As Aiden Wheeler stood in front of Alan Williams’ aircraft maintenance class at Atherton High School answering questions, he was a little nervous. After all, the 2023 Atherton graduate is much better at fixing passenger airplanes than public speaking. But Williams wanted his current students to envision what they could do with what they’re learning in the aviation career pathway, and Aiden was the vehicle to do just that. He’s the first Atherton aircraft maintenance technician student to become FAA certified as an airline mechanic, landing a good-paying job with Republic Airways in Louisville.
“If it wasn't for Mr. Williams setting up this program, not just at Atherton, but including the dual credit with Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC), I probably never would've gotten into this,” Wheeler said.
Wheeler always loved working on cars. When he arrived at Atherton, he enrolled in the Engineering Academy, hoping the classes might lead him to a career as an auto mechanic. But then Atherton launched the aviation pathway, which sparked Wheeler’s interest in aircraft maintenance.
One of his teachers (Williams) was a former airline mechanic, which turned out to be a blessing for Wheeler. With mentoring from Williams, hands-on learning, hard work, and dual credit classes at JCTC, he was on his way to a great career even before his high school graduation. After a few more semesters at JCTC and passing the FAA’s written and practical exams, Wheeler beat out 39 other applicants for the airline mechanic job at Republic.
“I’d say this is a great opportunity,” Wheeler said. “The job entails fixing and maintaining planes, making sure they’re safe to be flying.”
Williams said Wheeler was one of the most focused students he’s ever had, soaking up all of the practical learning he could while spending half his senior school days at JCTC in the dual credit classes.
“I’m just proud of him,” Williams said. “With what Dr. Pollio (former superintendent) set in place getting the Academies going, I believe that’s an excellent vision of what we need to do. I know how important it is for students to get these kinds of (real world) experiences and have these opportunities and Aiden is proof that it works.”
Video of Aiden Wheeler and Alan Williams discussing Aiden's education and career path.