarizing student performance data for review by management personnel.
  • Assisted with the development of aviation training programs to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Administered standardized tests to assess progress and evaluate need for improving course materials.
  • Cultivated collaborative and innovative learning environment to meet each student's unique educational needs.
  • Selected curriculum and instructional aids to increase students' understanding of core concepts.
  • Conducted student reviews to assess understanding of course material and progress towards completion of certification requirements.
  • Planned and conducted activities for balanced program of instruction, demonstration and work time, providing students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
  • Supervised advanced student work from both independent and group projects.
  • Verified that all necessary parts were available prior to starting any maintenance activity or repair procedure.
  • Managed a team of instructors responsible for teaching various aspects of aircraft maintenance.
  • Gave constructive feedback to students to improve learning and progress against course objectives.
  • Provided guidance to assist students in meeting FAA regulations regarding safety standards and certifications.
  • Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
  • I was employed as a Part 147 instructor initially in the shop setting but also assisted in classroom instruction for "generals" training. Was also involved in the Part 145 section of the business dealing with all types of aircraft including helicopters and balloons. Became the lead shop instructor dealing with customer refurbishing projects. Earned my Inspection Authorization certificate while working for Dakota Aero Tech in 1992 which I still currently hold.

Assistant Director of Maintenance

Airways Unlimited
West Fargo
07.1988 - 07.1990
  • Started my career and established the maintenance department at Airways Unlimited with no experience other than my training at Dakota Aero Tech. Completed Part 141 aircraft maintenance for their fleet of instructional aircraft and their Part 135 air taxi aircraft. Provided Part 91 maintenance for aircraft based at the West Fargo Airport. Also maintained aircraft for the North Dakota Civil Air Patrol. At this time i was afforded aircraft training and earned my private pilots license in 1989.
  • Updated and maintained databases with current information.
  • Ensured compliance with relevant codes and regulations for maintenance activities.
  • Supervised installation, operation, calibration, troubleshooting, repair, testing, and inspection activities.
  • Performed preventive maintenance tasks and checked facilities and grounds for issues needing attention.
  • Scheduled routine inspections, repairs, and replacements of mechanical systems.
  • Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
  • Prioritized safety at work by following rules and procedures.

Education

Certified A&P Technician - Aircraft Maintenance

Dakota Aero Tech
Fargo, ND
06-1989

Some College (No Degree) - Agriculture/Geology

NDSU
Fargo, ND

Skills

  • Training best practices
  • New program development
  • Training delivery
  • Program implementation
  • Course material creation
  • Training material updates
  • Employee engagement
  • Schedule coordination
  • Program management
  • Staffing and workflow planning
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Virtual training
  • Materials preparation
  • Training facilitation
  • New hire on-boarding

Affiliations

  • Fully involved in my community with church council, golf league both in my community and regionally, community choir and church contemporary band. Accomplished musician and singer. Hobbies include golf and motorcycle riding.

Accomplishments

  • North Dakota Mechanic of the Year in 1997.
  • Inducted into the North Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame in 2018.
  • Served as chairman of the Upper Midwest Aviation Symposium and Council for 8 years.
  • Served as president od the North Dakota Professional Aircraft Mechanics Association for several years.

Certification

  • A&P Mechanics Certificate
  • Inspection Authorization Certificate
  • Single Engine Pilots Certificate (not current)
  • EMT Certificate (not current)
  • EMT Intermediate Rating & Instructor Certificate (not current)

Languages

English
Professional

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Aircraft Maintenance Training Coordinator

Fargo Jet Center
10.2011 - 05.2017

Director of Aircraft Maintenance

Dickinson Air Service
02.2003 - 03.2004

A&P Mechanic

Sky Tractor Supply
06.1993 - 11.2002

Aircraft Maintenance Instructor

Dakota Aero Tech
06.1990 - 07.1993

Assistant Director of Maintenance

Airways Unlimited
07.1988 - 07.1990

Certified A&P Technician - Aircraft Maintenance

Dakota Aero Tech

Some College (No Degree) - Agriculture/Geology

NDSU

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Rod Brekken