Ryan Carey
Summary
FAA-certified Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Technician with 7+ years of experience in U.S. Air Force, depot-level (Part 145–equivalent), and defense contractor maintenance. Maintained F-16, F-35, A-10, and C-130 aircraft, specializing in troubleshooting, inspections, engines, hydraulics, fuel, and flight controls. Held Exceptional Release (ER) authority on F-35 aircraft, performing return-to-service actions comparable to Airworthiness Release. Experienced leader supervising maintenance crews, training technicians, and ensuring FAA, OEM, and Part 145 compliance. Seeking a long-term airline maintenance career with growth into Lead Technician and Maintenance Management roles.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Aircraft Mechanic – C-130 Depot Maintenance (Part 145–Equivalent)
Tyonek Native Corporation
Robins AFB, GA
05.2023 - Current
- Perform depot-level heavy maintenance, inspections, repairs, and rigging of landing gear, flight controls, gearboxes, and hydraulic systems.
- Read and interpret technical manuals, blueprints, and engineering drawings to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Inspect components using micrometers, calipers, and precision gauges, identifying wear or defects.
- Use test equipment to diagnose system malfunctions.
- Accurately document all maintenance actions, inspections, and corrective work.
- Maintain safe, clean, and organized work areas in accordance with safety and quality standards.
Aircraft Maintenance Technician / Crew Chief (7-Level)
U.S. Air Force Reserve (Part-Time)
Moody AFB, GA
07.2023 - Current
- Lead maintenance teams performing system repairs and inspections on A-10 aircraft.
- Assign daily work and ensure proper completion of maintenance documentation and safety procedures.
- Train Airmen in safe maintenance practices, aircraft systems, and software/form usage.
- Conduct pre-flight and post-flight inspections and engine R&I of General Electric TF34 engines.
Aircraft Supervisor / Crew Chief (7-Level)
U.S. Air Force (Active Duty)
Edwards AFB, CA
06.2021 - 01.2023
- Lead maintenance teams on F-35 aircraft in support of Lockheed Martin Test Program.
- Coordinated daily operations, optimizing workflow efficiency and resource allocation in maintenance processes.
- Held Exceptional Release (ER) authority, authorizing aircraft return to service after maintenance.
- Performed and verified pre/post-flight inspections, troubleshooting, and corrective maintenance.
- Removed, installed, and rebuilt Pratt & Whitney F135 engines.
- Coordinated with engineers, managers, and specialty shops to execute missions safely and efficiently.
- Ensured strict compliance with technical data, safety standards, and quality requirements.
Aircraft Maintenance Technician / Crew Chief (5-Level)
U.S. Air Force (Active Duty)
06.2017 - 06.2021
- Performed ground handling, servicing, and pre/post-flight inspections on F-16 aircraft.
- Removed, installed, and serviced GE F110-GE-100 and Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 engines.
- Maintained aircraft readiness, safety, and operational efficiency.
- Diagnosed mechanical issues using advanced troubleshooting techniques and tools.
- Removed and Installed components such as landing gear, engines, and flight control.
- Operated power tools, gauges and testing equipment to adjust, repair, and replace faulty components in aircrafts.
Education
B.S. - Aviation Maintenance Management
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VAHigh School Diploma - undefined
Pocono Mountain East High School
Swiftwater, PASkills
- Aircraft Maintenance & Troubleshooting (F-16, F-35, A-10, C-130)
- Return-to-Service / Airworthiness Release Authority
- CAMP & FAA Regulatory Compliance
- Part 145 Maintenance Experience
- Scheduled & Unscheduled Inspections
- Heavy Maintenance & Overhaul (Depot Level)
- Engine Removal, Installation & Rebuild (F135, F100, F110, TF34)
- Hydraulics, Fuel, & Flight Control Systems
- Maintenance Documentation & Logbook Management
- Safety Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Leadership, Supervision & Technician Training
Certification
- FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certification
- Exceptional Release (ER) Authority – F-35
- Noncommissioned Officer Academy (NCOA), U.S. Air Force
- Airman Leadership School (ALS) – Edwards AFB
- F-35 Crew Chief (5 & 7 Level) Certification
- F-35 Engine Operation & Maintenance Course – Hill AFB
- F-16 Dedicated Crew Chief Course & 5-Level Certification
Timeline
Aircraft Maintenance Technician / Crew Chief (7-Level)
U.S. Air Force Reserve (Part-Time)
07.2023 - Current
Aircraft Mechanic – C-130 Depot Maintenance (Part 145–Equivalent)
Tyonek Native Corporation
05.2023 - Current
Aircraft Supervisor / Crew Chief (7-Level)
U.S. Air Force (Active Duty)
06.2021 - 01.2023
Aircraft Maintenance Technician / Crew Chief (5-Level)
U.S. Air Force (Active Duty)
06.2017 - 06.2021
High School Diploma - undefined
Pocono Mountain East High School
B.S. - Aviation Maintenance Management
Liberty University