Ryan McLean
Thompson,ND
Summary
Program manager with over 25 years of aviation experience, leading the Flight Test & Training Center since 2015. Expertise in maintenance oversight, coordination, and compliance auditing, driving operational excellence in training programs. Proven track record in developing high-performing teams and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Program Manager
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.
Emerado, ND
2022 - Current
- Directed maintenance, safety, and training programs for domestic and international clients over 10 years.
Led complex, multi-site air systems training initiatives from concept to execution. - I have been able to keep the majority of my team together under significant outside pressure.
- I led the coordination with Desert Horizon for the UK Protector CAMO and MAOS.
- Manage A&P, Avionics, AMC, UAV System Specialists, and Ground Support Equipment departments.
- Managed documentation processes to ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Ensured flight safety, regulatory compliance, and performance objectives throughout program lifecycle.
- Cultivated high-performing teams through effective leadership and operational expertise.
- Maintained strong relationships with FAA for seamless regulatory compliance.
- Executed training programs that enhanced operational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Oversaw budget management while meeting cost and schedule requirements.
- Directing AS9100 certification efforts at Flight Test & Training Center aligned with General Atomics certificate requirements.
- Facilitate senior operational and technical leadership optimizing air systems flight training, flight test, and maintenance programs.
- Oversaw operational support for thousands of flight hours across flight training and test programs, Maintaining readiness and safety.
- Directed annual safety training, led bi-weekly safety meetings, managed bi-weekly training meetings, and oversaw quarterly FOD reviews.
- Managed and effectively executed multiple FAA Experimental Certificate inspections.
- Managed international and cross-functional programs involving UK, Netherlands, Japan, Italy, Canada Training & Test operations.
- Directed development of Ground Operating Procedures (GOP) alongside support for GFR visits and audits for Verus testing.
- Facilitated AF 11-4122 Verus Low Power Microwave testing programs.
- Conducted site surveys at Kirtland AFB, Fargo Jet Center, and AVFlight Grand Forks.
- Spearheaded workforce planning, recruiting, onboarding, and development initiatives.
- Completed Advanced Leadership Program in Torrey Pines, CA, enhancing managerial skills.
Attended Mid-Level Manager Workshop in Poway, CA for leadership development. - Maintained compliance with safety regulations and industry standards.
- Managed aircraft maintenance schedules to ensure timely service and compliance.
- Coordinated inspections and repairs with maintenance teams and regulatory authorities.
- Implemented safety protocols to maintain high standards in maintenance practices.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to address technical issues during maintenance.
- Developed reports on maintenance activities for upper management review.
- Conducted quality control checks on completed maintenance tasks for accuracy.
- Ensured that all aircraft are inspected at regular intervals as per FAA regulations.
- Reviewed invoices from vendors for accuracy before submitting payment requests.
- Managed the daily operations of the Aircraft Maintenance Department including personnel scheduling, training, and supervision.
- Supervised staff members in performing inspections, repairs, modifications, installations, tests. on aircraft systems components.
Project Manager
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.
Emerado, North Dakota
2020 - 2022
- Led cross-functional teams to ensure project alignment and timely delivery.
- Managed project schedules and resources to meet operational requirements.
- Developed project documentation to maintain clear communication across teams.
Field Engineer Lead
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.
Emerado, North Dakota
2015 - 2020
- Established Flight Test & Training Center, previously known as Training Academy of North Dakota.
- Secured contracts with UPS and FedEx to enhance operational capabilities at FTTC.
- Developed FOPS/GOPS for Flight Test and Training Center, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
- Provided guidance on establishing operations, maintenance, and inspection procedures.
- Contributed to planning and selection of human resources to maintain required talent pool.
- Maintained a productive and safe working environment in line with established practices.
A&P Technician
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.
Emerado, North Dakota
2009 - 2015
- Supported deployment planning, site stand-up, and new customer locations.
- Led technician training programs and HAZMAT compliance initiatives.
- Conducted maintenance and repairs on unmanned aerial vehicles and systems.
- Performed inspections on aircraft components to ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Collaborated with engineering teams to troubleshoot technical issues effectively.
- Utilized specialized tools for assembly and disassembly of aircraft systems.
- Documented maintenance activities in compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Trained junior technicians on best practices for aircraft maintenance procedures.
A&P Technician
L-3 Vertex Aerospace
Grand Forks, North Dakota
2008 - 2009
- Perform Daily Inspections on EC-120, AS350B, C-550, T206H, and U206.
- Perform 50 hour, 100 hour, and all aircraft Inspections.
- Perform all aircraft maintenance actions to include engine changes and repairs.
- Final sign-off of paperwork IAW FAA and U.S. Border Patrol Regulations.
QA Inspector /Lead A&P Mechanic
Aero Coastal
Thermal, California
2007 - 2008
- Supervised Aircraft Preventive Maintenance Program by scheduling, performing, inspecting, and documenting maintenance actions.
- Conducted Phase Inspections on DHC-6 300 (Twin Otter) aircraft.
- Executed final sign-off of maintenance paperwork in accordance with FAA regulations.
- Oversaw and performed Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) processes.
- Acquired loading requirements to ensure proper aircraft loading and security for Terralliance Technologies experiments.
- Performed acceptance inspections on newly acquired aircraft.
- Established company's first aircraft maintenance program and hangar setup.
Platoon Sergeant
North Dakota Army National Guard
Devils Lake, ND
1999 - 2007
- Supervised 30 soldiers in platoon, ensuring effective operations and team cohesion.
- Managed organization of shop, including parts ordering and maintenance of paperwork and equipment.
- Administered performance appraisals for soldiers to enhance development and accountability.
- Reported directly to Commander and First Sergeant, providing updates on platoon status.
- Maintained documentation and oversight of platoon's equipment throughout activation.
- Held Secret Security clearance, demonstrating trustworthiness and reliability.
- Honorably discharged after dedicated service during Enduring Iraqi Freedom.
A&P Technician
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota
2002 - 2005
- Conducted progressive inspections on Piper Warriors, Piper Arrows, and Piper Seminoles.
- Executed aircraft inspections in compliance with FAA Part 145 regulations.
- Maintained aircraft through adherence to regular maintenance schedules.
Education
MBA - M.B.A in Management
University of Mary
Bismarck, ND2011-04
Bachelor of Science - Aviation Systems Management
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND2005-05
Associate of Applied Science - Aviation Maintenance Technology
Northland Community And Technical College
Thief River Falls, MN2001-12
Certificate -
Predator-B (MQ-9) Composite/Paint
Gray Butte, CA2012-01
Certificate -
TPE331-10YGD
Gray Butte, CA2009-04
Certificate -
Predator-B (MQ-9)
Gray Butte, CA2009-04
Certificate -
American Eurocopter EC-145
Arlington, TX2007-11
Certificate -
Flight Safety DHC-6 300 Twin Otter
Toronto, Ontario2007-10
Certificate - Aviation Maintenance
NASA DC-8-72
Grand Forks, ND2005-10
Skills
- Program management
- Flight safety
- Compliance auditing
- Technical leadership
- Maintenance oversight
- Operations coordination
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Maintenance scheduling
- Problem solving
- Team leadership
- Effective communication
- Employee scheduling
- Flexible and adaptable
Certification
FAA Airframe & Power Plant Certificate
Accomplishments
National Defense Service Medal
References
References available upon request.
Work Preference
Salary Range
$199000/yr - $200000/yrTimeline
Program Manager
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.
2022 - Current
Project Manager
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.
2020 - 2022
Field Engineer Lead
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.
2015 - 2020
A&P Technician
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.
2009 - 2015
A&P Technician
L-3 Vertex Aerospace
2008 - 2009
QA Inspector /Lead A&P Mechanic
Aero Coastal
2007 - 2008
Platoon Sergeant
North Dakota Army National Guard
1999 - 2007
A&P Technician
University of North Dakota
2002 - 2005
MBA - M.B.A in Management
University of Mary
Bachelor of Science - Aviation Systems Management
University of North Dakota
Associate of Applied Science - Aviation Maintenance Technology
Northland Community And Technical College
Certificate -
Predator-B (MQ-9) Composite/Paint
Certificate -
TPE331-10YGD
Certificate -
Predator-B (MQ-9)
Certificate -
American Eurocopter EC-145
Certificate -
Flight Safety DHC-6 300 Twin Otter
Certificate - Aviation Maintenance
NASA DC-8-72