ATEC Honors Outstanding Aviation Maintenance Educator and Student with Prestigious Awards
An instructor from California Aeronautical University and a student from Alabama Aviation College have been recognized with the 2025 Aviation Technician Education Council’s (ATEC) highest honors. These annual awards, made possible through the generous support of the Northrop Rice Foundation, JSfirm.com, and Snap-on, celebrate excellence in aviation maintenance education and student achievement.
California Aeronautical University educator Omar Aquilera has been named the recipient of the 2025 Ivan D. Livi Aviation Maintenance Educator of the Year Award, while Alabama Aviation College student Brittany McFadden has earned the 2025 James Rardon Aviation Maintenance Technician Student of the Year Award.
McFadden was selected for her academic excellence, unwavering work ethic, and exceptional leadership. According to her nominator, Stan Smith, Director of Alabama Aviation College, she is not only a top-tier student but also dedicates significant time to advancing her aviation maintenance skills and promoting both her college and the broader aviation industry. She is currently an intern at Pratt & Whitney and serves as a Sergeant First Class and combat medic in the Maryland National Guard, specializing in Aviation Operations.
The Educator of the Year Award recognizes outstanding AMT instructors nationwide who have made a profound impact on aviation maintenance students, either through a single event or over the course of their career.
Following a distinguished 20-year career as a United States Navy instructor, Omar Aquilera transitioned to California Aeronautical University as a Lead AMT Instructor. His nominator, Dr. Michael Berry, Provost at California Aeronautical University, highlighted his exemplary career trajectory, which includes roles as a Quality Assurance Supervisor, Program Manager, Logistics and Readiness Instructor, and Maintenance Control Coordinator.
After his military service, Aquilera pursued higher education, earning an associate degree to model continuous self-improvement for his students. He emphasizes that career growth in aviation maintenance is a step-by-step process, where each achievement leads to greater responsibility and skill application.
Skip M. DuRand, AMT Program Director, praised Aquilera’s hands-on approach to instruction, “The unique part of his teaching technique is how he engages students in real-world, scenario-based training that takes them beyond textbooks into situations they will undoubtedly encounter in the AMT field. His patience and mentorship build the confidence necessary to meet FAA ACS learning objectives. He challenges every student to bring their best each day in the classroom and lab, inspiring them with his passion for aviation maintenance.”
ATEC proudly congratulates Omar Aquilera and Brittany McFadden on their well-deserved recognition. Their dedication, leadership, and contributions to aviation maintenance exemplify the highest standards of excellence in the industry.