How did you get started in the industry? My aviation career started when I joined the United States Marine Corps right after high school working on CH-46 helicopters. Did anyone in particular influence your career path? When I was first considering starting a new avionics shop, I received lots of encouragement and support from other shop owners I know through the AEA. How would you describe yourself? Friendly and outgoing. I enjoy the personal relationship aspect of the aviation industry. What do you like about your job? It is hard work and very rewarding to start a company and grow it. What advice would you give to young people wanting to work in avionics or aviation? Like most other things in life, working in aviation is what you make out of it. It is a great industry with rapidly changing technology. The people who work in this field are very passionate about what they (we) do. I highly recommend joining the AEA. What are some of the challenges you face today? My biggest challenge right now is trying to keep up with our growing workload and demand. Experienced avionics technicians are rare in this area, so we have done a fair amount of in-house training. Since I have added several installers, I am working full time on inspection, "If it weren't for the relationships that I have with other shop owners and vendors through the AEA, I may not have had the encouragement to venture out on my own and start a new avionics shop." BILL HANF Continued on following page avionics news * september 2016 65