Features MRO
HAI Announces Recipient of the 2008 Aviation Maintenance Technician Award

Nov. 13, 2007, Alexandria, VA – HAI is proud to announce this year’s Aviation Maintenance Technician Award recipient, Mr. Milton K. Geltz.  Geltz is Director of Maintenance for Metro Aviation, Inc. in Shreveport, Louisiana. He holds an FAA Airframe and Power Plant License, Inspection Authorization and Designated Airworthiness Representative (Maintenance and Manufacturing) Original and Recurrent part 25, 27, 29 aircraft and parts, and a Designated Mechanic Examiner, FAA Aviation Safety Counselor, and recipient of the FAA Southwest regions Technician of the Year award. He also has a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Aviation Management from Embry Riddle University.

Geltz has also completed course work in Aeronautical Maintenance, studied Piston and Jet Engine theory and maintenance, as well as live aircraft inspection, repair and modification. He successfully completed HAI’s Management Course, and has completed course work at several factory schools.

In 1976, Geltz went to work for Petroleum Helicopters, Inc., as an A&P Mechanic. In 1977, he was hired as a line mechanic for Special Jet Services.  He quickly advanced to lead mechanic. In 1978 he joined Offshore Helicopters, Inc. as the first A&P mechanic, where he later was promoted to Director of Maintenance. In 1979 Geltz went to work for Horizon Helicopters, Inc. He then worked as a Helicopter Field Services and Engines Technician for Commercial Helicopters and Turbines.

Geltz was hired by Metro Aviation, Inc. in 1983 as line mechanic to work on Hughes 500 and 300 Model aircraft, among others.  He quickly advanced to Director of Maintenance.  Geltz helped Metro develop and implement the current Part 145 Repairs Station Manual and the current PMA Manual and he successfully obtained Supplemental Certificates for Rotary-Wing (Part 27 & 29) and one STC for a Beech C90 (CAR 3, Part 23) aircraft in 1987, and currently maintains a PMA for the STC’s.  Geltz has been responsible for final assembly and company conformity inspections, process specifications for STC projects, supervising company Repair Station NDT Programs, and insuring airworthiness in aircraft after installation of STC products in preparation for FAA conformity inspections. Geltz’s knowledge, experience, and commitment to safety have earned him the respect of his peers and are qualities that make him worthy to receive the 2008 Aviation Maintenance Technician Award.

All winners will be recognized at HELI-EXPO 2008’s annual “Salute to Excellence” Awards Banquet on February 25, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. in Houston Texas.  For more information about the 2008 “Salute to Excellence” Awards Banquet, contact HAI’s Communications Department at 703-683-4646, fax: 703-683-4745, or email: rotor@rotor.com.  For more information on HELI-EXPO 2008, visit www.heliexpo.com.

HAI is the professional trade association serving the international helicopter community. HAI’s 1,600-plus-member organizations and 1,100 individual members, in more than 74 nations, safely operate more than 5,000 helicopters approximately 2.3 million hours each year. HAI is dedicated to the promotion of the helicopter as a safe, effective method of commerce and to the advancement of the international helicopter community.